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 issues of sudden engine stalls and difficulties in restarting the vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that the investigation focuses on 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which are reportedly experiencing a sudden loss of power attributed to electrical issues causing the engine to shut down with intermittent restart capability.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and loss of power in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are equipped with Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group’s 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
According to the NHTSA, many reports indicate that the vehicle’s engine would turn off unexpectedly, particularly at low speeds, resulting in the vehicle shifting into park and engaging the emergency brake.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported due to these malfunctions, and the NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation that may potentially lead to a recall. Stellantis has confirmed its full cooperation with the ongoing inquiry.
This investigation adds to a series of challenges for Stellantis, as sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands declined in the second quarter. Additionally, earlier this month, the government initiated a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers. In June, Stellantis was compelled to recall over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that could heighten crash risks.