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What a wild time for Stellantis as problems continue to snowball. One of the most recent issues is pretty unique. As many automakers face supply chain shortages, Stellantis is actually overstocked with V6 engines for Ram and Jeep models. 

Stellantis closes the Trenton engine plant due to an engine overstock 

Since 2020 we have been covering stories about product shortages, but Stellantis is facing a different issue. It has too many V6 engines for its Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles. 

The Trenton Engine Complex in Trenton, Michigan will temporarily close to balance engine inventories. While operations are paused, workers will be temporarily laid off. 

There are currently about 20,700 completed Pentastar engines in storage. Stellantis was forced to implement similar policies earlier in the summer due to a 16% sales decline compared to the first half of 2023. 

Now that production of the Ram 1500 Classic has been completed another 2,450 workers lost their jobs. Some workers are threatening to strike over canceled EV and truck plans as well. 

Also, it’s unclear if the Jeep plant in Toledo will close after a man was fatally crushed under a Gladiator model. 

The 2024 Ram 1500 near a house
2024 Ram 1500 | Stellantis

In an attempt to boost production, the Trenton plant received a $24.7 million investment in 2022. The facility is essential for powering the Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator, Chrysler Pacifica, and Ram 1500. 

There are two variants of the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine. It provides between 283 and 305 hp depending on which model it’s placed in. 

The engine was introduced in 2009 and put into production for Chrysler and Dodge vehicles back in 2011. It has proven to be a reliable gas-engine option as diesel engines continue to be cut. 

It’s unclear how long the engine plant will be closed. One could theorize that Stellantis will have to sell more Jeep SUVs and Ram trucks to provide more space for completed models. 

If there are too many engines, are there too many vehicles? Will production plants also be temporarily closed? Stay tuned for updates, but hopefully, Stellantis will catch a break soon.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.