← New search

2023 Land Rover Defender

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Defender years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 4 of 81 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

39 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2026
Electrical System

A known LR Defender MHEV system problem. Specifically, a DC-DC converter failure - while driving vehicle on busy highway. Failure systematically shuts down vehicle. Please refer to: Land Rover Charging System Fault: The DC-DC Converter This is a serious safety issue. The Defender becomes completely disabled while driving.

NHTSA ODI #11712027

Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2026
Electrical System

Powerconverter failure. Repair part unavailable Constant coolant leak (documented more than 4 repair attempts since purchase.

NHTSA ODI #11710926

Mileage unknown · Jan 10, 2026
Electrical System

The Defender is only 2 years old, with 59k miles. Outside of warranty. It is a mild hybrid. Received an emergency electrical fault issue. Car stalled out. Had to get it towed to dealership. Its been with the dealership for a month now, with another month anticipated for the part, a dc converter, which is on backorder with…

Read full complaint

The Defender is only 2 years old, with 59k miles. Outside of warranty. It is a mild hybrid. Received an emergency electrical fault issue. Car stalled out. Had to get it towed to dealership. Its been with the dealership for a month now, with another month anticipated for the part, a dc converter, which is on backorder with LR to be delivered. Battery is dead also. Total repair is estimated at $3100. I will be without the vehicle for atleast 2 months. Looking through the internet it appears this is an issue with LR. Filed a complaint with LR corporate. They are aware of this happening also to vehicles which would explain the backorder on the part. No recall yet however.

NHTSA ODI #11710060

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine

My car died on December 14, 2025 when I was pulling out of my driveway. It read “stop safely electrical fault detected.” And then shut down and would not turn on. Then it said “battery low. Please start engine.” But the car would not start. I had to get it towed to the dealer. They told me it was a the DC converter or the epic m…

Read full complaint

My car died on December 14, 2025 when I was pulling out of my driveway. It read “stop safely electrical fault detected.” And then shut down and would not turn on. Then it said “battery low. Please start engine.” But the car would not start. I had to get it towed to the dealer. They told me it was a the DC converter or the epic module. They said this is a company wide issue with the 2023 defenders and they do not have the part in stock and that it is on back order. Right now they are stating that the part may be in in mid February. Previous to this issue I also had issues two times with my car stating engine coolant issues and had to bring it to the dealer two times to get fixed.

NHTSA ODI #11709828

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 2025
Electrical System

The door actuators are failing which is a very common problem on these vehicles. This fault makes it impossible to lock the doors and arm the vehicle. This is a significant safety issue. Based on the widespread complaints it seems reasonable that Land River should rectify the problem

NHTSA ODI #11679770

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2023
Electrical System

Infotainment screen randomly goes black while driving. Does not come back on. This screen displays and controls everything for the vehicle. Maps, system info, music, etc. Instructions to "reset" the system consists of reaching toward the passenger side of the dashboard to hold down a power button for about 30 seconds. I have d…

Read full complaint

Infotainment screen randomly goes black while driving. Does not come back on. This screen displays and controls everything for the vehicle. Maps, system info, music, etc. Instructions to "reset" the system consists of reaching toward the passenger side of the dashboard to hold down a power button for about 30 seconds. I have done this multiple times, it's not safe. You are stretched out across your vehicle, trying to pay attention to indicator lights, while you also need to pay attention to the road.

NHTSA ODI #11553610

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

the lighting on the 2023 Defender 110 is not adequate, particularly at dusk and in the evening. The brightness control does not adjust for the brightness needed to see gauges. This is a safety risk.

NHTSA ODI #11550336

Mileage unknown · Aug 19, 2023
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

The Centre Cluster dims a dusk and is not visible to the driver

NHTSA ODI #11539578

Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2023
Electrical System

The media screen will randomly go blank so you can not see your navigation map, radio information or any other data that the screen should show. The dealer told us to press the door lock twice and wait several minutes before restarting. Very unsafe if emergency is occurring and you do not have access to navigation system. This h…

Read full complaint

The media screen will randomly go blank so you can not see your navigation map, radio information or any other data that the screen should show. The dealer told us to press the door lock twice and wait several minutes before restarting. Very unsafe if emergency is occurring and you do not have access to navigation system. This has occurred several times since we purchased the vehicle new on March 18 at Buckhead Range Rover in Atlanta. the phone charger does not work and only heats up your phone after you lay the phone on it for a period of time.

NHTSA ODI #11514256

Official recalls

8

26V389000 · Air Bags:frontal

Jun 12, 2026

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driver’s air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.

26V248000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:dc/dc Converter

Apr 17, 2026

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs.) The DC-DC converter can fail due to an internal fault in the boost control microchip. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The remedy for this recall is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.

25V016000 · Back Over Prevention:software; Equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (touch)screen/monitor/unit

Jan 16, 2025

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:electrical:infotainment:video (touch)screen/monitor/unit

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.

Back Over Prevention:software

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.

24V450000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:filter/screen

Jun 17, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Defender, 2024 Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The oil filter housing can crack and leak oil into the engine compartment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the filter housing, oil filter, and o-rings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N908.

23V789000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:critical Fasteners

Nov 22, 2023

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition. The brake calipers may not be reinstalled properly, allowing the brake calipers to detach.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and cause structural wheel damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the brake calipers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N848.

23V137000 · Child Seat:vehicle Tether Anchor; Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Mar 2, 2023

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch may not latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat installed to the top tether.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N768.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Child Seat:vehicle Tether Anchor

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch may not latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat installed to the top tether.

Consequence: A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N768.

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch may not latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat installed to the top tether.

Consequence: A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N768.

23V044000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:oil/lubrication

Feb 2, 2023

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine cam carrier and related components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N763.

22V523000 · Seat Belts:pretensioner

Jul 21, 2022

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N720.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.