Jaguar recalls 2010-2012 XF models over dangerous fuel leak flaw

Recall documents indicate that affected vehicles may contain a cracked fuel tank flange, which may leak fuel.

Jaguar Land Rover North America announced on Thursday that it is recalling select model-year 2010 through 2012 Jaguar XF cars to fix a potential fuel leak problem. The recall concerns XF models equipped with 5-liter gasoline engines, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Affected XF models may contain a fuel tank fuel outlet flange that may crack. Consequently, a cracked flange may result into fuel leaking onto the ground, which may cause a fire. The safety recall affects 4,195 Jaguar XF vehicles.

The luxury automaker has received three field reports and 17 warranty claims worldwide in regard to the fuel leak problem. NHTSA documents indicate that customers have reported fuel odor, flange cracking, fuel leakage, and the check engine light going on. Despite the multiple warranty claims and field reports, there have been no accidents, fires or injuries reported, according to the NHTSA.

Jaguar will begin notifying owners of the recall on, or before December 7, 2012. Dealers will replace damaged fuel tank fuel outlet flanges, free of charge. In the meantime, XF owners may contact Jaguar at 1-800-452-4827 or contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The Jaguar XF was introduced in the fall of 2007 as a replacement for the Jaguar S-Type. The luxury executive car is available in a four-door saloon model and a five-door sportbrake model. The current 2012 model features a standard V8 engine and a laundry list of standard tech capabilities.

The XF has won numerous awards including the “2007 North American Production Preview Vehicle of the Year” award for the C-XF concept. The XF has also been awarded What Car? magazine’s “Best Executive Car of the Year” award every year from 2008 through 2011.

Jaguar is currently in the midst of a global rebranding via its “Alive” marketing campaign. The ambitious promotion features four online videos: “Unique by Nature,” “Win to Win,” “Born to Perform” and “Continuation of Bloodline.” Additionally, the luxury automaker has also updated its “Growler” logo and its leaping Jaguar logo.

In August, Jaguar joined forces with popular singer Lana Del Rey to promote the launch of its F-Type vehicle. Thus far, the partnership has resulted in a short film called “Burning Desire” and a two-minute commercial.

Although it’s not officially on sale yet, the 2014 Jaguar F-Type has already accrued more than 2,000 orders. The figure is nearly one-third of the 6,000 to 7,000 vehicles Jaguar is hoping to sell in 2013.