Your luxury electric SUV could be a hidden hazard if you own a 2019–2024 Jaguar I-PACE. Jaguar's once-celebrated EV has become synonymous with battery fire risks, triggering eight federal recalls, repeated parking bans, and a forced buyback program. Here's how the crisis unfolded—and what it means for owners.

A Timeline of Repeated Failures

The trouble began in May 2023 when Jaguar recalled 6,367 I-PACE SUVs after eight battery fires were reported in the U.S. The automaker blamed overheating in LG Energy Solution batteries and rolled out a software update to limit charging to 75%. Owners were told this would “monitor” risks, but by October 2023, three more fires erupted in supposedly “fixed” vehicles. Internal NHTSA documents revealed the software failed to detect intermittent faults, forcing Jaguar to reissue updates.

By February 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took drastic action, mandating that owners park their I-PACE SUVs outdoors for 30 days after repairs and capping charging at 80%—a confusing reversal from prior limits. The move came after fires persisted, including one incident where smoke billowed from an I-PACE that had undergone three software “fixes.”

The breaking point arrived in August 2024. Under NHTSA pressure, Jaguar agreed to buy back 2,760 units of the 2019 model year after admitting its patches couldn't resolve internal short circuits in LG batteries. Even this drastic step faltered: By December 2024, 52 repurchased vehicles faced another recall (24V927000) due to flawed repairs.

Why 2019–2020 Models Are Most Vulnerable

The 2019 Jaguar I-PACE, the model year hit hardest, accounted for 43% of all incidents linked to recalls. NHTSA investigators traced the fires to defective LG battery cells—the same supplier behind GM's $1.8 billion Bolt EV recall. Internal documents showed these cells could short-circuit without warning, even when parked. Jaguar's reliance on software updates (like H441 and H459) only masked the problem, slashing driving range by 68 miles and leaving owners with unreliable vehicles.

Emails between Jaguar and NHTSA, disclosed in report 24V633-9768, revealed the automaker delayed hardware fixes to avoid costs. Instead, they prioritized temporary software patches, leaving families at risk of garage fires. One owner reported their $89,000 I-PACE lost over half its value due to the recalls—a financial blow compounded by safety fears.

Your Legal Rights: Compensation Could Be Possible

Owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement under lemon law. Others may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act. For example, if your I-PACE spent 30+ days in repair shops or required three unsuccessful fixes, New York and New Jersey lemon laws could apply. Even if Jaguar repurchased your vehicle, you might be owed additional compensation for diminished value or repair costs.

Need Help? We Fight for Your Rights

Automakers like Jaguar deploy teams to minimize payouts, but you don't have to face them alone. At our Law Office, we specialize in lemon law and warranty claims, securing refunds, replacements, and cash settlements for defective vehicles. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Sources:

• Jaguar I-Pace Owners Told To Park Outside (Carscoops)
• 2023 Jaguar Battery Recall (Carscoops)
• 5th I-PACE Recall (InsideEVs)
• Jaguar Park-Outside Order (AP News)
• NHTSA Recall Portal
• NHTSA Report 23V369000
• NHTSA Report 23V709000
• NHTSA Report 24V085000
• NHTSA Report 24V183000
• NHTSA Report 24V633000
• NHTSA Report 24V927000

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