The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reported incidents of sudden engine stalls that may prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted concerns specifically with the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which are both experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues leading to unexpected engine shutdowns. This investigation follows 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls while driving, often at low speeds, where affected vehicles would unexpectedly shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
Currently, no injuries have been reported linked to these malfunctions, but the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could result in a recall if necessary. Stellantis, the parent company of the affected brands, has stated that it is fully cooperating with this inquiry.
Despite these challenges, it is notable that there have been no serious injuries associated with the reported defects, which speaks to the effectiveness of safety features in these vehicles. Given the current consumer focus on automotive safety, this investigation could prompt Stellantis to enhance their commitment to vehicle reliability and customer confidence going forward.
This inquiry comes at a difficult time for Stellantis, as they have experienced declining sales across notable brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram during the second quarter. Just earlier this month, a recall investigation was initiated on 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was required to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software bug that raised crash risks.
As this situation unfolds, it presents an opportunity for Stellantis to address these significant issues head-on, potentially restoring consumer trust as they implement improvements to vehicle safety and performance.