More than 150,000 model year 2022 Wagoneer 5.7L eTorque and 2022 Ram 1500 5.7L eTorque vehicles are under investigation for loss of power, engine shutdowns and an inability to restart.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched the investigation after receiving 80 complaints from consumers alleging an engine stall and loss of motive power in 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Ram 1500 vehicles. According to investigation documents, the complaints reported that the vehicle’s engine would shut off at slow speeds, followed by the vehicle shifting into park and applying the emergency brake.
The Ram 1500 and Jeep Wagoneer vehicles are equipped with the 5.7L Hemi eTorque system. This mild hybrid system allows the vehicle to partially power itself by converting captured energy from the braking system into electricity for the battery pack, which then powers various electrical components.
The eTorque engines replace the alternator (found in traditional vehicles) with a 48-volt battery-powered belt drive and a motor generator. The motor generator uses the 48-volt battery pack to increase torque, and then provides extra torque to the crankshaft during gear changes.
According to the complaints, the vehicles were only sometimes able to restart due to a low voltage condition fault that sometimes occurred. Jeep Wagoneer and Ram 1500 sometimes reported that the malfunctioning warning light with the battery fault symbol would appear on the dash.
Timeline of 2021 Ram 1500 eTorque Engine Recall
A recall of 131,700 model year 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 5.7L eTorque engines was issued because of an engine stall defect. According to recall documents, the powertrain control module software caused an overly rich fuel condition in the engine, causing the engine to stall.
From January 2023 to March 2023, Fiat Chrysler investigated 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles with 5.7L eTorque engines for stalling issues, analyzing stalling patterns and vehicle history to determine the cause of the stalling defect. By the end of this three-month period, Fiat Chrysler was aware of 206 customer records, 636 warranty claims, 53 field reports and an accident related to the Ram 1500 engine stalling defect.
On April 13, 2023, Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) announced a recall of certain 2021 Ram 1500 vehicles with 5.7L eTorque engines. FCA was to conduct an update to the Powertrain Control Module calibration software. Owner notifications were mailed April 27, 2023.
Timeline of 2022 Ram 1500, Jeep Wagoneer Investigation
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received 80 complaints of engine stalling in 2022 RAM 1500 and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer vehicles, which it forwarded to Fiat Chrysler in February 2024.
These 80 complaints are distinct from the 80 complaints that prompted the recall of 2021 Ram 1500 trucks.
After reviewing the complaints, Fiat Chrysler said “the loss of motive power was likely not caused by an over rich fuel condition,” as it was in the 2021 Ram 1500 recall, “but rather some other cause (e.g., an electrical concern that causes the engine to shut down).”
A preliminary evaluation has been opened to assist the scope, frequency, causes and consequences of the engine stalling in 2022 Ram 1500 and Jeep Wagoneer vehicles with 5.7L eTorque engines. This is the first phase of NHTSA investigations.
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