The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday that it is investigating approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls that often prevent the vehicles from restarting.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are facing an unexpected “loss of motive power” related to electrical issues that result in engine shutdowns, with intermittent restarting capability.
The Office of Defects Investigation has documented 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in vehicles manufactured by Stellantis. These vehicles are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines from Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA).
Many complaints indicate that the vehicle’s engine can shut down while driving at slower speeds, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly shift into park and engage the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA’s statement.
There have been no reported injuries linked to this malfunction, prompting the NHTSA to initiate a preliminary investigation that could potentially lead to a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This latest development adds to a series of challenges for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands have all reported declining sales in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also began a recall investigation involving 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million North American vehicles due to a software glitch that increased the risk of crashes.