The new Range Rover has rewritten the luxury SUV rule book, with heightened levels of luxury and even greater personalization potential. Joining the imperious Brit very shortly is the new Sport derivative, which will rumble along with mighty BMW V8 power. Displeased with the attention their successors are receiving, nearly 15,000 examples of the outgoing models have thrown a tantrum, landing them at the center of a recall.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models could have very serious defects. Hard braking before a collision could cause the seat belt emergency locking retractor to not lock properly. This is a serious concern; vehicles such as the Range Rover are often trusted as safe family transport.

The recall report notes 14,812 examples of 2016-2017 models are affected and cites a "supplier manufacturing issue" as the source of the problem. Worryingly, 100% of the recalled vehicles are estimated to suffer the worrying defect. 5,553 Range Rover and 9,259 Range Rover Sport models built between April 29, 2016, and October 17, 2016, form part of the safety recall.

If you own one of these vehicles, what should you do? As per the NHTSA report, owners will be notified of the recall before June 3, with dealers receiving notice of the issue from April 19 onwards. Land Rover Range Rover retailers will replace the faulty component at no cost to the owner and, importantly, those who have previously paid for the defect themselves will be reimbursed, subject to terms and conditions.

The British marque isn't the only luxury brand to suffer a seatbelt-related recall in recent weeks. In early March, Porsche's electric wunderkind was beckoned by the recall monster after a problem with the rear seat belt was uncovered. According to the NHTSA, the center buckle wiring harness could hinder access to the right rear seat lower child seat anchors.

It was difficult to imagine how the Whitley-based SUV maker would improve on the Range Rover L405. After all, it was one hugely talented SUV. Somehow, the new one offers even more refinement and opulence. The pricing reflects that, but we're guessing the average Range Rover buyer isn't too concerned about that. A bevy of options is on offer, including long-wheelbase models and hybrid derivatives.