NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The DC-DC converter can fail due to a faulty boost control microchip. This failure stops the 12-volt charging system and can cause loss of engine power and exterior lights.
This page covers 9 recalls and 45 owner complaints for the 2020 Land Rover Defender.
Complaints about the 2020 Land Rover Defender cluster most heavily around exterior lighting and steering. On the lighting side, owners report failures and malfunctions across multiple lighting components, making it the single largest complaint category for this model year. Steering complaints describe loss of assist or erratic behavior while driving. Windshield cracking is a recurring theme in the visibility category, owners report spontaneous cracks originating at the edge where the glass meets the body, with no impact involved, and some report it happening more than once on the same vehicle. A handful of owners also describe the vehicle losing power and shutting down unexpectedly while in motion, requiring a full restart to resume driving, with some linking this to the 48-volt hybrid system's DC-to-DC converter.
45
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Land Rover Defender has 9 recalls, the most serious being multiple issues that can cut engine power without warning while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
On the powertrain side, mild-hybrid models may lose drive power due to a fault in the DC/DC converter, and vehicles with the 6-cylinder engine can stall unexpectedly if the powertrain control module shuts off mid-drive. There is also a fire risk on certain models: a blocked oil channel in the engine can cause an oil leak that may ignite near a heat source.
Lighting on Defender X models is covered by a separate concern: bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle can trigger a voltage spike that knocks out the brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights, making the vehicle harder for other drivers to see. On vehicles fitted with the raised air intake accessory, the intake may not be properly secured and can detach while driving, becoming a hazard for other vehicles on the road. Finally, the owner's manual incorrectly states that third-row seats include LATCH child seat anchors with top tethers, which can lead to a child seat being installed without proper restraint.
At a glance
What can fail
The DC-DC converter can fail due to a faulty boost control microchip. This failure stops the 12-volt charging system and can cause loss of engine power and exterior lights.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
The repair procedure is being developed. Owners will receive notification letters starting June 12, 2026, with repair details to follow.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The raised air intake accessory may not be properly secured, allowing it to detach from the vehicle during operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the accessory and reinstall it securely at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The raised air intake may not be properly attached and could loosen or detach while driving.
What the fix does
Land Rover will send written notice. Take your vehicle to a dealership to secure the raised air intake.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine cam carrier oil channel may become blocked, potentially causing oil to leak from the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine cam carrier and replace it and related parts as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The owner's manual incorrectly states that third-row seats have LATCH child seat restraints with top tethers, but they do not. This creates confusion about proper child seat installation.
What the fix does
Land Rover will mail corrected owner's manual information at no charge to clarify third-row seating child restraint capabilities.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage spike triggered by bright light hitting the rear can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to stop working on certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles with smoked rear light assemblies.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights may suddenly turn off when bright light shines directly on them.
What the fix does
Land Rover will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the rear lamp assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the engine control computer may cause the engine to shut off suddenly while driving on certain 6-cylinder models.
What the fix does
Land Rover will send a wireless software update to your vehicle. If it fails, you'll be contacted to schedule a dealer appointment for the update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Powertrain Control Module may unexpectedly shut off while driving, causing the engine to stall without warning.
What the fix does
Connected Diagnostic Services and Over-the-air diagnostics will be disabled by a dealer or through a wireless update, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
