The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to incidents of unexpected engine stalls and difficulties in restarting the vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that certain models, specifically the 2022 RAM 1500 and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” potentially linked to electrical issues that lead to engine shutdowns.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation has recently received approximately 80 consumer reports concerning these stalls and loss of power in the affected Stellantis vehicles, which utilize the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group (FCA). Many complaints detail instances where the engine shuts off while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake.
So far, there have been no reported injuries linked to these engine malfunctions, but the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation could potentially lead to a recall of the affected vehicles. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This situation adds to the challenges faced by Stellantis, which has reported declining sales for brands like Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram during the second quarter. Earlier in the month, an investigation was opened regarding 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company had to recall over 1 million North American vehicles due to a software bug that posed a crash risk.
Despite these concerns, it is critical to note that the investigation represents a proactive approach to ensuring vehicle safety by addressing potential defects before they lead to unfortunate consequences. Stellantis has an opportunity to rectify these issues and improve its product reliability, ultimately enhancing customer trust and satisfaction.
In summary, the NHTSA’s investigation into Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs highlights ongoing safety concerns that could lead to significant improvements in vehicle quality and consumer protection in the long run.