The US Department of Transportation announced an investigation into approximately 150,000 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs due to issues related to unexpected engine stalls that often result in the vehicles failing to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the investigation focuses on the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUVs, which are experiencing a sudden “loss of motive power” linked to electrical problems that can cause the engine to shut down with intermittent restarting capabilities.
The Office of Defects Investigation received 80 complaints from consumers regarding engine stalls and power loss in these Stellantis-manufactured vehicles, which are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque hybrid engines. Many complaints noted that the engine would turn off while driving at low speeds, causing the vehicle to shift into park and activate the emergency brake.
So far, no injuries have been reported due to these malfunctions, but the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary investigation that could potentially result in a recall. Stellantis has stated that it is fully cooperating with the investigation.
This investigation adds to a series of challenges for Stellantis, as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram have reported declining sales in the second quarter. Additionally, a recall investigation into 94,000 Jeep Wranglers was initiated earlier this month, and in June, the company recalled over 1 million vehicles in North America due to a software issue that heightened the risk of crashes.