Range Rover Sport SUVs Called Back (Again) for Backup Camera Snafu

Jaguar Land Rover is calling back certain Range Rover sport utility vehicles for the second time over problems with backup cameras.

The recall covers more than 22,000 Range Rover Sport SUVs equipped with optional surround camera systems. Malfunctioning seals may allow water to get into the cameras, preventing them from properly displaying images, according to the automaker.

That sounds annoying, but it is also risky.

“Lack of display of the rear camera image may result in the driver being unaware of objects or pedestrians behind the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash,” JLR said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain Range Rover Sport SUVs from model years 2018 through 2022. They were previously recalled to address the same issue, JLR said.

“Certain Range Rover Sport vehicles were incorrectly repaired where repair instructions for Range Rover were followed,” the company said in the notice. “These instructions did not provide a permanent remedy for Range Rover Sport vehicles.”

JLR plans to notify owners of recalled SUVs via mail by July 19. Owners can in the meantime check the NHTSA recall website to see if their vehicles are covered. 

The company will ask owners of recalled SUVs to bring their vehicles to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. 

“Vehicles will have the rear camera will be removed and inspected,” JLR said. “If the camera is found to be OK, it will be refitted with a new seal. If the camera is found to not be OK, a new camera will be fitted along with the new seal and a 10-minute calibration drive cycle will be carried out.”

How the California Lemon Law Protects Car Owners

JLR is no stranger to these kinds of recalls.

The company late last year, for instance, announced it was calling back certain Defender 130 sport utility vehicles for possible brake failure. JLR said at the time that the vehicles’ brake calipers could fall off, increasing the risk of a crash.

More recently, the automaker said in March that it would recall certain Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles. The cars’ batteries could go up in flames, JLR told regulators at the time.

There is some good news for Jaguar, Land Rover and other car owners and lessors in California, however. The state’s lemon law gives you some comprehensive rights and protections.

Known officially as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, the California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform various repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces them to buy back vehicles that they are not able or flat-out refuse to fix. 

That includes compensating the owner for any down payment on the car, as well as for monthly loan payments, the outstanding balance on any loan. The manufacturer is also responsible for towing, rental car and other related expenses. 

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.