The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened a safety investigation into over 92,000 Range Rover Sport SUVs following reports of front steering knuckle cracks that could result in suspension failure and an increased crash risk.
The preliminary evaluation, launched on June 27, covers model years 2014 through 2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover and built on the automaker’s L494 chassis platform.
Investigation Overview
According to the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), the agency has received at least 12 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) alleging that one or both aluminum front steering knuckles cracked—specifically at the upper control arm connection point, which is fastened by a pinch bolt.
A fracture in this critical location can cause the upper control arm to detach from the steering knuckle, leading to a sudden loss of steering control while driving.
Safety Risk: Suspension Failure Without Warning
Although no crashes or injuries have been officially reported so far, the defect presents a significant structural risk that may compromise driver control without advance warning.
If the steering knuckle fractures while the vehicle is in motion, the resulting failure of the suspension linkage could:
- Cause steering instability
- Lead to sudden vehicle pull or drop in ride height
- Increase the chance of a collision
As of this writing, Jaguar Land Rover has not yet issued a recall for the affected vehicles, pending further evaluation of the scope and severity of the defect.
What Is NHTSA’s Role in Safety Recalls?
This type of Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is often the first step in a formal defect investigation. According to the NHTSA:
- A PE helps identify how widespread the issue may be
- It determines whether the failure is due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or material issue
- It may lead to a voluntary manufacturer recall or, in more serious cases, a federally mandated recall
The agency will also oversee any eventual corrective actions, ensuring that repairs or part replacements are made properly.
Vehicles Under Investigation
The current investigation includes:
- 2014–2017 Range Rover Sport SUVs
- Built on the L494 second-generation chassis
- Manufactured and sold by Jaguar Land Rover North America
Other Range Rover models using the L494 platform built from 2013–2022 are not included at this time.
Related Suspension Safety Concerns in 2024–2025
This Range Rover probe follows a series of recent suspension-related recalls, highlighting growing concerns over aluminum suspension components:
- May 2025 – Ford F-150 Lightning recall (29,000+ units) due to improperly torqued front upper control arm ball joint nuts
- July 2024 – Ford Mustang (MY 2024) recall (4,600 units) for rear suspension knuckle casting defects that may cause cracks or breakage
What Should Range Rover Owners Do?
If you drive a 2014–2017 Range Rover Sport, it’s important to check whether your vehicle may be affected. The steering knuckle issue could go unnoticed until failure, as there may be no warning lights or symptoms prior to a sudden suspension issue.
You can use your 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for:
- Active recalls
- Manufacturer communications
- Preliminary investigation status updates
Check Your Recall Status
You can now use our free lookup tool to verify if your Range Rover Sport or any other vehicle you own is affected:
✅ Run a Free VIN Recall Check Now
VinCheckPro.com provides free recall data directly from NHTSA and manufacturer sources, helping you:
- Detect safety issues early
- Monitor investigations
- Stay up to date on your vehicle’s safety history
What Happens Next?
The NHTSA will continue to collect data, including:
- Additional owner complaints
- Warranty and service records
- Engineering analysis from Jaguar Land Rover
- Real-world failure rates of the knuckle component
If the defect is confirmed and widespread, a formal recall campaign may follow, requiring Jaguar Land Rover to replace defective steering knuckles on affected vehicles at no cost to the owner.
Owners are advised to monitor NHTSA.gov and VinCheckPro.com for updates on this investigation.
Final Word for Car Owners
Your vehicle’s safety components—especially steering and suspension—should never be taken for granted. Even luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sport can experience critical failures due to design or part issues.
Don’t wait for a recall notice in the mail. Use our free recall check tool today to stay informed, take action early, and ensure that your vehicle is road-safe.
✅ Check for Safety Recalls Now
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my Range Rover Sport is affected by the investigation?
Enter your 17-digit VIN at VinCheckPro’s Recall Check page to see if your specific vehicle is involved in an active recall or under investigation.
What does it mean if my VIN shows no recalls?
That means your vehicle currently has no open recalls. However, it could still be under investigation or may become part of a recall in the future. Check back regularly.
Is it safe to continue driving if my steering knuckle is under investigation?
While no formal recall has been issued, drivers should exercise caution. If you experience unusual noises, poor handling, or changes in suspension height, have the vehicle inspected immediately.
Will repairs be free if a recall is issued?
Yes. If a recall is formally issued by Jaguar Land Rover or mandated by the NHTSA, affected vehicles will receive a free repair or replacement of the faulty component.
Can I report a similar issue to the NHTSA?
Yes. You can submit your own complaint directly to the NHTSA at www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-problem, or you can include your concern when running a VIN check at VinCheckPro.com.
