Jaguar Takes Second Shot at Electric Car Recall

Jaguar is recalling some electric vehicles, again, hoping that this time the luxury auto manufacturer can actually fix a defect that could lead to battery fires.

The company recently told federal car safety regulators in the U.S. that it would take another stab at recalling certain I-Pace electric vehicles. Those cars were previously recalled but may not have received a software update meant to reduce the risk of battery fires, Jaguar said.

“Battery packs manufactured between 1 March 2018 and 31 May 2018 are exposed to multiple technical issues that have shown to contribute to an elevated risk of thermal overload,” Jaguar said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “The packs from this period have a greater propensity for short circuits in the battery cells which generates heat build-up and will…trigger thermal overload.”

Put simply, that is a problem.

“A vehicle thermal overload condition such as fire or smoke can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage,” Jaguar acknowledged. 

The recall covers just 21 vehicles from the 2019-2020 model year. But it highlights the struggles that automakers have run into amid a shift to producing electric cars. Namely, making vehicles powered by high-voltage batteries that are actually safe to drive.

Jaguar told NHTSA that some service providers used the wrong instruments in making repairs under the first recall. It also blamed a vendor for errors in the previous software update.

The company acknowledged that it has yet to come up with a fix for the problem. “The final remedy is still under development,” Jaguar told NHTSA.

In the meantime, the owners should park and charge the vehicles outdoors, according to Jaguar. They should only charge vehicles to 75%, the automaker added.

The company said it planned to notify owners of recalled vehicles via mail by March 21. Owners can also check the NHTSA website to see if their cars have been recalled. 

Legal Rights for Jaguar Owners in California

Californians who own Jaguars or other vehicles have some important legal rights and protections under the state’s lemon law. 

The lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs and other related expenses.

A carmaker can instead offer to replace the vehicle, but it is up to the owner to decide whether to accept or reject this alternative arrangement.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.