Jaguar I-PACE Models Recalled Due to Fire Risk

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC is initiating a voluntary safety recall for a significant number of Jaguar I-PACE vehicles manufactured between the 2020 and 2021 model years. This recall addresses a potential defect in the high-voltage traction battery pack that could lead to thermal overload, presenting a risk of smoke or fire. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned recall number 26V067 to this campaign.

The affected vehicles include 454 units of the 2021 Jaguar I-PACE and 1,824 units of the 2020 Jaguar I-PACE. In total, 2,278 vehicles are potentially involved in this recall. The vehicles in question were manufactured at the Graz, Austria Vehicle Assembly Plant, with production dates for the 2021 models ranging from March 9, 2020, to June 10, 2021, and for the 2020 models from April 8, 2019, to January 8, 2020. The recall population encompasses all Jaguar I-PACE vehicles produced from the start of the 2020 model year through the end of the 2021 model year, excluding vehicles already addressed by other recall campaigns or those that have had their battery packs replaced with units outside the at-risk range.

The core of the defect lies within the high-voltage battery pack assembly, manufactured by LG Energy Solution Co., Ltd. Investigations suggest that a folded anode tab, a manufacturing characteristic, can contribute to short circuits, which in turn may lead to thermal overload. While this folded tab is identified as a potential contributor, it is believed that other conditions may also need to be present for the thermal overload to occur. The supplier’s investigation into these potential secondary causes is ongoing. Despite the installation of protective software, field evidence has indicated a continued risk of thermal overload in vehicles with battery packs manufactured up to the end of the 2021 model year. The safety risk associated with this defect includes the potential for occupant injury, injury to individuals outside the vehicle, and property damage due to vehicle fires or smoke.

To mitigate the risk, Jaguar Land Rover is implementing an interim remedy that involves a software update. This software will restrict the vehicle’s maximum state of charge to 90%. Owners are advised to follow specific precautions until the permanent remedy is developed and deployed. These precautions include charging the vehicle to a maximum of 90% state of charge, parking the vehicle away from structures, and charging outdoors. Owners can monitor their vehicle’s charging status via the latest version of the Jaguar Remote App or within the vehicle itself and are instructed to physically stop the charging process by unplugging the cable once the 90% state of charge is reached. This interim repair will be provided to owners at no cost. For 2021 model year vehicles, this repair will be managed under campaign code H571, while earlier vehicles will fall under H570. A permanent remedy is expected to be launched under campaign code H572.

Jaguar Land Rover has stated that LG Energy Solution implemented quality improvements to its cell production line, including design and process changes to mitigate the risk of torn tabs and other manufacturing concerns, up to October 2020. Analysis of production traceability records indicates that cells manufactured before these changes were installed in vehicles produced prior to the 2022 model year. Data from 2022 model year vehicles onwards shows no elevated risk pattern. The manufacturer has not received any reports of accidents, injuries, or fires in the U.S. related to this specific defect in vehicles equipped with the protective software.

Dealer notifications are scheduled to occur on February 19, 2026, with owner notifications to follow on or before April 3, 2026. The remedy for the permanent fix will be administered through a phased recall. Owners can expect to be able to search for their vehicle’s VIN status at a later, yet-to-be-determined date.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

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