Oil Hose Safety Concern for 2024 Land Rover Range Rover with V8 Gasoline NC11 Engines

A serious defect has been identified in the 2024 model year Land Rover Range Rover vehicles equipped with V8 Gasoline NC11 engines. This issue, concerning the engine's oil hose fittings, poses a substantial safety risk to drivers and other road users.

The Core of the Problem

The defect report highlights a concerning flaw in the fittings used to secure the engine-mounted oil cooler hoses. These fittings, crucial for maintaining the hose's position, have been found to lack adequate thread engagement. The consequence of this defect is severe: the threads on the stud may strip, leading to the hoses becoming loose or entirely separating from their joint.

Potential Hazards

If the oil cooler hose becomes loose or detaches, it could result in substantial volumes of engine oil spilling onto the road. Such spillage not only damages the vehicle but also creates a dangerous skid hazard for other road users. Motorcyclists, in particular, face heightened risk, as they are more vulnerable to accidents caused by slippery road conditions. The likelihood of crashes increases significantly, posing a threat to public safety.

Discovery and Response

Jaguar Land Rover North America first became aware of this problem after discovering a loose oil cooler hose on an NC11 V8 gasoline engine at the Solihull Vehicle Assembly Plant. Immediately recognizing the severity of the issue, a stop-ship order was issued, and an "Update Prior to Sale" directive was released, halting the vehicles from entering the market until further instructions were provided.

An investigation was initiated by the Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC). The committee called upon an engineering team to delve into the nature and scope of the issue, including its potential consequences. After a comprehensive review, the engineering team reported their findings back to the PSCC. The decision was then made to escalate the matter to the Recall Determination Committee (RDC).  Upon reviewing the investigation, the RDC concluded that a safety defect was present in vehicles manufactured during the identified periods. A safety recall was deemed necessary to address and remedy the issue in the affected vehicles.

Recall Details and Customer Notification

As part of the recall process, dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fasteners and oil cooler hoses. This proactive measure is aimed at preventing any potential accidents related to the defect. For customer reference, Land Rover has assigned the number N845 to this recall, and it has been registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the campaign number 23V-790.