Land Rover Airbag Deployment Risk
Owners of certain Land Rover vehicles should be aware of a significant new safety defect involving the driver's airbag system. Jaguar Land Rover North America has recalled approximately 250,857 vehicles after discovering that corrosion within the driver's airbag clockspring connector could prevent the airbag from deploying during a collision.
The recall has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-389 and Land Rover Recall Number D120.
What Is the Problem?
According to Jaguar Land Rover, the electrical connector linking the driver's airbag to the clockspring assembly can develop corrosion over time. This corrosion increases electrical resistance within the airbag circuit and, in some cases, may prevent the driver's airbag from deploying when it is needed most.
A driver's airbag that fails to deploy during a serious crash can significantly increase the risk of severe injury or death.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall includes certain:
- 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender
- 2021-2026 Land Rover Discovery
- 2022-2026 Range Rover
How Was the Defect Discovered?
Jaguar Land Rover began investigating the issue on August 29, 2025, after an increase in warranty claims involving illuminated airbag warning lights. Although there were no reports of airbags failing to deploy, engineers launched an extensive investigation to determine whether the warning lights indicated a broader safety concern.
Over the following months, laboratory testing identified fretting corrosion on clockspring connector terminals. Engineers determined that normal vehicle vibration could create the corrosion responsible for increasing electrical resistance in the airbag circuit.
Despite finding no reported cases of airbag non-deployment in the field, Jaguar Land Rover concluded that the potential safety risk warranted a recall. On June 5, 2026, the company's Product Safety and Compliance Committee authorized the recall.
Warning Signs
One important aspect of this recall is that affected vehicles are expected to provide advance warning. Engineering analysis found that the airbag warning light typically illuminates approximately 300 to 400 miles before the corrosion could progress to the point where airbag deployment may be affected. Drivers should never ignore an illuminated airbag warning lamp, as it may indicate that one or more airbags are not functioning properly.
What Is the Repair?
Until a permanent repair is available, Land Rover dealers will perform an interim repair by applying a protective lubricant gel to the driver's airbag connector terminals to help prevent further corrosion. Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on August 7, 2026, with additional notifications to follow once a permanent remedy has been developed.
What Should Owners Do?
If you own one of the affected vehicles, you should:
- If your vehicle is affected, schedule the interim repair with your local Land Rover dealer.
- Never ignore an illuminated airbag warning light.
- Seek immediate inspection if the warning light appears.