Recall 20V557 affects 12 2010, 2011, 2017 Jaguar Xj vehicles for improper frontal air bag deployment. Repair is free at any franchised Jaguar dealer.
Jaguar is recalling 12 2010, 2011, 2017 Xj vehicles because Restraint Control Module software can make the frontal air bags deploy improperly in a frontal impact crash. Improper air bag deployment increases the risk of injury in a crash, and Jaguar dealers will update the RCM software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Restraint Control Module, or RCM, is the computer that controls the Supplemental Restraint System in 2010, 2011, 2017 Jaguar Xj vehicles. In a frontal crash, it reads crash sensor data and decides when the front air bags need to deploy. The timing and calibration matter because the air bags have to deploy at the correct impact threshold to protect occupants.
On affected Xj vehicles, the problem is software calibration inside the RCM. If a dealer diagnostic device started an RCM update and the update did not finish correctly, the module can fall back to a default calibration. That default setting allows the front air bags to deploy, but only at impact thresholds above the level required for occupant protection.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner will not feel this in normal driving, and the problem becomes clear only when the air bag system is called on in a frontal crash.
Who's affected?
Covers Xj sedans from the 2010, 2011, and 2017 model years, with both air bag system and front air bag software listings.
| 2010 Jaguar Xj | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Jaguar Xj | air bag system |
| 2011 Jaguar Xj | front air bag |
| 2017 Jaguar Xj | air bag system |
| 2017 Jaguar Xj | front air bag |
| 2010 Jaguar Xj | front air bag |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
Air bags that do not deploy properly leave occupants with less crash protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the software update soon and ask the dealer whether the vehicle is safe to drive until your appointment. Repair is free at any franchised Jaguar dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010, 2011, 2017 Jaguar Xj is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jaguar dealer to schedule the free RCM software update that fixes improper frontal air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Jaguar mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V557 when you call.
- Drive carefully until the software update is complete, and leave extra following distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jaguar technician updates the Restraint Control Module software with the latest version. The software update is free under recall 20V557, and there is no charge for parts or labor. For the 2017 vehicle, prior related repair costs are handled through Jaguar Land Rover's new vehicle warranty program. For 2010 and 2011 vehicles, owners who already paid to repair this defect can seek reimbursement through the Jaguar Land Rover reimbursement plan, subject to its terms and conditions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 12, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 24, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 24, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 7, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V557?
Recall 20V557 covers 12 2010, 2011, and 2017 Jaguar Xj vehicles with Restraint Control Module software that can make the frontal air bags deploy improperly in a frontal crash. Jaguar dealers will update the RCM software for free.
What should I do if my 2010, 2011, 2017 Jaguar Xj is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Jaguar Xj is included in recall 20V557. If it is, contact a franchised Jaguar dealer to schedule the RCM software update. Reference Jaguar recall number H294 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Jaguar dealers will update the Restraint Control Module software free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Jaguar dealer handling the recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is improper frontal air bag deployment during a frontal impact crash. If the air bags fail to deploy properly, occupants face an increased risk of injury. The repair path is the free RCM software update at a franchised Jaguar dealer.
What if I bought my Jaguar Xj used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your used Jaguar Xj is included, then call a franchised Jaguar dealer and reference recall 20V557 or Jaguar recall number H294.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V557000 |
|---|---|
| Jaguar customer service | 1-800-369-1000 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V557 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V557000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →