Jeep and Ram 2022 Models Under Investigation by Auto Safety Regulators

The Stellantis sign outside the Chrysler Technology Center, in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Jan. 19, 2021. Carlos Osorio/AP Photo

U.S. auto safety regulators are investigating complaints that some Ram pickup trucks and Jeep Wagoneer SUV models can lose power, shift into park, and apply the emergency brake without warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said in a report on Monday that the probe covers 150,000 Stellantis-made vehicles from the 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUV models. 

All the vehicles have a 5.7-litre Hemi e-Torque mild hybrid system, which converts captured energy from the braking system into electricity for the battery pack, for use in the car’s electrical components.

NHTSA says it has started a preliminary evaluation after the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 80 complaints alleging engine stalls and loss of motive power in these car models.

“Many of the complaints state that the vehicle’s engine would shut off, often while travelling at slow speed, the vehicle would shift into park and apply the emergency brake,” the report said. “The vehicles were sometimes able to be restarted. In addition, complaints state that the malfunction warning light with the battery fault symbol appeared on the dash. ”

Consumers also complained of a low voltage condition fault and said the vehicle couldn’t always be restarted. In addition, the malfunction warning light with the battery fault symbol can appear on the dash for no clear reason.

The preliminary evaluation will try to assess the scope, frequency, and possible causes of the issues. ODI could also expand the scope and number of vehicles in the investigation if required to get a clearer picture of what is causing the fault and how widespread it might be.

A spokesman from Stellanis told The Epoch Times via email that the company is “fully cooperating with NHTSA.” The company called on owners who see such issues in their vehicles to contact their dealership.

ODI says it provided the most recent complaints about the 2022 Ram 1500 and Wagoneer vehicles to the Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) in February of this year. After a review, the FCA concluded the “loss of motive power” was likely caused by “an electrical concern that causes the engine to shut down.”

Previously, a recall notice was issued for some 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The April 2023 notice claimed a defect in the powertrain control module software can cause an incorrect fuel mixture in the engine and sometimes result in an engine stall.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This report was updated.