Is My Land Rover Under Recall? The 2026 Airbag and 12V Campaigns Explained
Two large 2026 safety recalls cover most late-model Defenders, Discoverys, and Range Rovers on Northern Virginia roads. One has a free fix that retailers have been performing since late July. The other does not have a remedy yet, and knowing its warning signs matters. Here is how to tell whether your vehicle is affected and what to do next.
Quick Answer
Which Land Rovers are under recall in 2026?
NHTSA recall 26V389 covers the driver airbag clockspring connector on 2020–2026 Defender, 2021–2026 Discovery, and 2022–2026 Range Rover models; JLR has defined a free dealer repair, and retailers have been performing it since late July 2026. NHTSA recall 26V248 covers the DC-DC converter on mild-hybrid (MHEV) models from 2019 to 2024 across most of the lineup; JLR has not yet defined a repair. Enter your 17-character VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm whether either applies to your vehicle.
The Two Recalls Side by Side
Different systems, different risks, and a different status for the fix.
| 26V389: Driver airbag clockspring | 26V248: DC-DC converter (MHEV) | |
|---|---|---|
| What fails | The driver airbag clockspring connector can corrode. | The converter that charges the 12V system can fail without warning. |
| Risk | The driver's frontal airbag may not deploy as intended in a crash. | Loss of drive power and, eventually, exterior lighting while driving. |
| Early warning | The airbag (SRS) warning lamp lights up at least 300–400 miles before a potential non-deployment. | A red "Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected" message within about 10 seconds of failure. |
| Vehicles | 2020–26 Defender, 2021–26 Discovery, 2022–26 Range Rover | MHEV versions of the 2019–24 Range Rover Sport, 2020–24 Range Rover and Defender, 2021–24 Discovery and Velar, 2020–23 Evoque, 2020 Discovery Sport |
| Remedy | Defined: protective gel applied to the connector terminals, free of charge. Retailers have performed it since late July 2026 | Not yet defined by JLR at the time of filing |
| Owner letters | Interim owner letters mailed August 3, 2026, with a second letter to follow | Interim safety notices mailed in June 2026 |
Sources: NHTSA recall 26V389, 26V248 recall summary, WardsAuto, The L663 recall tracker.
Recall 26V389: The Airbag Clockspring Connector
The clockspring is the coiled connection inside the steering column that keeps the driver's airbag wired to the car while the wheel turns. On affected vehicles, tiny repeated vibrations can wear the connector's metal contacts, a process called fretting corrosion. As resistance in the circuit rises, the driver's airbag may not deploy when it should.
The built-in early warning is the part to remember. JLR's analysis found the airbag (SRS) warning lamp illuminates at least 300 to 400 miles before a potential non-deployment. If that lamp is on in any Land Rover, treat it as a same-week service visit, recall or not.
Defender
97,552 vehicles
Model years 2020–2026, including the 90, 110, and 130 body styles.
Discovery
83,620 vehicles
Model years 2021–2026.
Range Rover
69,685 vehicles
Model years 2022–2026.
The fix is freeTechnicians apply a protective gel to the connector terminals to stop the corrosion. No parts are replaced. Owners began receiving interim letters on August 3, 2026, but the repair has been carried out at retailers since late July. If NHTSA's lookup shows the recall open on your VIN, contact us to book it rather than waiting for a second letter.
Recall 26V248: What the 12V Fault Looks Like
On mild-hybrid models, the DC-DC converter keeps the 12V electrical system charged. If it fails, the vehicle does not stop all at once. The sequence below is what JLR describes to owners, and recognizing it early is the difference between a controlled stop and a dark roadside.
- Red warning within about 10 seconds"Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected" appears. This is the moment to signal and pull over where it is safe.
- Driver aids drop outMessages follow for Lane Keep Assist, suspension, and stability control.
- Transmission shifts to neutralA gearbox fault is displayed and drive power is lost.
- Cabin systems shut downThe engine may run briefly while climate control and the center screen switch off, then the engine stops.
- Lighting fails lastExterior lights stay on briefly, then go out as the 12V battery drains.
No remedy yet: what to do in the meantimeJLR's filing states the repair is still being defined. Keep your contact details current with us so you hear as soon as parts and procedures are released, and if you see the red warning, stop safely rather than trying to reach home.
How to Check Your VIN in Two Minutes
- Find your VINIt is on the lower driver-side windshield, the driver door jamb label, your registration, and your insurance card.
- Search NHTSAEnter all 17 characters at NHTSA's recall lookup. It lists every open safety recall on that exact vehicle.
- Note the status"Recall incomplete" with a remedy means you can book now. "Remedy not yet available" means you are on the list for when it is.
- Book with a Land Rover retailerRecall work must be done by an authorized retailer to be completed and recorded against your VIN. Schedule online and mention the recall number in your notes, or book directly through our service scheduler.
What to Expect at Your Recall Appointment
Factory-trained technicians
Recall procedures follow JLR's published steps and are performed by the team at our certified Land Rover service center. You can meet the service team before your visit.
Other open campaigns checked
We check your VIN for every open recall and service campaign, so one visit can cover more than the item you booked for.
Genuine parts only
Where a recall calls for parts or materials, they come from JLR. See why genuine Land Rover parts matter for safety systems in particular.
Combine it with scheduled service
If your maintenance is due soon, book both together. Note any warning lights or symptoms when you request the appointment so your advisor can plan the visit.
Recall, Service Campaign, or Bulletin: What Is the Difference?
Three terms owners hear at the service desk, and they are not the same thing.
Safety recall
Filed with NHTSA
Issued when a defect creates a safety risk, like both campaigns on this page. It appears in NHTSA's VIN lookup, owners are notified by mail, and the repair is free.
Service campaign
Manufacturer-initiated
A fix or update JLR asks retailers to perform that is not a federal safety recall, often software or durability related. It may not show on NHTSA, which is why we check your VIN against JLR's own records too.
Technical bulletin
Repair guidance
Instructions to technicians for diagnosing a known issue if a customer reports it. A bulletin is not a recall, and whether the work is covered depends on your warranty status.
Bought Used, or Moved to Northern Virginia?
Recall letters go to the registered owner on file, which means a vehicle bought from a private seller or recently re-registered in Virginia may have an open recall its owner never heard about. The fix is the same regardless of where the vehicle was bought or whether it is still under warranty: recall repairs are free for the life of the campaign. If you are shopping for a pre-owned Defender, Discovery, or Range Rover from the affected years, check the VIN before you buy and ask the seller for proof that open recalls were completed.
Land Rover Recall FAQ
Is my Land Rover Defender affected by the airbag recall?
Recall 26V389 covers 97,552 model year 2020–2026 Defenders. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is included by entering its VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup.
What is the fix for the Land Rover airbag clockspring recall?
An authorized retailer applies a protective gel to the driver airbag connector terminals to prevent corrosion. The repair is free, no parts are replaced, and retailers have been performing it since late July 2026.
Is there a fix for the Land Rover DC-DC converter recall yet?
Not at the time of JLR's filing. JLR stated the corrective repair was not yet defined and sent interim safety notices to owners. Affected owners will be notified when the remedy is available.
What should I do if I see "Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected"?
Signal and pull over as soon as it is safe. On affected mild-hybrid models, this warning can precede a loss of drive power and exterior lighting. Contact your Land Rover retailer before driving further.
Do I have to pay for a Land Rover recall repair?
No. Safety recall repairs are free to the owner, regardless of warranty status or where the vehicle was purchased.
Do I need my recall letter to book the repair?
No. If NHTSA's lookup shows an open recall on your VIN with a remedy available, you can book the repair without waiting for a letter. Mention the recall number when you schedule.
Can an independent shop do Land Rover recall work?
No. Recall repairs are performed and recorded by authorized Land Rover retailers so the campaign is closed out against your VIN.
Open Recall on Your VIN? Book It at Land Rover Chantilly
Tell us the recall number and any warning lights you have seen, and our service advisors will plan the visit around it.
Schedule My Recall Service →Go to the Service Scheduler
