The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation involving around 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reported incidents of sudden engine stalls and difficulty restarting. Specifically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has highlighted that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are encountering a significant loss of power resulting from electrical issues that can lead to engine shutdowns with intermittent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received approximately 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalls and loss of power in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, which are equipped with the FCA 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many complaints indicate that the engine may turn off unexpectedly, often while the vehicle is moving at a low speed, causing it to shift into park mode and engage the emergency brake.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to this malfunction, and the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially lead to a recall. Stellantis has affirmed its commitment to fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This latest issue adds to the challenges faced by Stellantis, which has already reported declining sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands in the second quarter. Earlier this month, a recall investigation was also launched concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, over 1 million vehicles in North America were recalled due to a software glitch that raised safety concerns.
Despite these setbacks, it is hopeful that the company’s proactive approach to the investigation and its willingness to cooperate can lead to quick resolutions. Addressing these issues head-on could ultimately improve vehicle safety and customer trust in the Stellantis brand.
In summary, the ongoing investigation into the engine stall issues presents an opportunity for Stellantis to rectify significant faults, possibly leading to enhanced vehicle reliability and a positive long-term impact on consumer confidence.