Jaguar Land Rover MHEV Recall Over DC-DC Converter Failure Risk

Jaguar Land Rover has initiated a large-scale recall impacting 170,169 mild hybrid electric vehicles in the United States, following the discovery of a defect in the DC-DC converter system. This issue originates from an internal fault within the boost control microchip, which plays a critical role in maintaining stable electrical conversion. The affected vehicles rely on this component to ensure proper 12V system functionality, making it essential for overall vehicle operation and safety.

Failure Impact on Vehicle Performance and Safety

According to the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a failure in the DC-DC converter results in the loss of 12V battery charging. Drivers are alerted through a red warning message stating “Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected.” If the vehicle continues to operate under this condition, it may gradually lose propulsion and eventually coast to a stop. Over time, additional failures such as loss of exterior lighting can occur, significantly increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Affected Models and Production Details

The recall spans multiple vehicle lines produced across European manufacturing facilities. It includes mild hybrid variants of popular models such as Range Rover Velar, Discovery, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover, Discovery Sport, Defender, Jaguar F-Pace, and Jaguar E-Pace. These vehicles were manufactured between 2019 and 2024, depending on the model, reflecting the widespread integration of mild hybrid systems across the brand’s portfolio during this period.

List of Impacted Models and Production Years

Supplier Involvement and Root Cause

The faulty DC-DC converter units were supplied by LG Innotek, with production traced to facilities in Poland. The issue lies specifically within the boost control microchip embedded in the converter hardware. This component is responsible for regulating voltage transformation between high-voltage and low-voltage systems, making its reliability critical in hybrid architectures. Any malfunction directly affects electrical stability and essential vehicle functions.

Corrective Measures and Future Updates

A revised hardware specification for the DC-DC converter, combined with updated software, was gradually introduced during the 2024 model year across different vehicle lines. However, for the vehicles currently under recall, a definitive corrective repair solution has not yet been finalized. The company has stated that further updates regarding repair actions will be communicated once a validated solution is available, indicating that ongoing investigations are still in progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the Jaguar Land Rover MHEV recall?
The recall is caused by a fault in the DC-DC converter’s boost control microchip, which disrupts 12V battery charging and can lead to vehicle power loss. This issue affects the electrical stability of mild hybrid systems, potentially causing warning alerts, propulsion failure, and eventual loss of lighting, all of which increase safety risks during driving conditions.