USA investigates some Jeep and Ram vehicles after complaints of sudden engine stalling

DETROIT – U.S. auto safety regulators are investigating complaints that some Ram pickups and Jeep Wagoneer SUVs experience a drop in power, may shift into park and may engage the emergency brake.

The investigation, announced Monday by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, affects about 150,000 Stellantis vehicles from the 2022 model year. All are equipped with the company’s 5.7-liter Hemi e-Torque mild hybrid system, which allows the vehicle to propel itself.

The agency says the system converts energy gained during braking into electrical components. The system features a 48-volt battery and a motor generator that sends power to the crankshaft when gears are changed.

However, the agency says it has received 80 complaints from owners that the engines frequently fail at low speeds and sometimes cannot be restarted.

The agency says investigators will examine the affected models to determine how common the problem is and what causes the engine to stall. NHTSA may consider issuing a recall.

Stellantis says it is cooperating with the investigation and that any owners who notice symptoms in their vehicle should contact their dealer.

According to NHTSA, the company recalled about 131,000 Ram pickups and Wagoneers with the same system last April. The vehicles lost power because the air-gasoline mixture contained too much fuel. But Stellantis told investigators that recent complaints of engine stalling were likely due to an electrical problem.