What’s Going on With the Jaguar I-PACE?

Jaguar’s first all-electric SUV, the I-PACE, was expected to lead the British luxury automaker into the future of EVs. But for many consumers who purchased or leased I-PACE models between 2019 and 2023, that promise has fallen short—way short. These electric vehicles have been plagued by persistent electrical issues, battery defects, and high-voltage system failures that not only undermine performance but raise serious safety concerns.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has reportedly begun offering voluntary buybacks to affected consumers. But not all buyback offers are equal—and some customers allege the offers they’ve received don’t comply with California’s robust lemon law protections. If you’re an I-PACE owner experiencing problems, here’s what you need to know about the vehicle’s issues, your legal rights, and the impact of recent updates to California’s Lemon Law. To speak with an experienced California lemon law attorney regarding your Jaguar I-PACE or another vehicle, contact Nita Lemon Law Firm in Los Angeles for a free consultation.

Common Complaints About the Jaguar I-PACE (2019–2023)

Despite its luxury branding and sleek design, the Jaguar I-PACE has consistently generated consumer complaints across multiple model years. Issues have been reported with the following:

High-Voltage Battery Failures

One of the most common and serious problems is high-voltage battery malfunction. Drivers have reported sudden loss of power, failure to start, and even dashboard warnings like “High Voltage System Fault – OK to Drive” (which is understandably confusing and concerning). Some failures were linked to defective battery energy control modules or battery packs themselves.

Overheating and Fire Risk

In May 2023, Jaguar recalled over 6,000 I-PACE vehicles due to the risk of battery fires. The recall notice cited the potential for thermal overload due to excessive heat in the battery cells. Several incidents were reported where vehicles caught fire while parked or charging.

Software and Charging Malfunctions

Owners have also faced persistent issues with the vehicle’s charging system, including failure to recognize chargers, sporadic charging speeds, and errors in battery percentage readouts. Over-the-air software updates intended to fix these issues often led to further complications or failed to resolve the problems.

Inconsistent Dealer Repairs

Many customers have reported multiple repair attempts that failed to fix the underlying problems. Even after replacing components like the inverter or battery modules, the issues often returned, indicating deeper systemic flaws in the vehicle’s electrical system.

Jaguar’s Voluntary Buybacks: A Goodwill Gesture or a Legal Obligation?

In response to these issues, Jaguar Land Rover has reportedly begun offering buybacks to consumers experiencing repeated problems with their I-PACE vehicles. While some owners have accepted these offers, others have raised concerns that the terms offered by JLR fall short of what’s required under California’s Lemon Law.

For example, some buyback offers allegedly include:

• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent consumers from discussing their vehicle issues publicly.
• Mileage deductions that go beyond what’s permitted under California law.
• Delays in processing that leave consumers without a replacement vehicle for weeks or months.

Under California law, a manufacturer cannot use a buyback as a way to sidestep its legal obligations. And thanks to recent updates to California’s Lemon Law, those obligations have gotten even clearer.

California Lemon Law: Your Rights as a Consumer

California’s Lemon Law—officially the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and Tanner Consumer Protection Act—protects consumers who purchase or lease a new vehicle that turns out to be defective. If a substantial problem arises that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or provide a refund.

Here’s what consumers are entitled to under the law:

• A full refund, including sales tax, registration fees, and any finance charges.
• Reimbursement for incidental costs like towing and rental cars.
• Reasonable mileage offset, but only for miles driven before the first repair attempt.

Key Lemon Law Updates: Assembly Bill 1755

In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1755 into law, significantly changing the Lemon Law as we knew it. Here are the major changes:

Mandatory Mediation

Before a consumer can file a lemon law lawsuit, they must now attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation. While this step adds time to the process, it’s intended to reduce court backlogs and encourage early settlements.

Statute of Limitations Changes

AB 1755 makes it clear that lemon law claims must be filed within one year of the expiration of the express warranty, and no later than six years after the vehicle was first delivered.

Faster Manufacturer Response

Manufacturers are now required to respond to a written demand for a buyback within 30 days and complete the buyback process within 60 days. These timelines help prevent manufacturers from dragging their feet—something many I-PACE owners have experienced.

What Should You Do If You Own a Jaguar I-PACE?

If you’ve been dealing with repeated electrical issues, unhelpful dealership visits, or delays in Jaguar’s buyback process, don’t go it alone. Here are steps you can take:

1. Document everything—including repair invoices, communication with Jaguar, and dates of service.
2. Check if your vehicle is part of a recall, and get copies of recall notices or repair orders.
3. Consult a California lemon law attorney—especially if you’ve received a buyback offer that doesn’t seem right.

Let Nita Lemon Law Firm Help

At the Nita Lemon Law Firm, we’ve helped countless Californians hold automakers accountable for defective vehicles. If your Jaguar I-PACE is causing more headaches than joyrides, we’re here to help.

We offer free consultations, and you’ll never pay us out of pocket. Under California’s Lemon Law, manufacturers are required to cover your legal fees if your case is successful.

Call us today or contact us online to find out if your I-PACE qualifies for a full refund or replacement. You don’t have to settle for less than what the law guarantees you.