Range Rover, Land Rover Recall Issued Due to Brake Problems

Almost 75,000 Jaguar Range Rover and Land Rover vehicles have been recalled following reports of rupturing brake hoses, which could pose a crash risk to drivers due to longer distances required for stopping. 

The Jaguar Land Rover/Range Rover recall was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Commission on February 6, after receiving a crash report that was allegedly caused by a rupturing brake hose.

The vehicles pose a safety hazard because they may require greater than normal distances to stop when the brakes are applied due to insufficient amounts of braking fluid running through the hose, and in some incidents deplete braking ability completely.

The recall includes certain 2006 through 2012 Jaguar Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles that were manufactured from April 15, 2005 to September 4, 2012. The NHTSA announced there are 74,648 potentially affected vehicles in the U.S. that contain one or two flexible front brake hoses that could rupture unexpectedly. At least one accident has been attributed to the problem.

Incidents of rupturing brake hoses in the vehicles have been recorded since 2010, when the automaker opened an investigation after receiving reports of brake fluid leaks and consumers claiming more force was required to apply the brakes.

In November 2010, Jaguar reported to the NHTSA that it had recognized a small number of brake fluid leaks from the brake flex hose and initiated a Critical Concerns Review to further test the components.

According to Jaguar, the brake hoses that experienced the bulge condition were pressure tested and exceeded the pressure specified requirements. The automaker did not determine any safety hazard or loss of integrity to the brake hoses and closed the investigation without any recall issuance.

Following an accident report involving a rupturing brake hose causing a driver to lose braking ability in November 2014, the NHTSA challenged Jaguar’s conclusion and opened another investigation. After further reviewing the brake hoses the NHTSA and Jaguar determined there was an unreasonable risk to safety and initiated a recall.

Land Rover plans to notify owners by mail with instructions on how to schedule a free replacement of the left and right front brake hoses at certified dealer. The recall is anticipated to begin on March 13, 2015. Customers with further question may contact Land Rover customer Service at 1-800-637-6837.

Separately, Jaguar also recalled nearly 25,000 vehicles on January 29, 2015, after recognizing certain 2014 model year Range Rover Sport vehicles and certain 2013 and 2014 Range Rover vehicles may have had the Brake Vacuum Hose incorrectly routed during the manufacturing process.

According to Jaguar’s Land Rover recall notice (PDF), the installation instructions for the brake hoses did not specify its routing, potentially causing the vacuum hoses to chafe and rupture which could eventually result in decreased braking ability and crash risks.

Jaguar plans to notify owners of the issue and will inspect the condition of the vacuum hose and if no damage is evident, correctly route the hose. If damage is visible the technicians will replace the hoses. Both services will be free of charge.

Jaguar also issued a Jaguar XK recall affecting more than 4,700 vehicles from the 2012 through 2015 model years, due to extinguishing front side lights.

According to the auto maker, when the side lights are switched on with the ignition off, the front lights should remain illuminated until the battery is exhausted rather than extinguishing after 5 minutes. Jaguar plans to notify owners and begin repairing the issue free of charge on March 13, 2015.