Pleasanton, CA – September 24, 2020 – Tata Motors Limited (NYSE:TTM) has recalled 11,159 Range Rover Sport vehicles that do not properly warn the driver when the tire pressure is low. Low tire pressure may cause tread separation and increase the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2020-2021 Range Rover Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

Range Rover Sport vehicles with 20-inch, 21-inch, or 22-inch wheels have a faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Here is how the monitoring system should work:

• Each tire manufacturer lists an inflation pressure level that should be maintained in the tire.
• When the tire pressure reaches 25% below the recommended pressure level, the TMPS warning light should come on in the instrument panel.
• This light alerts the driver to check the tire pressure and inflate the tire to the proper minimum level.

In recalled vehicles, the tire pressure level has not been set correctly in the instrument cluster. Drivers are not notified when a tire’s pressure is too low for safe driving.

Risks 

Underinflated tires are a common problem that reduce fuel economy and can become dangerous if the tire tread  – which is the rubber part of the tire that makes contact with the road – separates  from the body of the tire.  The separation can cause a tire blowout, which can result in the driver losing control of the car and crashing, especially when moving at high speeds. Tire-related crashes killed over 700 people in 2017, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

What to do in the event of a blowout

As the tire bursts, the driver may hear a loud boom and be pulled to one side. 

Here is what to do if it happens:

• Maintain composure. Don’t try to suddenly break, turn or pull over. Any of these actions can cause the car to spin out of control.
• Turn your emergency lights on.
• Try to regain control by gently stepping on the gas and steering straight.
• Once you feel you have more control, let go of gas and let the car slow down.
• Once the speed drops below 30 mph, pump the brakes and try to pull over.
• Call for help.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to update the instrument cluster software, so that the TPMS operates correctly. Land Rover will notify owners by November 13  but it is not clear if the update will be available by then.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 11,000 vehicles are included in this Range Rover Sport recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle identification number (VIN) look up tool.