Land Rover Recalls Over 250,000 SUVs Due to Airbag Issue
Land Rover has announced a large-scale recall of the Defender, Discovery, and Range Rover models. The cause is a defect that could prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying. A total of 250,857 vehicles, produced between 2020 and 2026, are affected by the recall.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has officially announced the recall, which has put Land Rover in a crisis situation due to a sales halt. It covers the Defender (2020-2026), Discovery (2021-2026), and Range Rover (2022-2026) models.
According to the government, the vehicles have a driver’s airbag clock spring connector that may be susceptible to corrosion. This could lead to the airbag deploying incorrectly or failing completely.
Investigation and Problem Discovery
In August 2025, Land Rover noticed an increase in warranty claims related to airbag warning lights. This prompted an investigation, which ultimately found oxides on the contacts of some returned clock spring connectors. The company also discovered fretting corrosion and determined it could “lead to increased resistance in the driver’s airbag circuit, potentially causing it not to deploy when necessary.”
The company has not received any reports of airbag non-deployment in the United States. Engineering analysis suggests the airbag warning light will illuminate at least 300-400 miles (483-644 km) before a potential failure. This is a significant warning, and drivers should pay attention to it.
Simple Solution for a Complex Problem
Interestingly, the fix is a dab of lubricating gel that will protect the airbag connector contacts. Despite its simplicity, there is currently no ready solution at the dealer level, so owners will receive their first notification in August. Once the lubricant becomes available, another letter will be sent.
While the problem appears technically simple, the scale of the recall — over a quarter of a million vehicles — highlights the seriousness of the situation for Land Rover. The sales ban on these models until the defect is fixed creates additional pressure on the company, which is already facing market challenges. At the same time, the fact that the system warns the driver hundreds of kilometers before a potential failure allows time for a safe resolution. This case also serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor issues, like contact corrosion, can have critical safety consequences in modern vehicles.