Airbag Defect

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has issued an urgent recall in the U.S. for nearly 21,000 Range Rover Evoque SUVs as the front passenger airbag poses a serious safety risk. So far, no injuries or crashes have been reported owing to the problem, but the risk is high enough that both the car company and the government need to act right once.

Background: A Flaw Found

The issue initially came to light in May 2023 when the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did its regular safety checks. Some 2021–2025 Range Rover Evoque cars had problems with how the front passenger airbags were deployed, according to investigators. In the end, it was found that the airbag was tearing when it was deployed because it was folded incorrectly during assembly. This put passengers at risk and, in some circumstances, let hot gasses escape, which might cause burns. By June 2025, JLR had officially found the problem and quickly sent recall papers to the NHTSA.

What the Recall Covers?

  • Range Rover Evoque SUVs from the years 2021 to 2025 are affected.
  • There are 20,999 vehicles affected in the U.S.
  • The manufacturing window is from July 10, 2020, to October 7, 2024.
  • The problem is with the front passenger airbag modules made by Joyson Safety Systems in Hungary.

Technical Information About the Problem:

Airbags for passengers are meant to protect and cushion those within the car in case of an accident. But the faulty airbags in these cars might shred when they deploy, which makes them less effective. The key reasons that have been found are:

  • Different ways of folding: The airbag cushion was folded in different ways during construction, which made some of them more likely to break.
  • Higher danger of burns: If an airbag is torn, it may let out hot gases that could cause more damage than would happen in a normal collision.
  • Not enough crash protection: If the airbag breaks, it might not protect passengers from the crash well enough.

JLR’s Response:

Jaguar Land Rover has done a number of things to make sure that owners are safe and that the law is followed:

Free Repairs: Owners whose cars are affected can get their passenger airbags fixed for free. Authorized Land Rover dealers will install the updated modules.

  • Notifications for Owners
  • Dealers will be told by July 21, 2025
  • Owners will get notices about recalls by August 29, 2025.

Who Can Get Reimbursement: Owners who paid for repairs connected to this airbag problem in the past can get their money back by sending in valid paperwork.

Recall Process: Owners can find out if their car is on a recall list by going to the JLR recall website or the NHTSA recall lookup tool and inputting their VIN.

Why This Is Important?

Tata Motors, JLR's parent business, is having a hard time right now due to the rising U.S. tariffs and changing market conditions. The recall raises questions about JLR's dedication to safety and quality control, in addition to its financial effects. The recall is a strong reminder for consumers of how important it is for modern cars to have working safety features. Airbags are designed to save lives, therefore any flaw, especially one that could stop them from working, is quite dangerous for both drivers and passengers.

What Should Owners Do Next?

  • Use JLR's recall site or the NHTSA recall lookup tool to see if your car is affected.
  • Schedule Service: Call your local Land Rover dealer to set up the free replacement.
  • Keep Receipts: If you have already paid for identical repairs, keep your receipts in case you can get your money back.
  • Take Action Right Away: Taking care of recall repairs right away makes sure your car meets current safety standards and keeps everyone inside safe.

Conclusion:

There have been no reports of injuries due to this particular airbag fault, but all owners of Range Rover Evoque SUVs that are impacted should act right now to make sure they and their passengers are safe. This kind of proactive recall not only stops possible disasters, but it also shows that the business cares about being open and keeping consumers safe.

Source – AutoWorld Journal


View More