Land Rover issues recall for Discovery and Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover made a big noise about this cutting edge technology, but it appears to have some teething problems and they could lead to a fire.

The Range Rover Evoque has been recalled over a fire risk. Picture: Supplied.

Land Rover has issued a recall on two popular models due to a fire risk.

Owners of the “mild hybrid” versions of the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Evoque are being advised to return their vehicles to dealerships after a problem was discovered with their hybrid tech.

The recall notice says an electrical overload in the 48-volt battery could cause the failure of a transistor, which in turn may lead to a short in the system.

Land Rover has issued a recall for Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque MHEV models due to a fire risk. Picture: Supplied.

The notice says: “Vehicle occupants may notice a burning smell and/or smoke from the DC/DC converter vent into the passenger compartment. If there is sufficient oxygen, a vehicle fire may occur, which may cause injury or death of vehicle occupants or other road users.”

The mild hybrid EV models (MHEV) have a lithium ion battery that is replenished by capturing kinetic energy as the car slows.

That battery then provides additional power for ancillary functions such as airconditioning and lighting, as well as supplementing the petrol or diesel engine, reducing fuel use by a claimed 6 per cent.

The Range Rover Evoque uses a lithium ion battery to supplement its engine. Picture: Supplied.

The MHEV models switch off their petrol or diesel engines at speeds of less than 17km/h, allowing the car to coast up to the lights and save fuel. They also provide additional torque to the engine under acceleration.

Land Rover says owners of the vehicles will be notified via email, SMS or letter and asked to return their car to the dealer as soon as possible. Once there, they will receive a software update that corrects the defect.

More than 1700 vehicles are affected by the recall.

Owners can contact Land Rover on 1800 625 642 or email [e-mail].

Originally published as Land Rover issues recall for Discovery and Range Rover Evoque