Jaguar Land Rover has recalled 2,278 Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicles in the United States after regulators warned that a high-voltage battery defect could increase the risk of overheating and fire. The recall affects 2020 and 2021 model-year vehicles and follows reports of what safety documents describe as “thermal overload” within the battery pack.
According to recall filings submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, affected vehicles may experience battery overheating that could show as smoke or, in rare cases, fire. No cost will be passed on to owners for the interim repair, the company said.
The immediate response is a software update that limits the battery’s maximum state of charge to 90%. The update can be applied at a dealership or delivered over the air. Engineers are continuing to develop a permanent remedy while further inspections are carried out.
What is the issue?
Investigations have pointed to a potential manufacturing defect described as a “folded anode tab” in certain battery cells. An anode tab helps move electrical current within a lithium-ion cell. If that tab is bent or misaligned during production, it can increase the likelihood of an internal short circuit.
Internal short circuits are a serious safety concern in high-energy battery systems because they can rapidly generate heat. In extreme cases, the heat may lead to what engineers call thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can result in fire.
The affected cells were produced at an LG Energy Solution facility in Poland, according to recall documentation. The supplier continues to inspect modules flagged by the updated diagnostic software as potentially exhibiting characteristics consistent with the defect.
What should owners do?
Until the interim software update is installed, owners are advised to limit charging to 90% and to unplug the vehicle once it reaches that level. Jaguar also recommends parking outside and away from structures where possible, and charging outdoors if practical.
- Limit battery charge to 90%.
- Park outside and away from buildings where possible.
- Monitor charging status using the vehicle display or remote app.
- Contact emergency services immediately if smoke, unusual heat, or fire is observed.
The 90% cap reduces the amount of stored energy in the battery at any given time, which in turn lowers stress on the pack. While many EV manufacturers recommend avoiding frequent 100% charging to preserve long-term battery health, this cap is framed explicitly as a safety measure during the investigation period.
What happens next?
Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on April 3. The company has said that a final repair solution is still under development. That remedy could involve additional software controls, inspection, replacement of affected modules, or a combination of measures depending on findings from ongoing supplier analysis.
Electric vehicle recalls tied to battery systems remain closely scrutinised because of the high energy density involved. Although EV fires are statistically rare compared with internal combustion vehicle fires, lithium-ion battery incidents tend to attract attention due to their intensity and the technical complexity of remediation.
Drivers who believe their vehicle may be affected can review official recall information through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall database by entering their vehicle identification number.
The Jaguar I-Pace was one of the brand’s first fully electric models and has been widely praised for its design and performance. The recall underscores how battery manufacturing precision remains central to EV safety as automakers continue expanding electric line-ups across global markets.
