Exterior Lighting Failure In 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) has issued a recall for certain 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles, addressing a significant issue with the exterior lighting system. This recall, essential for ensuring vehicle safety, particularly focuses on the right-side tailgate and body-mounted lights.
The problem came to light in October 2022, following field reports of water ingress in tail lamps. Jaguar engineers initiated an investigation to determine the extent and pattern of these issues. By September 2023, a thorough review by the Product Safety and Compliance Committee (PSCC) concluded that factors beyond the control of the lamp manufacturer were contributing to the risk of water entering the tail lamps.
The PSCC directed the Vehicle Assembly Plant quality team to examine the vehicle finishing procedures during final assembly. The team found discrepancies in the tail lamp installation process. Specifically, the right-hand side lamps were subject to mechanical alterations, unlike the left-hand side, leading to potential water ingress issues.
On December 14, 2023, the Regulatory and Compliance Division (RDC) reviewed the issue and deemed it an unreasonable risk to safety. Consequently, a voluntary safety recall was recommended. While there have been no reported accidents, injuries, or fires due to this issue, approximately 144 warranty claims related to this matter have been filed.
The defect report highlights that water ingress in the right-hand tailgate and body-mounted rear lamps could lead to failures of critical lighting functions. This includes the brake/stop lamp, outer marker lamp, reversing lamp, and turn indicator. The loss of functionality in these lamps significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions.
To address this safety concern, dealers will replace the right-side tailgate and body-mounted lights at no charge to the vehicle owner. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be sent out starting February 9, 2024.
Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837 for more information. The recall has been assigned the number N830 by Land Rover, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number is 23V-871.
This recall underscores the importance of meticulous manufacturing and assembly processes in vehicle safety. Land Rover's proactive approach in addressing these lighting issues reflects their commitment to customer safety and maintaining the high standards expected of their vehicles. Owners of the affected models are urged to take prompt action and have their vehicles serviced as per the recall instructions.