My 17' F Type 've 20k miles, the engine threw the rod, and caused a vehicle fire. Jaguar USA denied warranty claim and blamed the engine failure on under carriage impact. What can I do?

 

First, there is difference between Jaguar USA and a dealer. Do not assume that dealer you took the car speaks on behalf of JLR. Second, do not assume that dealer telling the truth about how it failed or that they even talked to Jaguar USA about your case - they might not want the hassle of swapping the engine at JLR rates and blowing you off.

Is there any signs of impact as this dealer claims? Did you feel impact shortly prior to engine failure? If yes to both - talk to your insurance, this isn't any different from running your car into the pole. They may write the car off, but if not, insist new and not used engine. If there are no signs and you didn't feel the impact - talk to actual Jaguar USA and they will put pressure on dealer to stop BSing you and do the job. They might also tell you to take it to a different shop.

Connecting rod could puncture a hole in the block, however it won't fail without reason. If you tuned your engine or neglected to change oil... well, you are in a bad situation. Even if there is a hole now doesn't mean that it was caused externally. Take your car to another shop to offer you a second opinion. Ideally an engine shop and not just a mechanic. You might be able to convince JLR with that information.

Last but not least - this is first failure of this kind we heard on this forum. This is third engine failure reported so far - other two were due to oil loss. My wild guess is that your engine also threw a rod due to lack of oil, not external impact.

 

If the dealer denies the claim due to a collision, it' s an easy insurance claim.

 

Contact the rep on this forum , you'll find it below under "Brand Review" 2nd thread topic under the title.
Good luck
Jaguar Customer Relationship Centre

 

It is Jaguar USA that denied the claim.

 

They claimed the damage is caused by under carriage impact. But from the picture it is pretty clear that the rod punched a hole to the engine block and everything underneath the hole (steering rack, sub frame) are undamaged and the damage is even between both wheels!!

 

 

Bingo. Sorry to hear OP.

 

 

Without having all the facts... Please allow me to suggest this.

You hit the front undercarriage hard (like the curb of a sidewalk), hard enough to damage the suspensions and flex the frame enough to stress the engine mounts (and lower bock). AT HIGH RPM. Rod snaps at the crankshaft and pokes out of the block. Close enough to the cat converter with oil going all over the place. That's a collision and an insurance issue no matter what.
The warranty is based on normal use of the car, not collision.... I assume that the fire department and Police were at the scene, there is a report so the insurance should have all they need.

 

I too am not sure the OP is telling the whole story

 

Agree. OP probably riding around with no insurance trying to blame JLR to force a warranty claim.

 

 

It's only been three days since his last post - maybe he's in a dark room getting over Christmas, or the damage to his engine ....