NHTSA Launches Five Investigations Spanning Models from Three Automakers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened five investigations into more than 1.8 million Stellantis, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors vehicles, reports Reuters.

One probe concerns 1.34 million 2014-2020 model year Jeep Cherokee vehicles because water leaks can cause the electronic parking brake to "inadvertently activate and stop the vehicle while in motion." Stalling can be a hazardous issue that increases the likelihood of a collision.

The agency is also investigating 21,348 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid vehicles after receiving 40 complaints alleging incidents of stall/loss of motive power potentially due to transmission malfunction, reports Reuters.

NHTSA has also opened a recall query into about 290,000 2016 model year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles because a crankshaft or camshaft sensor may work intermittently, possibly causing stalling. The agency is reviewing if a 2016 recall should be expanded.

In regard to Ford Motor Company, NHTSA has formally launched an investigation into 25,538 2021 Ford Bronco SUVs equipped with 2.7L EcoBoost engine, alleging a loss of motor power at high speeds with no restart. 

Finally, NHTSA has also opened a preliminary investigation into 190,000 2020-2021 MY Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles because the rear-view camera may fail to properly function, notes the report.