A division of the same multinational auto manufacturer behind Land Rover, Jaguar is a luxury car brand based in Coventry, England. Founded as Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922, Jaguar initially focused its operations exclusively on motorcycle sidecars before expanding into passenger vehicles soon after. The company was eventually nationalized and merged into British Leyland before being spun off again in 1984. After a short time as a Ford subsidiary, Jaguar was sold to Indian corporation Tata Motors, where it was merged with Land Rover. Despite the international ownership, Jaguar is still primarily assembled in the United Kingdom where it is headquartered.
Popular Jaguar Models
While all Jaguar models currently on the market have achieved some measure of popularity, the Jaguar XJ is arguably the most popular. First produced in 2010, the luxury full-size car is a four-door sedan known for its powerful motor. The XJ was debuted with much fanfare, including an introduction by Jay Leno in London in 2009.
The Jaguar F-Type is the sort of two-door convertible sports car many people associate with a brand like Jaguar. Launched in 2012 during the Paris Motor Show, the vehicle is billed as the spiritual successor the popular Jaguar E-Type. Despite that, the vehicle is actually based on a shortened version of the XK platform.
Like most automakers, Jaguar has also dipped its toes into the Sport Utility Vehicle market. The Jaguar E-Pace is a luxury compact SUV debuted by Jaguar in July of 2017. Manufactured in Austria, the E-Pace is Jaguar's second foray into the SUV market.
The original Jaguar SUV is the Jaguar F-Pace. First produced in 2016, the SUV is a compact luxury crossover that comes in a 5-door layout. Manufactured in The United Kingdom, the F-Pace was named the honorary 2017 World Car of the Year in 2017.
In addition to its gas-powered SUV models, Jaguar has also released its electric SUV known as the Jaguar I-Pace. The I-Pace is an electric-powered crossover SUV with a sleek body style and 5-door body style. First released in 2018, the I-Pace is the first electric luxury SUV released by a European automaker.
Jaguar Safety Ratings
Like with most luxury brands, Jaguar has a long list of safety accolades. In 2017, Euro NCAP awarded the Jaguar F-pace with a five-star safety rating – the best rating available. Altogether, the vehicle scored 93% for adult passenger protection and 85% for child passenger protection. The F-Pace also won high marks for its Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection system.
While Jaguar does not submit their vehicles to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety like most manufacturers, all of their models have received high marks from European regulators that have tested the safety and reliability of each model. Despite these sterling safety ratings, the unfortunate reality is that Jaguar vehicles are as susceptible to safety and reliability issues as any other manufacturer.
Recalls, Defects, and Safety Issues
With the high cost and exclusive reputation Jaguar has cultivated, it would be easy to assume that the luxury automaker had managed to avoid the same safety issues that plague other car makers. This is not the case. Jaguar vehicles have been the subjected of many recalls, while other safety complaints have yet to be addressed by the automaker. To learn if your Jaguar model is subject to a recall, visit the official site and search using your VIN to discovery any active notices.
Diesel Emissions Scandal
In a scandal that has become commonplace amount automakers, Jaguar has been the most recent manufacturer busted for falsifying emissions data in order to meet government emissions standards. The falsified emission data occurred in vehicles from model years 2014 through 2018, and include models like the Jaguar XE, Jaguar XF, Jaguar E-Pace, and the Jaguar F-Pace.
The emissions issue was first noted by British regulators. According to their report, the CO2 emitted from these vehicles is far higher than what is reported by the automaker. While Jaguar has vowed to correct the issue at no cost to the driver, the issue remains unresolved for many. That is due in part to the potential for the necessary repair to cut into each model's gas mileage. If you were defrauded by Jaguar, it is important you discuss your options with an attorney right away.
Brake Failure
Jaguar has introduced a line of electric vehicles, and they are not immune to some of the safety defects that gas-powered models also suffer from. In June of 2019, Jaguar issued a recall for more than 3,000 vehicles due to a regenerative brake failure. The issue, which affects Jaguar I-Pace 2019 and 2020 model year vehicles, involves the responsiveness of a vehicle's braking system. The problem is due to a software issue that caused a delay between the driver pressing the brakes and the brakes responding. While any brake issue has obvious safety implications, to date no injuries have been attributed to the regenerative brake failure.
Dashboard Display Failure
In 2018, Jaguar responded to reports of intermittent dashboard display failure by issuing a recall for more than 7,000 vehicles. The recall, which affected model-year 2017-2018 XF sedans and F-Pace SUVs, was especially problematic as it would cause drivers to miss out on important information while driving, including the gas level and the speed the vehicle was traveling. Jaguar identified a software issue as the cause and offered a free software update to address any affected vehicles. While troublesome, the defect is not on record as causing a motor vehicle collision to date.
Jaguar Problems? Discuss Your Options with an Attorney and Get the Help You Need.
Luxury vehicles are not immune to the kinds of safety and reliability issues that every automaker faces. Whether it is an issue that Jaguar has addressed through a recall or something that you are repeatedly experiencing, you are protected by the California Lemon Law. When fighting against Big Auto you deserve legal counsel you can rely on. To understand your rights under the Lemon Law, contact The Lemon Lawyer today to have your questions answered.