A flagship SUV recalled because its tailgate doesn’t drain properly. Jaguar Land Rover is recalling 93,997 Range Rovers — model years 2022 through 2026 — after a design flaw was identified that allows moisture to pool around the rearview camera. When water reaches the camera housing, the camera can fail. The result is a distorted or missing image on the dashboard touchscreen whenever the vehicle is placed in reverse. According to the NHTSA recall filing, that reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of striking an object or pedestrian.
What’s Actually Wrong — and What Happens Next
Insufficient drainage in the tailgate’s water-management system allows moisture to collect around the camera, potentially causing it to malfunction.
Consider backing out of a parking garage, glancing at the touchscreen, and seeing static — or nothing at all. That’s precisely the scenario Jaguar Land Rover is working to prevent. The tailgate’s water-management system has insufficient drain holes, so moisture pools around the camera housing. Over time, water intrusion may damage the camera electronics. The image then degrades or disappears entirely.
The fix is almost comically low-tech: dealers will drill additional drain holes into the underside of the tailgate trim surrounding the camera. If the camera has already sustained water damage, it gets replaced. The solution takes five seconds to describe. The problem affects nearly 100,000 vehicles.
Key recall details:
- Affected vehicles: 2022–2026 Range Rover SUVs built at Solihull, U.K., between July 8, 2021, and June 4, 2026
- NHTSA campaign: 26V678000; Land Rover internal campaign: D171
- Dealer notification expected: October 29, 2026
- Owner letters expected on or before: December 11, 2026
- Cost to owners: zero — repair and any necessary camera replacement are fully covered at no charge
Water intrusion is not a Range Rover-exclusive problem. Other automakers have faced comparable rearview-camera recalls where drainage was insufficiently engineered around camera housings. It is a recurring failure mode in automotive design, and this recall follows that same pattern. In fact, GM Halts sales have shown how quickly a safety defect can escalate into a major manufacturer response.
Note that the December owner letters are an interim safety notification. A separate notice will follow once the permanent remedy is fully available at dealerships.
How to Check If Your Vehicle Is Affected
Your VIN number returns results faster than waiting for a letter to arrive.
Run your VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool and reference campaign 26V678000. If your vehicle is flagged, contact your Land Rover dealer to ask about scheduling — keeping in mind that repair availability may depend on final dealer instructions and parts supply.
The repair is free, the fix involves a drill bit, and the primary inconvenience is your time. Verify your VIN, arrange the appointment, and treat the camera as unconfirmed until a technician has inspected it. Reviewing new car care steps in the meantime can help you stay ahead of any further maintenance needs.
