NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation: Engine Stall with Intermittent Restart (PE24-018)

PE24-018 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Jeep Wagoneer?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

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.

What is a preliminary evaluation?

Preliminary Evaluation is the first stage of a federal defect investigation. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash reports and manufacturer data to decide whether a safety defect may exist. It can close with no action, be upgraded to an engineering analysis, or end with a recall.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Jeep Wagoneer owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 823 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2022-2025 Jeep Wagoneer Roof Recall (26V584)
• 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer Tire Pressure Monitor Recall (26V559)
• 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Backup Camera Software Recall (26V560)
• 2026 Jeep Wrangler Backup Camera Recall (26V531)
• 2021-2026 Ram 1500 Seat Belt Anchor Recall (26V495)
• 2026 Ram 1500 Headlight Recall (26V421)
• 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gear Position Indication Recall (26V413)
• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Backup Camera Recall (26V327)
• 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Instrument Cluster Recall (26V225)
• 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S Integrated Trailer Brake Control Recall (26V059)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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