The U.S. Department of Transportation has initiated an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often result in difficulty restarting the vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) noted that the affected models include the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” linked to electrical issues that lead to engine shutdown.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received around 80 consumer complaints indicating that the engine can shut off unexpectedly, sometimes while driving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to automatically shift into park and engage the emergency brake. All affected vehicles are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Fortunately, no injuries related to this malfunction have been reported. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation has the potential to lead to a recall of the vehicles in question. Stellantis, the manufacturer of these vehicles, has stated that they are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This investigation adds to a series of challenges faced by Stellantis, as sales for brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have declined in the second quarter. In addition, earlier this month, a recall investigation was initiated for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company had to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that could heighten crash risks.
While these developments pose significant challenges for Stellantis, the company’s open cooperation with investigations reflects a commitment to safety and consumer trust. As the automotive industry adapts and addresses these issues, there is hope for improved vehicle reliability and enhanced safety measures in future models.
Summary: The U.S. Department of Transportation is probing 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs for engine stall issues linked to electrical concerns. The initial investigation stems from consumer complaints but has not reported any injuries. Stellantis is cooperating with the inquiry amid a challenging sales environment. Despite the hurdles, the efforts to ensure vehicle safety could lead to positive changes in the automotive market.