The U.S. Department of Transportation has launched an investigation into about 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs, specifically targeting 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs. The vehicles have reported sudden engine stalls, often failing to restart due to electrical issues that lead to a loss of motive power.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that it has received around 80 consumer complaints detailing incidents where the engine would shut off unexpectedly, particularly at slow speeds. In such events, affected vehicles would shift into park and activate the emergency brake automatically. Notably, the vehicles involved are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Currently, no injuries have been linked to these malfunctions, but the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation may pave the way for a potential recall. Stellantis, the parent company of the brands Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, has stated that it is cooperating fully with the authorities during this investigation.
This investigation comes at a challenging time for Stellantis, as the company has faced declining sales across its major brand divisions in the second quarter. Additionally, earlier in the month, the government initiated a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, over 1 million vehicles were recalled due to a concerning software defect that posed an increased risk of crashes.
While this investigation adds to the scrutiny faced by Stellantis, the swift action by governmental agencies highlights their commitment to ensuring vehicular safety, which could lead to improvements and advancements in automotive technology moving forward.
In summary, proactive measures are being taken to address potential safety issues in popular vehicles, which could ultimately enhance the reliability and trust in the Stellantis brand. This incident may serve as a catalyst for stronger vehicle safety standards in the auto industry.