Jaguar Land Rover Faces US NHTSA Probe Over 92,000 Vehicles

Market News

Jaguar Land Rover, the iconic UK-based automaker under Tata Motors, is now under a U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation. The agency launched a preliminary probe into nearly 92,000 Range Rover Sport vehicles sold in North America over possible defects in front steering components. Let’s dive into what’s happening and why it matters.

What sparked the NHTSA investigation?

On June 30, 2025, NHTSA revealed that it received reports of aluminum front steering knuckles fracturing on certain 2014‑2017 Range Rover Sport models. These knuckles link the front wheels to key parts like the braking system. A cracked knuckle could make it harder to steer and raise the risk of crashes.

What does that mean for drivers right now? The investigation is still preliminary. NHTSA is looking into how bad the issue is, how widespread, and what caused it.

Which cars are affected?

The affected vehicles include 2014 to 2017 Range Rover Sport models sold by JLR’s North America unit. That totals around 91,856 units under evaluation.

Interested owners can check their VINs via NHTSA or JLR to see if their vehicle is under review.

Why did Jaguar Land Rover face this issue?

So, why did this happen?
The aluminum knuckles may develop tiny fractures over time, especially under heavy use or on rough roads. As JLR vehicles age, parts like these can fail unexpectedly.

Could this affect other models too?
At the moment, NHTSA is focused just on the Range Rover Sport. But if similar parts are used in other models, the probe could expand.

What are the risks for drivers?

A broken steering knuckle can cause the wheel to misalign or even come loose, making it tough to control the vehicle. That means a higher risk of accidents or crashes.

If you own one of the vehicles, it’s smart to check your VIN and watch for official alerts from Jaguar or NHTSA.

What steps are next?

  1. NHTSA will collect and analyse crash reports, incidents, and service data
  2. If a defect is confirmed, they may issue a recall requiring JLR to offer free repairs
  3. Until then, JLR might offer early service alerts or optional inspections
  4. Owners should keep checking their VIN and watch for formal notices

How might this affect Jaguar Land Rover?

This probe lands at a tough time for JLR. Any safety notice, especially involving steering, can hurt the brand’s reputation. Plus, managing recalls and spare parts adds to the already complex cost structure under parent Tata Motors (TTM).

Automakers like Mercedes and Toyota have handled bigger recalls before. For JLR, quick action can reduce legal and financial fallout.

Should Jaguar Sport owners be worried?

Here’s what to do:

  • Check if your VIN matches the affected 2014–2017 Range Rover Sport
  • Monitor news from NHTSA or JLR for recall updates
  • If you notice strange steering or knocking noises, schedule an inspection

Final Thoughts

NHTSA’s preliminary review of 92,000 Range Rover Sport vehicles signals a serious safety watch on Jaguar Land Rover. If defects are confirmed, it could lead to recalls and repairs to protect drivers. For now, owners should stay alert and follow official channels.

Disclaimer:

This content is made for learning only. It is not meant to give financial advice. Always check the facts yourself. Financial decisions need detailed research.