The US Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is probing approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs that have been reported to experience sudden engine stalls, with many failing to restart afterward.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing issues linked to electrical malfunctions that result in unexpected engine shutdowns, with intermittent restarts.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles produced by Stellantis. These models are specifically equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Reports have noted that the engine can shut off while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, sometimes causing the vehicle to shift into park and engage the emergency brake unexpectedly, according to the NHTSA.
Fortunately, no injuries related to this issue have been reported as the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges faced by Stellantis, which has already recorded falling sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that heightened crash risks.