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 71 owner complaints for the 2023 Land Rover Defender.
The dominant pattern in 2023 Land Rover Defender complaints centers on the electrical system, which accounts for the largest share of reports by a wide margin. Owners most commonly describe failures of the DC-DC converter, the component that steps 48-volt hybrid system voltage down to 12 volts to keep the conventional electrical system running. Reports describe warning messages such as "Charging System Fault," "Electrical Fault Detected," and "Stop Safely" appearing on the instrument cluster, in some cases followed by a complete loss of power while driving. Parts availability has been a recurring frustration, with owners noting backorder waits of one to two months for the replacement converter. Visibility and wiper complaints form the second-largest group, with owners describing issues with wiper operation and forward sightlines. Engine complaints round out the top three, though at lower volume than the electrical and visibility categories.
71
Total Complaints
By System
The 2023 Land Rover Defender has 9 recalls, the most serious involving two separate fire risks: the oil filter housing can crack and leak oil onto hot engine components, and a blocked oil channel in the engine can also produce a leaking oil fire.
A third powertrain concern affects mild-hybrid models, where a DC-to-DC converter failure can cut drive power without warning. On the brake side, one recall is limited to Defender 130 vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition, where brake calipers may not have been correctly reinstalled and can detach, severely reducing stopping ability and potentially damaging the wheel.
Several recalls affect Defender 130 models with third-row seats: the third-row seatback latch may not fully lock, allowing the backrest to shift in a crash, and separately, a poorly latched seatback can also reduce the holding strength of a child seat tethered to it. The front seatbelt pretensioners on certain vehicles may also be damaged and fail to pull the belt tight in a crash.
On the electronics side, the touchscreen can go dark at startup, leaving the rearview camera with no image when backing up. This affects only vehicles with a 10-inch touchscreen.
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 touchscreen in the center console may blank out when starting the vehicle, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the touchscreen software at no cost to restore camera display functionality.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue may cause the touch screen to stay blank when you start the vehicle, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying as required.
What the fix does
Land Rover will update the touch screen software at a dealership to restore proper display function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The oil filter housing may crack, causing oil to leak into the engine compartment.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the filter housing, oil filter, and o-rings at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake calipers may not be properly reinstalled, which could allow them to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinstall the brake calipers at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third-row seatback latch may not lock securely, weakening the top tether attachment for child seats.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The latch that locks the third-row seat backrest may not have been manufactured correctly, so the backrest might not fully lock in place.
What the fix does
A dealership will inspect the third-row seat and replace the backrest latch if needed.
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 driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, preventing the seat belts from properly restraining occupants in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt assemblies as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
