Jaguar I-Pace Lemon Law

The heart of the I-Pace is its high-voltage lithium-ion traction battery, and it is also the source of the model's most serious defect. Jaguar Land Rover has recalled I-Pace vehicles more than once over the risk that the battery pack can overheat and, in the worst case, catch fire — a defect traced to a manufacturing flaw in certain battery cells that can cause an internal short circuit.

The interim response has often been a software update that caps the maximum state of charge (commonly to around 90 percent) and, in some cases, instructions to park and charge the vehicle outdoors away from structures until a permanent repair is available. That reduces usable range and leaves owners waiting on a full remedy, which can involve inspection or replacement of battery components at a dealer.

A recall does not automatically make a car a lemon. But when the battery defect persists after the software update, the vehicle keeps returning for the same charging or overheating problem, or the I-Pace sits out of service for an extended time waiting on a permanent fix, California's Lemon Law may entitle you to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement — with Jaguar paying your attorney fees.

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it's the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free repair. California's Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Act) comes into play when a substantial defect can't be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts, or when your I-Pace has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.

If your Jaguar I-Pace qualifies, you may be entitled to a buyback (a refund of what you've paid, minus a mileage offset), a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement — and Jaguar pays your attorney fees on a successful claim, so pursuing your case costs you nothing out of pocket.