The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to issues with sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the models affected include the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs. The investigation centers on a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical problems that can cause the engine to shut down, with intermittent capability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints pertaining to engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which contain the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines produced by Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Many complaints describe incidents where the vehicle’s engine unexpectedly shuts off, often while moving at low speeds, which leads the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to this malfunction. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation may potentially result in a recall. Stellantis has indicated it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This development adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. In June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that could elevate the risk of accidents.