The US Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of unexpected engine stalls, with many vehicles failing to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” linked to electrical issues that result in engine shutdowns and inconsistent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received around 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, specifically those equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Complaints indicate that engines often shut off while driving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake.
There have been no reported injuries associated with these malfunctions, but the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation may lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as the brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, authorities also launched a recall investigation for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was required to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that could increase the risk of accidents.