Jaguar is issuing a recall of 6,637 I-Pace electric SUVs in the US due to concerns over potential battery fires. The recall affects vehicles produced between 2019, the first year the electric SUV was produced, and 2024, and will involve a software update, but potentially also a replacement of the entire battery pack.
According to the recall documents first spotted by Reuters, the recall is to address the risk of the high-voltage batteries overheating, which could lead to a fire. Jaguar engineers have not yet determined whether the battery-pack assembly itself is defective or the cause of the overheating. To mitigate the risk, updated Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) software will be installed through a dealer or over-the-air (OTA) update, enabling continuous monitoring of the battery pack for overheating conditions.
If a problem is detected the software will provide enhanced driver warnings regarding battery condition and restrict charging to 75% capacity.
In the event of a detected fire risk, owners of vehicles with the updated software will be instructed to bring their cars to dealerships for inspection through on-screen prompts in the vehicle. If necessary, battery modules or packs will be replaced free of charge. Although I-Pace production began in 2018, the most recent vehicles already include revised battery-monitoring software.
Jaguar says there have been eight vehicle fires reported in the US, but there have been no accidents or injuries related to these incidents.
You can read the full NHTSA recall notice below. No similar recall has been posted yet by Transport Canada.
RCLRPT-23V369-7824
