2022 Ram eTorque Problems: Stalling, Battery & MGU Failures (An Owner’s Guide)

For many owners, the 2022 Ram 1500 eTorque is a reliable, powerful, and remarkably smooth-driving truck. But for a significant and growing number, it has become a source of anxiety. There is little more terrifying than having your vehicle’s engine shut off in traffic, lurch to a stop, and engage its own emergency brake—all without your input.

If you are a 2022 Ram eTorque owner experiencing these problems, you are not alone. And if you are a prospective buyer, you are wise to be conducting this research.

The Ram eTorque system, first introduced in 2019, is a mild-hybrid technology. It replaces the traditional alternator with a belt-driven Motor Generator Unit (MGU) and pairs it with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This system is designed to deliver a seamless engine stop-start (ESS) experience, provide regenerative braking, and add a brief torque boost—up to 130 lb-ft on the 5.7L V8.

However, “2022 Ram eTorque problems” are not a single issue. Owner reports, technical bulletins, and federal investigations reveal a “three-headed monster” of distinct, separate problems:

1. A dangerous engine-stalling and AutoPark crisis, which has triggered a formal government investigation.
2. A premature mechanical failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU).
3. A premature hardware failure of the 48-volt battery pack.

This guide will serve as a data-driven triage, analyzing National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigations, official Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), and real-world owner reports to help you diagnose your problem and determine your action plan.

CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE: The 2022 Ram eTorque Stalling & AutoPark Crisis

The most severe and frightening issue reported by 2022 Ram 1500 eTorque owners is a sudden, unexpected engine stall. This problem has become so widespread that it has triggered a formal investigation by federal safety regulators.

On July 19, 2024, the NHTSA opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24018) into an estimated 150,000 2022 Ram 1500 and 2022 Jeep Wagoneer vehicles equipped with the 5.7L eTorque engine.

The problem, as described by the NHTSA, is a “Loss of motive power due to electrical concerns causing the engine to shutdown with intermittent ability to restart”.

This sterile description doesn’t capture the terrifying reality. Owner complaints detail a consistent and dangerous scenario: while driving at low speeds, such as during a turn or after a stop, the engine suddenly shuts off. Immediately after the stall, the truck shifts itself into PARK and automatically engages the emergency brake, causing a violent, lurching stop in active traffic. Many owners report this is accompanied by a battery fault warning on the dash.

Data Table

NHTSA Investigation PE24018 Details

Owners of 2022 Ram 1500s can (and should) check their VIN, track this investigation, or file their own safety complaint directly at the(https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).

How the 2022 Problem is DIFFERENT from the 2021 Recall

This investigation creates a crucial, and concerning, distinction. Owners may be aware of a previous recall (23V-265) issued in April 2023 for 2021 Ram 1500 eTorque models, which also addressed a stalling issue.

However, these are not the same problem.

• The 2021 Recall (23V-265): This recall was for a software error in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that could cause an incorrectly rich fuel mixture, leading to an engine stall.
• The 2022 Investigation (PE24018): According to NHTSA documents, Stellantis (FCA) has already reviewed the 2022 complaints and stated the stalls are not related to the rich fuel mixture issue. They are instead suspected to be caused by a different, as-yet-unidentified electrical problem.

This means the 2022 stalling issue is a new, unresolved problem at the manufacturer and federal levels, and the fix that worked for 2021 models is not the solution.

THE ACTIONABLE FIX: How TSB 08-093-22 Can Solve the Stall-and-AutoPark Issue

For 2022 owners, the single greatest source of frustration—beyond the stall itself—is the “dealership gauntlet.” Owners repeatedly report taking their trucks to the dealer, only to be told, “we cannot replicate the problem,” and being sent away with no fix.

This is a classic symptom of an intermittent software or electrical fault. However, for a specific subset of these stalling problems, Ram has already provided a “silver bullet” fix, and you can use it to bypass the “cannot replicate” loop.

Ram issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 08-093-22. This bulletin describes a scenario that exactly matches owner complaints:

• The Symptom: During an Engine Stop/Start (ESS) event (like at a red light), the “autostart fails and the AutoPark engages”.⁵ The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will be illuminated, and the transmission may go into “Limp Mode.”
• The “Secret” Codes: This specific failure will log one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
  • P1C64 – Hybrid Perf – Engine Speed Below Target During Autostart
  • U0402 – Implausible Data Received From TCM
• The Fix: The solution is not a new part. It is a software update (a “flash”) for the Hybrid Control Processor (HCP).
• Who Is Eligible?: This TSB applies to 2022 Ram 1500 (DT) 5.7L eTorque trucks built on or before March 29, 2022.

If you are experiencing this exact problem, do not go to your dealer and say “my truck stalled.” Go to your dealer, show them your vehicle’s build date, and state, “My truck is experiencing the exact symptoms of TSB 08-093-22, specifically an autostart failure that engages AutoPark. I request you check for DTCs P1C64 and U0402 and apply the HCP flash as specified in the bulletin.”

You can read the full text of the original bulletin to show your service advisor at the(https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10214603-9999.pdf).

Visual: Data Table

TSB 08-093-22 At-a-Glance

Hardware Failure 1: The “Boeing 747” MGU Whine

The second major 2022 eTorque problem is a complete hardware failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU). This issue is not about software; it is a mechanical failure.

• The Symptom (Noise): The first and most common sign of a failing MGU is a loud, persistent “whine” or “grinding” noise coming from the engine. Owners on forums have vividly described it as sounding “like a Boeing 747”. This is not the normal, subtle sound of an electric motor; it is an obvious, loud, and worsening sound of mechanical distress.
• The Cause: This noise is caused by a failed bearing inside the Motor Generator Unit. Because the MGU replaces the alternator, this is a critical component for the truck’s entire electrical system.
• The Progression: The whine is stage one. Owners who have ignored the sound report that it is eventually followed by a check engine light, a “battery saving mode” message, and then a complete failure of the MGU, at which point it stops charging the truck’s electrical systems entirely.

The “Warranty Paradox”

This failure introduces what many owners are calling the “Warranty Paradox”—the truck is protected on paper, but a paperweight in reality.

• The Good News: The MGU is a core emissions component. As such, it is covered under the 8-year / 80,000-mile Federal Emissions Warranty.
• The Bad News: The real problem is not the cost of the repair, but the catastrophic wait time for the replacement part. Because this specialized part has a high failure rate and a weak supply chain, owners report extreme delays. Reports range from “90 days” to “nearly six months” for a new MGU to arrive.
• The Rub: To make matters worse, dealers frequently report they have “no loaner vehicles available,” leaving owners without their primary vehicle for months on end for a warrantied repair.

Hardware Failure 2: Premature 48V Battery Pack Death

The third major issue is the premature failure of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack, which is the heart of the mild-hybrid system.

• The Symptoms: This failure is distinct from the MGU. It presents as a classic dead battery, but with more severe consequences. Owners report:
  1. The battery warning light suddenly illuminates on the dash.
  2. The vehicle’s voltage gauge reads “extremely low”.
  3. A check engine light will accompany the battery light.
  4. Ultimately, the truck will fail to start at all.
• The Failure Mileage: This is a premature failure. This expensive, complex battery pack is designed to last the life of the truck. Instead, owners report complete and sudden failures at mileages as low as 35,000 to 38,000 miles.

The “Warranty Paradox” (Again)

Like the MGU, the 48V battery failure is defined by the “Warranty Paradox.”

• The Good News: The 48-volt battery pack is also covered under the 8-year / 80,000-mile Federal Emissions Warranty.
• The Bad News: The supply chain for this large lithium-ion battery is just as broken. Dealers have told owners that Chrysler is the only source and is “not fast at turn around”. Reported wait times for a new 48V pack range from “two weeks” to “over 90 days”.

For those out of warranty, this is a devastating repair, with the part alone costing over $2,000, and some owners facing bills over $3,000.

Expert Tip: Before panicking about the 48V system, always check the standard 12-volt battery. A simple 12V failure can, in some cases, cause similar warning lights and is a much easier and cheaper fix.

Owner Verdict: Reliability & The “eTorque Panic”

This combination of a dangerous, unresolved stalling issue and two separate hardware failures with paralyzing wait times has created a “crisis of confidence” among 2022 eTorque owners.

We have seen reports from owners who are “panicked” about being stranded, especially in cold weather. Some are “seriously considering selling” their truck at a significant financial loss simply to be rid of the unpredictable eTorque system and its associated risks.¹⁸ Owners who have experienced the stall-and-AutoPark issue, or who are facing months without their vehicle, have found the experience so frustrating they are exploring their options under state lemon laws.

However, it is crucial to present a balanced view. For every “panicked” owner, there are many silent satisfied owners. Forum data also shows numerous 2022 eTorque owners reporting 65,000, 84,000, and even 90,000+ miles with “zero problems” and “flawless” performance.

The eTorque system is not an add-on; it is a fundamental replacement for the alternator, deeply integrated into the truck’s powertrain. This analysis suggests the system is not inherently flawed for everyone, but it introduces significant complexity and risk.

The “problem” with the 2022 eTorque is not just the failure rate; it is the consequence of failure.

1. Software Failure = Danger: The unresolved stall/AutoPark issue is a critical, unpredictable safety risk.
2. Hardware Failure = Paralysis: The MGU/Battery failure means a 5,000-lb paperweight for months, even when the part is “under warranty”.

Your 2022 Ram eTorque Action Plan & Checklist

Based on this analysis, here is a clear, actionable plan for both current owners and prospective buyers.

FOR CURRENT 2022 ETORQUE OWNERS:

1. If Your Truck STALLS and AutoParks: Your issue is likely software/electrical. This is a safety-critical issue.
   • Go to your dealer immediately.
   • If your truck was built before March 29, 2022, tell them to check for TSB 08-093-22 and DTCs P1C64/U0402.
   • For any stalling issue, inform them you are aware of NHTSA Investigation PE24018. This adds urgency and shows you’ve done your research.
2. If You Hear a “WHINE”: Your MGU bearing is likely failing.
   • Schedule service and confirm your 8-year/80,000-mile warranty status.
   • Do not wait. This noise will progress to a no-charge state, stranding you.
3. If You Have a NO-START/LOW VOLTS: Your 48V battery may be dead.
   • First, confirm your 12V battery is healthy.
   • If the 12V is fine, have the dealer test the 48V pack. Be prepared to confirm your 8-year/80,000-mile warranty and ask about part availability.
4. For ALL Issues: Be polite but persistent. Document every dealer visit, every repair order, and every day your vehicle is out of service.

FOR PROSPECTIVE BUYERS OF A USED 2022 ETORQUE:

1. Test Drive: Turn the radio OFF. Accelerate and decelerate multiple times, listening specifically for a high-pitched “whine”. If you hear it, walk away.
2. Check Build Date: On the driver’s side doorjamb, find the build date. If it was built before 03/29/2022, be aware it is part of the cohort affected by TSB 08-093-22.
3. Verify Warranty: This is the most important step. Confirm the vehicle’s “in-service” date. How much of that 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty is left? This is your only financial protection against a $3,000 battery or a multi-month wait for a $2,000 MGU.
4. Consider Non-eTorque: If long-term reliability, simplicity, and avoiding these specific, well-documented risks are your priority, a 2022 Ram 1500 without the eTorque system (if you can find one) is a mechanically simpler truck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the main problems with the 2022 Ram eTorque?

A: There are three main issues: 1) A dangerous engine stalling and automatic park-brake engagement, which is under a formal NHTSA investigation (PE24018) 4; 2) Premature failure of the Motor Generator Unit (MGU), identified by a loud “whining” sound 7; and 3) Premature failure of the 48-volt battery pack, leading to no-start conditions.

Q: Is there a recall for the 2022 Ram 1500 eTorque stalling?

A: No, not yet. A recall (23V-265) exists for 2021 models, but this was for a different problem (rich fuel mixture).13 The 2022 models are part of a new NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation (PE24018) opened in July 2024 to investigate a suspected electrical cause for stalling.

Q: What does code P1C64 mean on a Ram 1500?

A: P1C64 stands for “Hybrid Performance – Engine Speed Below Target During Autostart”. It is the primary diagnostic code associated with the eTorque system’s failure to restart at a stop, which often causes the AutoPark to engage. It is specifically mentioned in TSB 08-093-22.

Q: How long does the Ram eTorque 48V battery last?

A: While it is designed to be a long-life component, many owners have reported premature failure between 35,000 and 38,000 miles. The good news is this part is covered under the 8-year/80,000-mile Federal Emissions Warranty.

Q: What does a failing eTorque MGU sound like?

A: The most-reported symptom is a loud, persistent whine from the engine, often compared to a “Boeing 747”. This is the sound of a bad bearing inside the unit. If you hear this, seek service immediately, as it will eventually fail and stop charging your truck.

Q: Is the Ram eTorque system worth it?

A: This is a personal calculation of risk vs. reward. The eTorque system provides an exceptionally smooth engine stop-start experience and minor torque gains. However, these benefits must be weighed against the documented risks of complex software issues, dangerous stalling, and two major hardware components (MGU and 48V battery) that are failing prematurely and have extremely long, warrantied replacement wait times.