The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls and difficulties in restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing issues with a sudden loss of power attributed to electrical problems, leading to engine shutdowns and intermittent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stall and power loss in vehicles produced by Stellantis. The affected vehicles are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
According to the NHTSA, many complaints indicate that the engine shuts off while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, leading the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake.
So far, no injuries have been reported in connection with these malfunctions. The NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, which has already seen diminished sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands in the second quarter. Earlier this month, another recall investigation was initiated involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, more than 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software glitch that could elevate the risk of a crash.