The US Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the affected models include the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which are experiencing abrupt “loss of motive power” linked to electrical issues that cause engine shutdowns with inconsistent restart capabilities.
The investigation stems from 80 consumer complaints regarding these engine stalls and power loss in the vehicles produced by Stellantis. The affected models utilize the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
According to the NHTSA, numerous complaints reported that the engine would turn off unexpectedly, often at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle shifting into park automatically and engaging the emergency brake.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries connected to this issue. As the NHTSA initiates a preliminary investigation, this could potentially lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This inquiry adds to a series of challenges for Stellantis, as sales figures for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram experienced declines in the second quarter. Additionally, earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. In June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software glitch that heightened the risk of crashes.