NHTSA opens probe into 2022 Jeep and RAM vehicles: Engine Stall With Intermittent Restart

Vehicles under investigation

As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.

What ODI says

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 80 consumer complaints alleging an engine stall and loss of motive power on model year (MY) 2022 RAM 1500 pickup trucks and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer SUV vehicles. The particular engines in the subject vehicles are equipped with the Fiat Chrysler Automotive Group LLC (FCA) 5.7L Hemi eTorque system. The eTorque system is a mild hybrid system that lets the vehicle partially power itself. It accomplishes this by converting the captured energy from the braking system into electricity for the battery pack, which is then used to power a variety of electrical components. ETorque engines replace the alternator with a 48-volt battery-powered belt drive and a motor generator. The motor generator provides extra torque to the crankshaft during gear changes. Simultaneously, the motor generator uses the 48-volt battery pack to increase torque. 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 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. Many complaints state that a low voltage condition fault is present, sometimes not being able to restart the vehicle. On April 13, 2023, FCA announced recall 23V-265 describing a defect in certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines. The recall described a defect in the powertrain control module software can cause an incorrect fuel mixture condition in the engine, and result in an engine stall. In February of 2024, ODI provided the complaints on the 2022 Ram 1500 and Wagoneer vehicles to FCA. After reviewing the complaints, FCA stated that “the loss of motive power was likely not caused by an over rich fuel condition (as outlined in recall 23V-265), but rather some other cause (e.g., an electrical concern that causes the engine to shut down).” A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency, root cause(s) and consequences of these loss/stall of motive power incidents. Additionally, ODI may expand the scope of the subject population during the investigation, if needed. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for PE24018, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).

What owners have reported

Owners filed 828 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 35 crashes, 9 fires, 14 injuries, 2 deaths. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.

Recalls and problems for these vehicles

• Jeep Wagoneer recalls by model year
  Jeep Wagoneer complaints, TSBs and investigations
• Ram 1500 recalls by model year
  Ram 1500 complaints, TSBs and investigations

Timeline

1. July 19, 2024ODI opens preliminary evaluation PE24018
2. OpenNo closing date yet