Airbag Defect Triggers Recall of Over 250,000 Land Rover SUVs in the U.S.

Jaguar Land Rover has announced a recall of more than 250,000 SUVs in the United States after discovering a technical defect that could prevent the driver's airbag from deploying properly in the event of a crash. This campaign is one of the largest the company has conducted in the U.S. market recently, covering 250,857 vehicles from select models of the Land Rover Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover.

Electrical Connector Corrosion Disables Airbag Function

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explained that the issue lies in an electrical connector inside the clock spring unit located behind the steering wheel, which transmits signals to the airbag as the wheel rotates. Over time, the connector's terminals may corrode, leading to an electrical disconnection and failure of the driver's airbag to deploy as designed during a collision. This defect increases the risk of driver injury in accidents, particularly in frontal impacts where the airbag is essential for cushioning the blow.

Affected Models and Recall Scope

The recall covers specific versions of the Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover, which are among the most prominent and widely sold models in Jaguar Land Rover's U.S. portfolio. According to specialized reports, the affected vehicles were manufactured between April 2019 and June 2026, with final eligibility determined by the vehicle identification number (VIN) and production data. The company has also temporarily halted sales of some affected vehicles at dealerships until the required repair is completed, while confirming that newly produced vehicles have already received the necessary modification before leaving the assembly line.

Free Repair Without Replacing Major Components

The fix involves applying a protective, corrosion-resistant gel to the connector terminals to insulate them from moisture and other factors that could compromise electrical connectivity. The repair will be carried out free of charge at authorized dealerships, with no cost to vehicle owners, and the company will notify all affected customers. According to official information, the solution does not require replacing the steering wheel or the entire airbag system; instead, it focuses on safeguarding the suspected electrical contact points. This move underscores the company's commitment to customer safety and the reliability of its vehicles in the U.S. market.