Land Rover Airbag Recall: Your California Lemon Law Rights

Jaguar Land Rover has recalled approximately 250,857 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover vehicles (NHTSA recall 26V389000, JLR reference D120) because the driver's airbag may not deploy in a crash. Here's what the recall covers, what to do, and when a recall like this can become a California lemon law claim.

What the recall covers

The recall spans Defender (2020–2026), Discovery (2021–2026), and Range Rover (2022–2026) models. The driver's airbag clockspring connector can develop fretting corrosion — oxidation that builds up as small vibrations rub the metal contacts — raising electrical resistance in the airbag circuit. If resistance climbs high enough, the driver's airbag may fail to deploy in a collision. JLR has reported no U.S. crashes, injuries, or fires tied to the issue and placed a temporary stop-sale on affected vehicles on dealer lots.

What owners should do now

• Watch for your Jaguar Land Rover owner-notification letter and schedule the free repair.
• If your airbag warning light is on, have it checked promptly.
• Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or landroverusa.com.
• Keep your recall letter and every repair order.

When this recall can become a lemon

A recall isn't automatically a lemon — technicians apply a lubricant to the connector to restore a proper connection. But an airbag that may not deploy is a serious safety defect. If the repair is delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your Land Rover has other unrepaired warranty defects, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees.