Jaguar has issued a recall for approximately 3,000 electric SUVs, specifically the I-Pace models from the 2019 model year. Owners are advised to park these vehicles outdoors and away from structures due to the risk of battery fires. The automaker has not yet finalized a solution for the issue but as an interim fix, dealers will update the battery energy control computer to restrict charging to 80% capacity. This is the fourth recall related to the same problem, with previous recalls involving software updates.
According to documents, there have been three fires in the U.S. following previous software updates, although no injuries were reported. Owners who previously received updated diagnostic software may not be fully protected from thermal overload as believed. The I-Pace batteries were manufactured in Poland by LG Energy Solution, a company whose products are currently under investigation by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The NHTSA had initiated a probe in April of 2022 regarding potential EV and hybrid battery defects leading to fires or stalling. Various automakers, including General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Stellantis, and Volkswagen, have issued recalls since February 2020 due to internal battery issues increasing the fire risk. General Motors, for instance, recalled over 140,000 Chevrolet Bolt EVs from 2017 to 2022 due to rare manufacturing defects causing fires.
Jaguar and LG Energy Solution have not provided comments on the matter yet. The recall affects about 2,760 units of the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles, and owners are instructed to park and charge their cars outside and away from structures until the repair is completed and for 30 days afterward. Dealers will update the battery energy control module software as an interim repair, with the final remedy in progress. Owner notification letters are expected to be sent out on October 18, 2024. Previous recalls for the same issue will require the new remedy to be performed on all affected vehicles. Owners can contact Jaguar customer service at 1-800-452-4827 for further assistance.
