Land Rover Defender Complaints

230 consumer complaints on file.

#11751772July 21, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Front windshield is extremely fragile. The smallest rock will create a chip which will spider across the windshield within a couple days. I have an older Land Rover and there have been more rocks with only a few small chips and no spider. Cheap glass installed on the new Land Rovers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750660July 15, 2026
EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the raised air intake partially detached from the vehicle. The contact believed that the VIN should be included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E102000 (Equipment, Structure) after the failure. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall and would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750447July 14, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The windshield cracked the 1st week owned the car. Land Rover didn’t warranty the windshield and have to buy a new one for 2500. The second windshield got a rock chip and now it expanded into a crack over 3 days.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749625July 10, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving my 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 (16,658 miles), the brake pedal suddenly went soft and sank to the floor. Braking became severely degraded and effectively useless. I was able to slow the vehicle using engine braking and bring it to a stop safely. Multiple warnings appeared simultaneously, including brake system warnings, amber ABS and DSC lamps, and a "stability control not available" message. There was no crash, fire, or injury, but the loss of braking created a serious risk to me and the surrounding traffic as I was making a left onto [XXX] against oncoming traffic on [XXX] The vehicle was not driven further and was taken to an authorized Land Rover dealership for diagnosis. The dealership's diagnostic scan confirmed DTC C055E-7A ("Brake Hydraulic Circuit A Leak – Fluid Leak or Seal Failure") logged on XXX, along with related code C055E-64. This confirms a hydraulic fluid leak or seal failure in the service brake system, consistent with the total loss of pedal pressure I experienced. The manufacturer has issued Special Service Message SSM 74988 addressing this exact DTC on this platform (Defender L663, 2020 model year onward), indicating awareness of this failure mode. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure — it occurred suddenly with no advance indication. The vehicle and diagnostic records are available for inspection upon request. Root-cause diagnosis by the dealership is in progress; the suspected sources are a hydraulic line, caliper, seal failure, or the integrated brake unit (which combines the booster, master cylinder, ABS pump, and control module in a single assembly on this platform). A sudden hydraulic brake failure at this low mileage suggests a potential defect rather than wear. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749201July 8, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, SERVICE BRAKES
The transmission has failed twice while the vehicle was in motion, causing loss of gear control and, on one occasion, loss of parking brake function. Incident 1 — March 24, 2026: While driving on the highway, the transmission failed and the vehicle entered a "safety mode." The vehicle was in dealer service for 8 days at Findlay Land Rover. Incident 2 — July 4, 2026, approximately 9:55 AM, at 6.1 miles into the trip, near South Buffalo Drive / Summerlin Parkway, Las Vegas, NV: While making a right turn off the Summerlin Parkway exit, the vehicle suddenly shifted into neutral with no prior warning. A check engine light and "Gearbox fault detected" alert appeared on the dashboard. The vehicle coasted downhill and my worker was able to steer it to the shoulder. Once stopped, the gearshift would not engage any gear other than neutral, and the electronic parking brake also failed to engage. My worker kept his foot on the brake pedal continuously and did not turn off the engine, fearing the vehicle could not be safely towed otherwise. A tow was requested at 10:09 AM and arrived at 11:01 AM; at that point the parking brake functioned again, and the vehicle was winched onto the tow truck. The vehicle was dropped off at Land Rover Las Vegas at 11:41 AM. Upon repair pickup on July 7, 2026, the service advisor stated the issue was software-related — the vehicle's computer had taken the transmission offline. The malfunctioning transmission and intermittent loss of parking brake function on a moving public road presents a serious safety risk, particularly since the failure occurred without warning during normal driving conditions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11748533July 6, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the driver-side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and blocked the driver-side rearview mirror, obstructing rear visibility. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the highway, and the detached A-Pillar trim was completely removed from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred on two occasions, resulting in the replacement of both the driver-side and passenger-side A-pillar trims. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747068June 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The recent DCDC converter recall has left me feeling unsafe driving my Defender on anything except the slowest local roads. It's an extremely frustrating inconvenience, especially during this summer season with plans for road trips and travels being put on hold or cancelled due to not having a safe vehicle. Also, the JLR dealership is not offering loaner vehicles because the recall remedy is not available yet. There is no timeline for when the remedy will be developed, which is the cherry on top. That means I have to pay out of pocket, indefinitely, for a rental car on top of paying the car note for the Defender. Did I mention that JLR "conveniently" waited almost 60 days from the time they submitted the recall notice to NHTSA to send out the interim letters? They put me and over 150,000 other drivers at risk for nearly two months because they decided to take their time in mailing the letters out (I received mine on June 17th). This removes all confidence I would have had in their ability to develop the fix in a timely manner.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744833June 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Defender. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System) however the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was a hazard and unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744806June 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The DC/DC converter failed and caused the vehicle to immediately lose all power at a main intersection. My wife was driving the vehicle when this happened with out two children in the vehicle as well (ages [XXX] and [XXX]. Luckily, she was able to somewhat get out of intersection of a very busy road. The vehicle had to be towed to the Land Rover dealership. The part was covered by a factory extended warranty. There is an active recall for this part; however, this vehicle does not show to be in the recall. Since this part did fail, I wanted to file a complaint since it is not in the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11744695June 17, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The manufacturer became aware of this issue approximately six months ago. At this time, no repair is available. I am driving to a remote location without consistent phone service and the manufacturer and dealer will not offer a loaner vehicle. I believe that Land Rover should offer a trade in for a new vehicle without this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743158June 10, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The front light **What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?** The front passenger-side (right) headlight failed completely on my Land Rover Defender. The headlight assembly, including the bulb and/or associated electrical components, ceased functioning without any prior indication of a problem. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. **How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?** The sudden loss of a front headlight significantly reduced visibility while driving at night, creating a serious safety hazard for myself, passengers, and other road users. Reduced lighting also diminishes the vehicle's visibility to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, increasing the risk of a collision. **Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?** Yes. The failure was confirmed by an authorized Land Rover dealership, which inspected the vehicle and verified that the front passenger-side headlight had failed. **Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others?** The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Land Rover dealership, which confirmed the headlight failure. No inspection has been conducted by police or insurance representatives at this time. **Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?** There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, flickering, dimming, or any other symptoms prior to the failure. The headlight failed suddenly and without any advance warning, providing no opportunity to anticipate or respond to the malfunction before it occurred.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11742698June 8, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Went through 4 windshields in just over 2 years of ownership, cracks repeatedly from minor stone impacts, presents safety risk for visibility while driving or risk of shattering after cracking from minor impact. Clearly is a manufacturing defect as is reported for multiple owners of Defenders since 2020.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739874May 25, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Daytime running lights have both failed within the last 79 days. Passenger side failed at ~32660 miles o/a 05 Mar 26. It was replaced under warranty. Driver side failed around 36234 miles on 22 May 26 (5-days out of warranty). It is pending a shop appointment for replacement. This is not a “wear and tear” issue, it is a product quality control issue. It is not a simple plug and play repair. It is a costly repair due to the design of the headlamp assembly. I have owned vehicles since 1988 and last changed a headlamp or taillight bulb in the early 2000’s and that was on a MY93 vehicle. I have also owned two other Land Rovers MY07 LR3 from 2008-2011 and MY14 LR4 from 2014-2022 and did not have to replace a single bulb in the vehicle. Point is that technology and quality have improved over the years and these headlamp/DRL assemblies should not fail with less than 36500 miles on the vehicle. This is a known issue that warrants further investigation. Jaguar Land Rover has issued a Special Service Message 75479 concerning the known issue with the Defender DRL. My DRLs failed in similar fashion described in the SSM. Inoperable DRL reduces safety due to lower visibility since they should operate during normal driving conditions. This issue is dangerous since there is no indication on the dashboard or other warning unless the headlights are manually inspected while the vehicle is operating. Additionally, inoperable DRL leads to a failed State vehicle safety inspections.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11737916May 14, 2026
SUSPENSION
Bulletin 76096 should be recall. The suspension has failed. Both Upper arms, bushings,sway bars and links and after 3 weeks, multiple attempts to correct banging, the issue is a bulletin, but yet a recall, conveniently not under warranty. Only 50,000 miles. Please press for recall. Like the DC CONVERTER -impairing vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736364May 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle appears to have experienced a failure or malfunction involving the electrical power system, charging system, 12 volt battery system, vehicle communication modules, or related components. Based on the recent Land Rover recall I found online, I am concerned that the DC to DC converter or related charging system may be involved, because the reported recall issue involves loss of 12 volt charging and potential loss of drive power. The vehicle is currently with Jaguar Land Rover Houston Central and should be available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has not been returned to me, and the dealer has indicated that the vehicle was not communicating with their diagnostic computer and was not initially showing fault codes because the modules were not communicating. They have told me that my car is not part of the recall. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the SUV experienced a complete shutdown while I was driving on two separate occasions. The first event occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 4:32 PM while I was driving on Highway 610. The vehicle suddenly lost power while in motion. I was able to glide off the highway and park on the side of the road, but this could have caused a crash or created a serious hazard because it occurred on a major roadway. The second event occurred Friday morning around 7:20 AM while I was driving on South Rice Avenue to take my daughter to school. The vehicle shut off again and left me stranded. Multiple people attempted to jump start the vehicle, including the tow truck driver, but the vehicle could not be restarted or shifted into neutral. The vehicle remained disabled and required towing. Because the shutdown happened while driving and the vehicle could not be restarted or moved normally afterward, this created a significant risk of co
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736334May 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am now on my 4th windshield on my 2025 Land Rover Defender 110. I have had 5 chips/cracks on these windshields. Only 1 crack was from a rock that you might expect glass breakage, the others were all caused by small pebble sized road gravel that was more like insect splatter. Safelite was repairing 1 very small chip and the windshield cracked during this common repair. Clearly the provided glass is substandard and should be upgraded for all Land Rover Defenders. I now never drive this car without the thought of another windshield break that’s about to occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736333May 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am now on my 4th windshield on my 2025 Land Rover Defender 110. I have had 5 chips/cracks on these windshields. Only 1 crack was from a rock that you might expect glass breakage, the others were all caused by small pebble sized road gravel that was more like insect splatter. Safelite was repairing 1 very small chip and the windshield cracked during this common repair. Clearly the provided glass is substandard and should be upgraded for all Land Rover Defenders. I now never drive this car without the thought of another windshield break that’s about to occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736331May 7, 2026
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I am now on my 4th windshield on my 2025 Land Rover Defender 110. I have had 5 chips/cracks on these windshields. Only 1 crack was from a rock that you might expect glass breakage, the others were all caused by small pebble sized road gravel that was more like insect splatter. Safelite was repairing 1 very small chip and the windshield cracked during this common repair. Clearly the provided glass is substandard and should be upgraded for all Land Rover Defenders. I now never drive this car without the thought of another windshield break that’s about to occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734105April 27, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlight DRL Failure - it's safety issue. this is known issue with defenders but when I contacted local dealer in Atlanta area, they refused to replace it without me paying $3200.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733829April 26, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Alternator & DC/DC Converter failure or DC/DC Converter failure that also led to Alternator failure. I will attach letter correspondence sent to Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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