Jaguar I-PACE owners have expressed fear over driving their vehicles after the company warned that some models pose a fire risk due to potential battery thermal overload. The British manufacturer issued a notice to customers, stating that the condition 'may present as smoke or fire,' affecting over 26,000 vehicles in the UK up to the 2021 model year, according to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) estimates the figure closer to 16,300.
JLR has urged owners to park away from buildings and charge outdoors until an interim repair is carried out, which limits the battery charge to 90 per cent. Drivers have complained that no timeline has been given for a permanent fix. Kim Armstrong, a fire safety engineer, told The Independent he no longer allows his grandchildren in the car, citing safety concerns. He also noted that his insurance company would not cover damage from a battery fire.
Another owner, David, who learned of the issue via social media, expressed worry about his family's safety while driving. Andrew Parker, who has faced multiple battery problems since purchasing his I-PACE in 2023, said the car's value has plummeted from £32,000 to around £7,000 due to the charging restriction. He criticised JLR for 'kicking the can down the road' for two years.
A JLR spokesperson stated that the company is voluntarily recalling affected I-PACE vehicles and will provide a cost-free software update to address the safety risk. The DVSA confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely to ensure safe vehicle use.
