The US Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of unexpected engine stalls that frequently prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs suffer from a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical issues that can lead to the engine shutting down with intermittent restart capability.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis, specifically those equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many of the complaints indicate that the engine would unexpectedly shut off, often while driving at low speeds, and the vehicle would then shift into park and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
Currently, no injuries have been reported linked to this malfunction, and the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation, which may result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to a series of challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for its brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, have declined in the second quarter.
Additionally, earlier this month, a recall investigation was announced for 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software bug that heightened the risk of a crash.