The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday the initiation of an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to reports of sudden engine stalls, with some vehicles experiencing difficulties in restarting.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), certain models, specifically the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, are facing a critical issue characterized by a sudden “loss of motive power” attributed to electrical problems that cause the engine to shut down, with intermittent restart capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received around 80 consumer complaints concerning engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are powered by FCA’s 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many reports indicate that the engine could unexpectedly shut off while the vehicle is in motion, leading to situations where the vehicle shifts into park and engages the emergency brake.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported related to this malfunction. The NHTSA’s preliminary investigation may lead to a recall if necessary. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
This situation comes at a challenging time for Stellantis, as the company has been facing declining sales across its brands, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, in the second quarter. Additionally, the government recently launched an investigation into a separate recall concerning 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and earlier this year, more than 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software bug that posed a potential crash risk.
Despite these challenges, the proactive response from regulators and Stellantis exemplifies a commitment to safety and consumer protection. Ongoing investigations and recalls, while inconvenient, can lead to improved vehicle reliability in the long run. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and check for any updates regarding their vehicle models as the situation develops.
In summary, the investigation highlights the importance of vehicle safety and manufacturer accountability, fostering hope that corrective measures will enhance vehicle performance and consumer trust moving forward.