Jaguar Land Rover Issues Urgent Recall for 2,300 Electric I-Pace SUVs
In a move underscoring the evolving challenges of electric vehicle (EV) safety, Jaguar Land Rover has announced a recall affecting nearly 2,300 I-Pace electric SUVs in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed on February 10, 2026, that the recall targets 2,278 vehicles from the 2020 and 2021 model years due to a critical battery defect that could lead to overheating and potential fires. This development highlights the growing pains of the EV industry as manufacturers grapple with battery reliability amid surging demand for green transportation.
The I-Pace, Jaguar's flagship all-electric SUV, has been praised for its sleek design, impressive range of up to 234 miles, and zero-emission performance since its debut in 2018. However, this recall serves as a stark reminder that even premium EVs aren't immune to manufacturing hiccups. As electric vehicles become more mainstream— with U.S. EV sales projected to hit 1.5 million units in 2026—incidents like this amplify the need for rigorous quality controls in battery production.
Understanding the Root Cause of the Recall
Investigations by Jaguar Land Rover pinpointed the issue to a 'folded anode tab' in specific battery cells. These cells were produced at an LG Energy Solution facility in Poland, a key supplier in the global EV battery supply chain. The defect can cause irregular electrical flow within the high-voltage battery pack, leading to thermal overload. In extreme cases, this overheating may escalate into a fire, posing serious risks to drivers, passengers, and nearby property.
According to NHTSA reports, no fires or injuries have been directly linked to this specific defect so far, but the potential for such events prompted swift action. Battery fires in EVs, though rare, garner significant attention due to their intensity and difficulty in extinguishing—often requiring specialized firefighting techniques. This recall echoes similar issues seen in other EVs, such as the Chevrolet Bolt's massive battery recall in 2021, which affected over 140,000 vehicles and cost General Motors billions. Experts note that anode tab folding is a subtle manufacturing error, often stemming from high-speed assembly lines under pressure to meet production quotas for the booming EV market.
Why Battery Defects Are a Growing Concern in EVs
The lithium-ion batteries powering most EVs are complex assemblies of thousands of cells, each prone to microscopic flaws. As the U.S. pushes toward electrification—bolstered by incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act—suppliers like LG face immense scale-up demands. A 2025 study by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) found that battery-related recalls in EVs rose 25% year-over-year, driven by defects in cell chemistry and assembly. For Jaguar, reliant on imported components, this incident underscores supply chain vulnerabilities in a geopolitically tense world, where disruptions from Europe could ripple across the Atlantic.
Remedies and What Owners Can Expect
Jaguar Land Rover is rolling out an interim fix immediately: a software update that caps the battery's state of charge at 90%. This can be applied by dealers or via over-the-air (OTA) updates, a perk of modern connected vehicles. Owners won't face any costs for this service, aligning with federal recall guidelines that mandate free repairs.
The final remedy remains under development, likely involving physical battery inspections or replacements for affected cells. NHTSA estimates the recall process will begin in earnest by mid-2026, with notifications mailed to owners. In the meantime, Jaguar advises using the latest Jaguar Remote App or in-vehicle displays to monitor charging. Drivers should manually unplug the vehicle once it hits 90% to prevent overcharging—a simple step that could avert disaster.
Safety Tips for I-Pace Owners During the Recall
To minimize risks, the company urges parking affected vehicles outdoors, away from buildings, garages, or flammable materials. Charging should also occur outside, preferably on non-combustible surfaces like concrete or gravel. If an unusual odor, smoke, or heat is detected from the battery area, owners are instructed to evacuate immediately and contact emergency services. These precautions are standard for EV fire risks but feel especially poignant for luxury models like the I-Pace, where owners expect top-tier reliability.
Broader Implications for the EV Market and U.S. Consumers
This recall isn't isolated; it's part of a wave of scrutiny on EV batteries. Just last month, BMW recalled nearly 90,000 vehicles over engine starter fire risks, showing that safety challenges span both electric and traditional powertrains. For U.S. consumers, who purchased over 1 million EVs in 2025 alone, these events fuel debates on affordability versus safety. The I-Pace, priced starting at around $70,000, appeals to eco-conscious affluent buyers, but recalls could dent Jaguar's reputation in a competitive segment dominated by Tesla and Rivian.
From an industry perspective, this incident may accelerate investments in domestic battery production. The Biden-Harris administration's $7.5 billion in grants for U.S. battery plants aims to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers like LG. Analysts predict that by 2030, homegrown innovations could cut defect rates by 40%, fostering safer, more resilient EVs. For now, though, recalls like this reinforce the importance of NHTSA's role in protecting American drivers.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
Worried about your I-Pace? Visit the NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), found on the dashboard or driver's side door. Jaguar's owner portal also provides recall status updates. If affected, schedule a service appointment promptly—delays could expose you to unnecessary risks.
As the EV revolution accelerates, stories like this remind us that innovation comes with hurdles. Jaguar Land Rover's proactive response is commendable, but it also signals the maturity of the market: from hype to handling real-world flaws. Stay informed, charge safely, and drive on— the road to electrification is getting smoother, one recall at a time.
