Jaguar Land Rover calls in handful of vehicles over suspension bolts

Thu, 24 Apr 2014

With most recalls seemingly affecting mass-market vehicles, it'd be all too easy to assume, consciously or otherwise, that higher-end automobiles never face such issues. But the main reason we don't see the NHTSA recalling more luxury automobiles isn't because of their quality, we'd postulate: it's because of their relative scarcity.

Take Jaguar Land Rover, recalls of whose vehicles we only seem to have cause to report about once a year. So if you're figuring they're about due, here you go. The Indian-owned British auto group has just announced two recalls, both regarding suspension components: one affecting Jaguars and another concerning – you guessed it – Land Rovers.

First up we have a recall for 2013 to 2014 model year Jaguar XJ, XF and XK models – a whopping 297 of them – which have been found to have problematic toe links. Separation of the toe link from the rear sub-frame could result in impaired stability and control over the vehicle's direction, so JLR is calling them in to replace the nuts and washers on the rear toe links.

Just as simple is the second recall affecting the 2014 Range Rover Evoque. JLR is calling in a grand total of (wait for it) two units to have problematic bolts in the right-hand rear suspension replaced before they separate from the vehicle. Scope out the full details of both recalls in the notices below.

RECALL Subject : Rear Wheel Alignment Linkage Mounting Hardware
Report Receipt Date: MAR 31, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V157000
Component(s): SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 297
Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

SUMMARY:
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 XJ, XF and XK vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the toe links, components used to control the alignment of the rear wheels, can separate from the rear sub-frame.

CONSEQUENCE:
If a toe link separates from the rear sub-frame, a loss of vehicle stability and directional control may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will replace the nut and washer assembly on the rear toe links, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin around May 27, 2014. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-855-524-8278. Jaguar's number for this recall is J037.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

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RECALL Subject : Right Hand Rear Supension Link Arm may Separate
Report Receipt Date: MAR 31, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V155000
Component(s): SUSPENSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2
Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

SUMMARY:
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain model year 2014 Range Rover Evoque vehicles manufactured November 27, 2013 and December 4, 2013. The bolts connecting the right hand rear suspension link arm may have been damaged during vehicle production.

CONSEQUENCE:
The damaged bolts may fail, allowing the link arm to separate from the vehicle, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the connecting bolts for the right hand rear suspension link arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May 2014. Land Rover's number for this recall is P040.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Noah Joseph