Land Rover Defender Recalls

The Land Rover Defender has 26 recalls spanning 1993 through 2026, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2026 models where an improperly manufactured fuel tank with walls that are too thin can leak fuel in a crash and start a fire.

The 2026 model year also has two restraint concerns: the third-row seat belt anchor bracket can have an insufficient weld that allows the belt to pull free in a crash, and a separate issue with the third-row seat belt anchorage brackets can cause the belts to detach in a crash as well. On 2023-2024 models, the oil filter housing can crack and leak oil onto hot engine or exhaust components, creating a fire risk. That same fire risk from an oil leak exists on 2020-2023 models, where a blocked engine cam carrier oil channel can cause oil to escape into the engine compartment. On 2020-2024 mild-hybrid models, a DC-to-DC converter fault can cut drive power without warning while the vehicle is moving.

The 2022-2023 model years have damaged front seat belt pretensioners that can prevent the belts from properly restraining the driver and front passenger in a crash. On 2023 Defender 130 models, the third-row seatback latch may not fully engage, which weakens the anchor point for a child seat installed to the top tether. The 2021 model year has two related seat issues on vehicles with manually adjustable front seats: the seat track end-stop bracket can deform and allow the seat to shift in a crash. There is also a 2021 recall where rear seat belt retractors can deactivate early, preventing a child restraint from being properly secured.

On 2024 models, an overheating sensor module can cause the surround camera system, including the rearview camera, to stop displaying. A similar rearview camera blackout on 2023-2024 models can occur when the center console touchscreen goes blank at startup. The 2020-2022 Defender X trim with smoked rear light assemblies has a voltage sensitivity issue where a bright light striking the rear of the vehicle can knock out the brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights simultaneously. On 2020-2021 models, the owner's manual incorrectly describes third-row LATCH child seat anchor availability, which can lead to a child seat being installed improperly.

The 2020-2021 six-cylinder models have a powertrain control module software fault that can stall the engine without warning while driving. A raised air intake accessory on certain 2020 models can detach while driving and become a road hazard. Going back to the earliest production, 1993 models were built without the required hazardous substance warning label on the battery.