What’s Behind the Latest Range Rover Evoque Recall and Should Owners Be Worried?
If you drive a Range Rover Evoque from the 2021 to 2025 model years, you might have heard some buzz about a new recall. Nearly 21,000 of these luxury crossovers are headed back to the dealer—not for a minor quirk, but for a passenger airbag issue that could have real safety implications. So what’s actually going on, and how concerned should you be?
Why Are So Many Range Rover Evoques Being Recalled?
Let’s get right to the heart of it: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is recalling 20,999 Evoques because the passenger airbag might tear when it deploys. That’s not just a technicality. If the airbag rips, it might not protect the passenger as intended during a crash. Even more worrying, a torn airbag could let hot gases escape, potentially causing burns or other injuries.
The issue isn’t just theoretical. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) discovered abnormal airbag deployments during routine testing, which kicked off a formal investigation back in May 2023. At first, JLR and its suppliers didn’t find anything alarming. But as testing continued, they noticed something odd: the way the airbag was folded varied from car to car. That inconsistency turned out to be a likely culprit for the deployment failures.
How Serious Is the Risk for Drivers and Passengers?
Here’s the good news: as of now, there haven’t been any reported injuries or accidents linked to this defect. JLR is acting out of what they call “an abundance of caution.” Still, the risk is real enough that federal regulators and the automaker both agree a recall is necessary.
Airbags have saved more than 50,000 lives in the United States, according to the NHTSA. But when they don’t work as designed, the consequences can be severe. In this case, a torn airbag could mean less protection in a crash and a higher chance of burns from escaping gases. It’s not something you want to gamble with.
What’s Causing the Airbag Problem in These Models?
The investigation zeroed in on “variability in the folds of the airbag.” In plain English, that means the way the airbag was packed at the factory wasn’t consistent. Think of it like folding a parachute: if it’s not done the same way every time, you can’t count on it to open correctly.
This isn’t the first time airbags have made headlines for the wrong reasons. Over the past decade, millions of vehicles from various brands have been recalled for airbag defects—some with tragic outcomes. The difference here is that the issue was caught early, before any injuries occurred.
How Will JLR Fix the Problem for Owners?
If your Evoque is affected, you’ll get an official notice in the mail starting in late August. The fix is straightforward: dealers will replace the passenger airbag module and any related components, free of charge. No need to stress about a complicated or drawn-out repair. Most dealerships can handle this kind of work in a single appointment.
If you’re not sure whether your vehicle is included, you can check your VIN on the NHTSA’s recall website or contact your local Land Rover dealer. Don’t wait for the letter if you’re concerned—dealers are usually happy to help you check.
Are Airbag Recalls Becoming More Common?
It might feel like you’re hearing about airbag recalls all the time lately, and you’re not wrong. According to the NHTSA, airbag-related recalls have spiked in recent years, often due to manufacturing inconsistencies or supplier issues. The infamous Takata airbag recall, which affected over 67 million vehicles in the US alone, set a new standard for how seriously these problems are taken.
Automakers and regulators are now much quicker to act, sometimes recalling vehicles before any injuries occur. That’s a good thing for drivers, even if it means more trips to the dealer.
What Should Evoque Owners Do Next?
If you own a 2021–2025 Range Rover Evoque, keep an eye out for the recall notice. In the meantime, there’s no evidence that driving your vehicle is unsafe under normal conditions, but it’s wise to get the fix as soon as it’s available. If you regularly carry passengers, especially children or older adults, prioritize the repair.
For anyone considering buying a used Evoque from these model years, ask the seller if the recall repair has been completed. It’s a simple question that could make a big difference in a crash.
The big takeaway? Car safety isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, like checking your VIN for recalls, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end.