Source: Directly Taken from whichcar.com.au
A legal firm is preparing a class action case against Jaguar Land Rover on the basis it claims several of the carmaker’s vehicles are fitted with faulty diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
Tens of thousands of Land Rover, Range Rover and Jaguar diesel car owners could receive compensation if the legal action was successful.
Jaguar and Land Rover supplies several popular diesel vehicle models in Australia, including the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Discovery, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover and Jaguar E-Pace
The potential action, which is being investigated by Maurice Blackburn Lawyers on behalf of new or second-hand vehicles acquired after January 1, 2011, is said to allege that the DPF system is defective in Jaguar and Land Rover diesel vehicles as it is ‘prone to become blocked under regular driving conditions’.
The firm contends this poses a safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians because a clogged DPF can ’cause the vehicle to lose power suddenly with little to no warning, severely inhibiting the performance of the vehicle and the safety of the vehicle on the road.’
The defective DPF system also causes ongoing mechanical issues, it says, and requires more frequent servicing and maintenance.
The purpose of the class action is to seek compensation on behalf of owners with affected vehicles who suffered loss and damage as a result of Jaguar Land Rover’s alleged failure to comply with the guarantee of acceptable quality under the Australian Consumer Law and what the law firm says is engaging in ‘misleading and deceptive conduct’.
Owners who have sold their vehicles or had them written-off are also eligible to join the class action investigation.
Maurice Blackburn Principal Vavaa Mawuli said the firm has received complaints from consumers about the alleged defect.
“Vehicles are a significant expense for many Australians and consumers have a right under the consumer laws to expect that the vehicle they are purchasing is free from defects, safe, durable and suitable for driving under every day conditions,” she said.
“Instead, many Jaguar and Land Rover owners are frustrated by the frequent servicing and maintenance required because of the alleged defect in the DPF system. We will be seeking to hold Jaguar Land Rover to account.”
Responding to the claims, Jaguar Land Rover Australia told us: “JLR has received and is considering the application and statement of claim filed in the Federal Court of Australia in relation to certain diesel engine vehicles supplied since 2015.
“Our products are of the highest quality and meet all regulations and standards of the markets in which they are purchased, and our highest priority is always to ensure that our customers enjoy the best possible experience with them.
“We are reviewing the statement of claim and will defend in accordance with the applicable court process.”
