Over 121,000 Range Rovers Recalled for Suspension Defect That Could Cause Crashes

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is back in the recall spotlight, this time ordering repairs for more than 121,000 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models in the United States over a potentially serious suspension flaw. JLR also recently recalled 21,000 Evoques for faulty airbags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mentions in its Safety Recall Report that in some cases, the defect could cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle. Fortunately, repairs will be carried out free of charge.

Models Affected By The Recall

The recall covers 2014-2017 model year Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. Of the 121,509 SUVs involved, 54,720 are Range Rovers, with the remainder being Range Rover Sports. The problem traces back to front suspension knuckles manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover’s Taiwanese supplier, SuperAlloy Industrial (SAI). These components were linked to specific vehicle build dates. While not every SUV necessarily contains the affected knuckles, all models in the specified range will be recalled as a precaution.

The Problem and The Risks

At the center of the recall is the upper knuckle joint in the front suspension, which can develop cracks. Environmental factors can cause these cracks to worsen over time, potentially leading to the detachment of the upper suspension arm entirely. The NHTSA report states that, under extreme evasive maneuvers, this failure could "compromise the vehicle’s controllability and increase the risk of a crash".

The Fix and What Owners Should Do

JLR will contact affected owners, who will be asked to bring their vehicles to an authorized dealer. Technicians will inspect the front suspension knuckles for cracks. If no cracks are found, and a retaining bracket is available, the bracket will be installed as a preventative measure. However, if cracks are present or a bracket is not available, the entire knuckle will be replaced. The work will be done at no cost to the owner, and scheduling the repair as soon as possible is strongly advised.