The engine dies without warning, won't restart with fuel remaining indicated on the gauge.
Jaguar Land Rover North America is recalling more than 2100 of its latest 2010 XF models with the 4.2-liter gasoline engine because of a “kinked” fuel pipe. The problem may stop fuel from being transferred from one side of the fuel tank to the fuel pump and cause fuel starvation at low fuel levels.
Owners may find the engine stalling without warning even though the fuel gauge reads one-quarter tank full.
There have been six reports of engine cut-out while the vehicle has been traveling on the highway.
Jaguar says that when the vehicle speed drops below the torque converter speed lock-up threshold or the point at which the rear wheels disengage from the engine. Power Assisted Steering (PAS) and Brake Vacuum Reservoir replenishment will then be lost.
The mechanical steering will remain functional – although this requires great effort and is quite surprising to the driver in our experience. The braking system will also remain functional with a large increase in brake pedal effort. At speed this could be disastrous.
Jaguar reports that once the engine has cutout the vehicle will not restart until it has been refueled.
Dealer technicians will be instructed to access the fuel tank assembly, remove the fuel transfer pipe from the fuel delivery module, reduce the length of the pipe by 6 inches (150 mm) and discard the excess pipe. The fuel transfer pipe will then be inserted into an alternative hole on top of the fuel delivery module to prevent over insertion and the tank re-assembled.
There will be no charge to owners for these repairs.
The vehicles were built at the Castle Bromwich (UK) Assembly Plant from October 22, 2008 through to September 24, 2009 within VIN range SAJAC05H8AFR38497 to SAJKC05H1AFR63407.
The safety recall is expected to begin on or before November 30, 2009. Owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827 about Jaguar recall number J016. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safercar.gov. NHTSA campaign number: 09V424000.