Land Rover Defender problems by model year
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
NHTSA has 299 owner complaints and 18 recalls on file for the Land Rover Defender (2020–2026). The 2022 Defender has the most serious complaints, most often about electrical system.
- Complaints
- 299
- Recalls
- 18
- Model years
- 7
- Worst year
- 2022
Complaints by model year
Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.
Worst Land Rover Defender years to buy
Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).
- 2022 Land Rover Defender — 75 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Electrical System
- 2023 Land Rover Defender — 82 complaints; top problem: Electrical System
- 2020 Land Rover Defender — 55 complaints, 1 crash, 1 fire; top problem: Lighting
- 2021 Land Rover Defender — 42 complaints; top problem: Lighting
- 2024 Land Rover Defender — 26 complaints, 1 fire; top problem: Electrical System
Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2021 (42 complaints).
Every Land Rover Defender model year
| Year | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | Recalls | Top problem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Defender | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System |
| 2025 Defender | 13 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Visibility & Wipers |
| 2024 Defender | 26 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | Electrical System |
| 2023 Defender | 82 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Electrical System |
| 2022 Defender | 75 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | Electrical System |
| 2021 Defender | 42 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | Lighting |
| 2020 Defender | 55 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | Lighting |
Most common Land Rover Defender problem areas (all years)
- Electrical System102 complaints
- Lighting60 complaints
- Visibility & Wipers56 complaints
- Engine35 complaints
- Steering26 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech21 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain19 complaints
- Body & Structure11 complaints
- Brakes8 complaints
- Airbags6 complaints
Complaint trend
Land Rover Defender recalls
Risk: An improperly stitched seat belt may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, an improperly manufactured fuel tank may leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Risk: A seat belt assembly with an insufficient weld may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and cause structural wheel damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk: A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Risk: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Risk: Incorrect child restraint information may result in a child seat being improperly secured, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Risk: A seat that is not properly locked into place can move unintentionally during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Risk: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Other Land Rover models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology