Several Land Rover models have defective radiator assemblies, claims a class action lawsuit filed earlier this month.
Alleged defect
The lawsuit, filed by California citizen Kenneth Nowling, alleges a defect causing cracks in the radiator or leaks from the radiator hose. This, in turn, allegedly leads to coolant leaking out and increases the risk of the engine overheating, stalling, or failing.
Nowling believes the alleged defect is due in part to inadequately sized auxiliary radiator ducts.
His complaint alleges Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, has known about the alleged defect since at least 2018. However, he claims, the company “undertook affirmative measures to conceal radiator, radiator hose, and related components’ failures and other malfunctions.”
Nowland alleges this was done by, i.e., issuing Technical Service Bulletins to authorized repair facilities only, not to vehicle owners or lessees.
The lawsuit claims the following Land Rover models are affected:
- 2018-2024 Land Rover Range Rover
- 2018-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar
- 2018-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- 2018-2024 Land Rover Discovery
- 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender
Named plaintiff’s allegations
As alleged in his complaint, Nowling bought a used 2018 Land Rover Range Rover in April 2023 with the alleged defect. His vehicle began experiencing the defect in September 2023, leaking coolant.
Nowland took his vehicle to a dealership and paid for repairs. Then, around March 2024, he again went to a dealership with leaking coolant and the engine overheating. He again paid for repairs.
Around May 2024, Nowland goes on to claim, he again took his vehicle to a dealership with leaking coolant and loss of power while driving. The radiator, fan, gaskets, hoses, and belts needed replacement.
Nowland asserts his vehicle is still at the dealership—still unrepaired, still defective.
Relief sought
Nowling seeks to represent a national class of purchasers and lessees of the allegedly affected vehicles, as well as California-based subclasses.
His complaint raises legal claims include breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, fraud by omission/fraudulent concealment, and violation of California consumer laws.
The lawsuit seeks remedies including damages and a recall and repair of all affected vehicles.
The case is Kenneth Nowling v. Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, case number 2:24-cv-09184, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
