2022-2023 Jaguar I-Pace Fender Splash Shield: A Guide to VIN Splits and Replacement

Symptoms of a Failing Fender Splash Shield

Failure of a fender splash shield is almost always caused by physical impact from road debris, curbs, or snowbanks. Because it is a simple piece of plastic, there are no electronic sensors or diagnostic trouble codes associated with it. Instead, diagnosis relies on listening for noises and performing a visual inspection.

1. Scraping, Rubbing, or Flapping Noises

This is the most common symptom of a damaged splash shield. A piece of the liner may break loose and hang down, making contact with the tire. This can create a variety of sounds:

• A constant scraping or rubbing noise that is most noticeable during turns.
• A loud flapping sound at highway speeds as the wind catches the loose plastic.
• A dragging sound when going over bumps or through dips in the road.

2. Visible Damage or Missing Sections

A quick visual check can often confirm the problem. Look for obvious cracks, especially around the mounting holes where clips and screws attach. You may see that a section of the liner is completely missing, or it may be sagging and out of position. Hitting a large piece of debris on the highway can tear the liner off entirely.

3. Debris and Moisture in the Engine Bay

If you notice an unusual amount of dirt, leaves, or moisture on components under the hood or on the suspension parts inside the wheel well, it's a strong sign the liner is no longer doing its job. On an I-Pace, this is particularly concerning due to the numerous high-voltage electrical connectors that are designed to be protected from the elements. Allowing them to be constantly sprayed with water and road salt can lead to corrosion and serious electrical faults down the road.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

As of mid-2024, there are no specific recalls or widespread technical service bulletins issued by Jaguar for the fender splash shields on the 2022-2023 I-Pace. Failures are typically isolated incidents of physical damage rather than a manufacturing defect.

However, all I-Pace models, including the 2022-2023 years, are subject to several critical safety recalls for other components. The most significant is NHTSA Recall 23V-369 (and related campaigns 23V-709 and 24V-085), which addresses a risk of the high-voltage battery overheating and potentially causing a fire. Owners have been advised to park and charge their vehicles outdoors until the recall repair, which involves a software update and potential battery module replacement, is completed. While the fender liner is not part of this recall, ensuring it is intact helps protect the wiring and control modules associated with these critical systems from environmental damage.

Buying a Used Fender Splash Shield

Since new aftermarket fender liners for the I-Pace are not readily available in the North American market, your primary choices are a new part from a Jaguar dealer or a recycled OEM part. A used OEM liner is an excellent value, guaranteeing the fit and material quality of the original part for a fraction of the price.

What to Inspect Before Buying

• Check for Cracks: Minor scuffs and scratches from normal road use are acceptable. However, inspect the part carefully for any cracks, especially around the mounting holes. A crack at a mounting point will prevent the liner from being secured properly.
• Test for Brittleness: The plastic should still be somewhat flexible. If it feels extremely stiff, brittle, or chalky, it may have been exposed to excessive heat or UV light and could crack easily during installation or use.
• Verify All Tabs are Intact: Check the edges for all the small mounting tabs and holes. A used liner with broken tabs will be difficult or impossible to install securely, leading to the same rubbing and flapping noises you're trying to fix.
• Confirm the VIN Split: This is the most important step. For the 2022-2023 model years, Jaguar changed the fender liner design. You MUST have a part from a vehicle with a VIN of K1F61416 or later. Parts from earlier models will not fit.

Cost Comparison for a Jaguar I-Pace Fender Liner

Installation Guide

Replacing the fender liner on an I-Pace is a simple DIY task that requires basic hand tools and about 30-45 minutes per side.

• Difficulty: 1 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 0.5 - 0.75 hours

Step-by-Step Replacement

1. Provide Access: You may not need to jack up the vehicle. Simply turn the steering wheel all the way to one side to create space to work in the wheel well. For example, to work on the driver's side, turn the wheel all the way to the right.
2. Remove Fasteners: Using a trim clip removal tool and a basic screwdriver or socket set, remove all the plastic clips and screws that hold the liner in place. They are located along the lip of the fender, at the bottom connecting to the bumper, and inside the wheel well.
3. Remove the Old Liner: Once all fasteners are out, the liner is flexible. Gently bend and maneuver it out of the wheel well. Pay attention to how it overlaps with the bumper cover and side skirt.
4. Install the New Liner: Wiggle the new liner into position. Ensure it is tucked correctly behind the fender lip and overlaps with the other body panels in the same way the old one did.
5. Secure the New Liner: Re-install all the screws and clips. It's often a good idea to buy a small bag of new trim clips, as the old ones can become brittle and break during removal.

Technical Specifications and Part Numbers

These part numbers are for 2022-2023 Jaguar I-Pace models produced from VIN K1F61416 and later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)