DETROIT (AP) — Jaguar is advising around 3,000 owners of its electric SUVs to park their vehicles outside and away from buildings due to the risk of battery fires.
The recall affects the 2019 I-Pace SUVs, but Jaguar has not yet finalized a solution to the issue.
As a temporary measure, dealers will update the vehicle’s battery energy control computer to restrict charging to 80% of its capacity. Previously, Jaguar had issued three recalls for this same concern, and all affected SUVs will require this new update. Earlier recalls focused on improving the diagnostic software.
According to documents published Thursday by U.S. safety regulators, there have been three reported fires in the U.S. involving these vehicles, despite past software updates. Fortunately, no injuries have occurred as a result.
The documents indicate that owners who had previously updated their vehicles with better diagnostic software might mistakenly believe their cars are safe from overheating risks, which may not be true for the 2019 model year I-Pace vehicles.
It’s noted that the I-Pace batteries were manufactured in Poland by LG Energy Solution, whose products are currently being investigated by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA began this investigation in April 2022 after five car manufacturers announced recalls due to potential defects in electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid batteries that could lead to fires or engine stalls.
Since February 2020, several companies—including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen—have issued recalls related to internal battery failures that increase the risk of fires.
For example, General Motors initiated a series of recalls in November 2020 that involved over 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs from 2017 to 2022 due to the rare occurrence of two manufacturing defects in the same battery cell, which resulted in at least 10 fires.
As of Thursday, requests for comments from both Jaguar and LG Energy Solution were still pending.
JAGUAR/I-PACE/2019
Date of Manufacturer’s Report: August 28, 2024
NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V-633
Component Details:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: PROPULSION SYSTEM: TRACTION BATTERY
Estimated Units Affected: 2,760
Problem Overview:
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2019 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles because the high-voltage battery could overheat.
Consequence of the Issue:
If the high-voltage battery overheats, it poses an increased risk of fire.
Recommended Action:
Owners should park and charge their vehicles outside and keep them away from buildings until the recall repairs are completed and for an additional 30 days afterward. As a temporary fix, dealers will update the battery energy control module software at no charge. The final, permanent solution is still being developed, with owner notification letters expected to be sent out on October 18, 2024.
For more information, owners can contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827. Jaguar’s recall reference number is H514. These vehicles had earlier recalls for this same issue under other recall numbers, and they will need to receive the new remedy.
