The U.S. safety regulator NHTSA has elevated its investigation into certain Jaguar Land Rover vehicles to the engineering analysis stage. The probe covers approximately 331,559 cars, including the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport from model years 2014 through 2022.

The move follows reports of possible cracks in the aluminum front suspension knuckles. Damage to this component could cause the upper control arm to separate, potentially leading to a complete loss of vehicle control.

The investigation began as a preliminary review after owner complaints. But as evidence mounted, the regulator decided to deepen the analysis to assess the part's design, potential risks, and whether a recall may be necessary.

At this stage, NHTSA engineers are studying the knuckle's construction and failure scenarios, and evaluating how widespread the issue might be. If a defect is confirmed, the automaker could be ordered to launch a service campaign.

This situation is significant for the market because it involves premium SUVs where safety expectations are especially high. The outcome could affect the brand's reputation and influence future suspension design decisions.