The US 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 certain 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” stemming from electrical issues that can cause the engine to shut down with an inconsistent ability to restart.
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 80 consumer complaints regarding engine stalls and power loss in these vehicles, which are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines.
Many complaints detail that the engine shuts off, often while the vehicle is moving at low speeds, causing it to shift into park and apply the emergency brake, according to the NHTSA.
While no injuries have been reported due to the malfunction, the NHTSA has launched a preliminary investigation that may result in a recall. Stellantis, the manufacturer, has stated that it is fully cooperating with the inquiry.
This investigation adds to the challenges facing Stellantis, as sales for its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands declined in the second quarter. Earlier this month, the government also initiated a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers, and in June, over 1 million vehicles were recalled in North America due to a software bug that increased the risk of a crash.