The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs, following reports of sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting. This inquiry is being led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which has identified issues with the 2022 Ram 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs that involve a “loss of motive power” due to electrical problems triggering unexpected engine shutdowns.
The NHTSA has received around 80 complaints from consumers regarding these engine stalls, with many noting that vehicles would unexpectedly shut off, commonly when moving at low speeds, leading to the vehicle shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake. Notably, no injuries related to these incidents have been reported, and Stellantis has indicated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This latest development adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for its brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, have been declining. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. Additionally, in June, Stellantis was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that heightened the risk of accidents.
While this investigation may seem troubling for Stellantis, it presents an opportunity for the company to address quality control issues and enhance vehicle safety. By actively cooperating with regulatory bodies, Stellantis can work towards regaining consumer trust and ensuring that its vehicles maintain high safety standards. The auto industry has learned from past challenges, and transparency in handling such issues can ultimately lead to better products in the future.
Overall, the situation highlights the importance of diligence in vehicle safety protocols and the impact of timely investigations to protect consumers.