The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is launching an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often result in the vehicles not restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that the investigation pertains specifically to 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs. These vehicles are facing a sudden “loss of motive power” related to electrical issues causing the engine to shut down, with intermittent capabilities to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in the affected Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are powered by the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints describe incidents where the vehicle’s engine shuts off unexpectedly, often while driving at low speeds, leading the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
No injuries have been reported linked to this malfunction, but the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This inquiry represents another setback for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier in the month, the government also initiated a recall investigation into 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 a crash.