Land Rover has issued one of its biggest safety recalls in recent years after identifying a defect that could prevent the driver’s airbag from deploying correctly in a crash. The recall affects 250,857 vehicles across multiple model lines and has also triggered a stop-sale order until dealerships receive an approved repair solution.
The action follows an investigation into rising warranty claims linked to airbag warning lights, raising fresh concerns about vehicle safety across some of the brand’s most popular SUVs.
Which Land Rover Models Are Affected?
The recall covers several recent Land Rover models sold in the United States, including:
- 2020–2026 Defender
- 2021–2026 Discovery
- 2022–2026 Range Rover
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue lies within the driver’s airbag clockspring connector. Over time, corrosion can develop on the connector terminals, increasing electrical resistance within the airbag circuit.
If the resistance becomes too high, the driver’s airbag may fail to deploy properly during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
Investigation Began After Warranty Claims Increased
Land Rover’s internal investigation started in August 2025 after engineers noticed a rise in warranty claims related to illuminated airbag warning lights.
Returned components were examined, revealing oxidation and fretting corrosion on the clockspring connector pins. Engineers concluded that this corrosion could interrupt the electrical connection needed to activate the driver’s airbag during a crash.
While the problem presents a serious safety concern, the company says it has not received any reports of airbag failures or related injuries in the United States.
Warning Light Gives Drivers Advance Notice
One reassuring aspect of the investigation is that affected vehicles are expected to provide drivers with an early warning.
Land Rover’s engineering analysis indicates that the airbag warning light should illuminate approximately 300 to 400 miles (483–644 km) before the defect could potentially prevent airbag deployment.
Owners who notice the airbag warning light are advised not to ignore it and should arrange for their vehicle to be inspected as soon as possible.
Simple Repair, But Owners Will Have to Wait
Ironically, the long-term fix is relatively straightforward.
Land Rover has determined that applying a specially formulated lubricant gel to the airbag connector terminals will help prevent corrosion and restore reliable electrical contact. However, dealerships have not yet received the required repair materials or official service procedure.
As a result, owners will first receive an initial recall notification letter in August informing them about the issue. A second notification will be mailed once dealerships are ready to carry out the repair free of charge.
What Owners Should Do Now
Until the repair becomes available, owners should remain alert for any airbag warning messages or dashboard indicators. Vehicles displaying an airbag warning light should be inspected promptly, as the warning is designed to alert drivers well before the issue could affect airbag performance.
The recall highlights how even a small electrical connector can have major safety implications. With more than a quarter of a million vehicles affected and sales temporarily halted, Land Rover is now working to deliver the repair as quickly as possible while reassuring owners that no U.S. airbag non-deployment incidents have been reported so far.
