The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to issues of sudden engine stalls, which often lead to challenges in restarting the vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues that can cause the engine to shut down, with intermittent chances of restarting.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints related to engine stalls and power outages in the affected vehicles, which are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
According to the NHTSA, many complaints describe instances where the engine shuts off, particularly while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle automatically shifting into park and activating the emergency brake.
So far, no injuries have been reported due to these malfunctions, prompting the NHTSA to conduct a preliminary investigation that may lead to a recall. Stellantis, the manufacturer, has stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as the brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram recorded a decline in sales during the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also initiated for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that increased the likelihood of accidents.