NHTSA Engineering Analysis: Front Steering Knuckle Fractures in Land Rover Range Rover (EA26-003)

EA26-003 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Land Rover Range Rover?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is upgrading its Preliminary Evaluation (PE25006) of front steering knuckle fractures on model year (MY) 2014 through 2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles to an Engineering Analysis.

ODI opened PE25006 on June 27, 2025, after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports of the front aluminum steering knuckles fracturing in these vehicles.

The reports describe the fractures occurring at the joint where the steering knuckle attaches to the upper control arm ball joint in one or both steering knuckles.

Fracture of the front suspension knuckle can lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm.

Detachment of the upper suspension arm results in the driver's inability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

ODI reviewed information supplied by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in response to Information Request letters as well as reviewed the data with JLR on numerous occasions.

ODI further reviewed relevant data on a peer vehicle with a significantly similar steering knuckle design, the MY 2014 through 2017 Range Rover.

Much of the information is contradictory and requires a deeper analysis that is available in an Engineering Analysis.

On August 5, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) filed safety recall 25V514.

This recall covers certain MY 2014 and all MY 2015-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.

The remedy for recall 25V514 addresses knuckles with and without a visible fracture.

Knuckles that have developed a visible fracture will be replaced with a new knuckle of a substantially similar design.

Knuckles with no fracture visibly present will have a brace attached to the upper portion of the front steering knuckle.

JLR states that the purpose of the brace is to prevent the component from completely separating should a fracture develop.

NHTSA continues to receive allegations of fractures occurring in the front steering knuckles of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.

Two of the most recent VOQs received by ODI involve front steering knuckle fractures occurring on MY 2020 and MY 2021 Range Rover L405 vehicles.

ODI will continue to investigate the component design and assess the potential safety risk as part of this Engineering Analysis and evaluate the recall remedies for Recall 25V514.

Further, the scope of this Engineering Analysis will be expanded to include MY 2018-2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles as they have a substantially similar component design.

To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What is an engineering analysis?

Engineering Analysis is the second, deeper stage of a federal defect investigation, opened when a preliminary evaluation finds enough evidence. NHTSA can test vehicles and demand detailed engineering data, and this stage often ends with a recall or a recall request.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Land Rover Range Rover owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 41 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2024-2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Frame Recall (26V613)
• 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Transmission Control Module Recall (26V607)
• 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Dc and Dc Converter Recall (26V599)
• 2021-2026 Land Rover Defender Front Air Bag Recall (26V389)
• 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Warning Light and Devices Recall (26V297)
• 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Dc and Dc Converter Recall (26V248)
• 2023-2026 Land Rover Range Rover Exterior Trim Recall (26V097)
• 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Label Recall (26V005)
• 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Gear Position Indication Recall (25V705)
• 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Seat Belt Buckle Recall (25V155)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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