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2022 Land Rover Defender

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

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

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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: 2 of 72 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 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. 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.

2 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

Engine complaints

6 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2026
Engine

1) Exhaust Manifold Studs are loosening and/or breaking on I6 engine causing potential CO2 exposure to passengers in the cabin and/or engine bay fire risk. 2) Potentailly yes via CO2. 3) Yes - out of factory warranty therefore had independent service center replace all studs 4) No 5) Not in my case but others on JLR Automotive …

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1) Exhaust Manifold Studs are loosening and/or breaking on I6 engine causing potential CO2 exposure to passengers in the cabin and/or engine bay fire risk. 2) Potentailly yes via CO2. 3) Yes - out of factory warranty therefore had independent service center replace all studs 4) No 5) Not in my case but others on JLR Automotive Forums have heard rattling noises and found broken bolts that fell onto the skid plate directly below engine. *) In attached images below the final picture is of the repaired studs

NHTSA ODI #11756476

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

8/25/2023 18,118 miles, vehicle purchased. Warranty 48 months or 50,000 miles. Factory warranty remaining 31 months or 31,905 miles. 1/8/2024 26,536 miles, L Headlight failure, electric door lock malfunction, air suspension failure. Headlight = warranty replacement. Service Department = no solution, diagnostic code or replic…

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8/25/2023 18,118 miles, vehicle purchased. Warranty 48 months or 50,000 miles. Factory warranty remaining 31 months or 31,905 miles. 1/8/2024 26,536 miles, L Headlight failure, electric door lock malfunction, air suspension failure. Headlight = warranty replacement. Service Department = no solution, diagnostic code or replication of electric lock or suspension issue. 3/26/2024 30,285 miles, R Headlight failure, Low Battery notification. Tested Battery- passed. Headlight- warranty replacement. 4/30/2024 32,175 miles, Low Battery notification. Tested Battery- failed. Battery replacement and battery reset module = warranty replacement. 11/7/20205 58,812 miles, Turbo Coolant O rings failed- mechanical. Service writer advised this is common for these engines in the V6 defender models. Repair estimate $642.77. Dealership - provided good faith discount. Customer agreed to and paid a negotiated repair totaling $377.30. Despite all repairs, electrical warnings continued off and on with Low Battery notifications, that would appear and disappear. 1/31/2026 (62,105 mi), electrical issue, Low Battery notification, then “STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED” notification. Caused vehicle failuer & shut down. Required towing. "STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED" notification – electronic fault affects: Power delivery, Steering, Braking, Stability systems. Dealership Diagnosed fault code P0D33-11, failed DC/DC converter and batteries. Replacement Cost +$2,467.38. DC/DC Convertor OEM Parts are on national backorder. 1-2 months lead time. QTY 15 units waiting. Low battery warnings & P0D33-11 code are related. Weak 12V battery = stress the DC/DC converter, fault codes, conversely, a failing DC/DC prevent the 12V battery charging. These repeated low-battery warnings and electrical failures are directly related to DC/DC converter failure and represent an ongoing electrical defect that originated during the warranty period, not normal wear and tear.

NHTSA ODI #11715326

Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2026
Electrical SystemEngine

Safety Complaint – DC-to-DC Converter Failure Causing Vehicle Shutdown I am submitting this complaint to report a DC-to-DC converter failure that rendered my vehicle inoperable. The authorized Land Rover service department diagnosed a failed DC-to-DC converter. This component is part of the vehicle’s electrical system and its f…

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Safety Complaint – DC-to-DC Converter Failure Causing Vehicle Shutdown I am submitting this complaint to report a DC-to-DC converter failure that rendered my vehicle inoperable. The authorized Land Rover service department diagnosed a failed DC-to-DC converter. This component is part of the vehicle’s electrical system and its failure caused a loss of vehicle functionality. I was informed the replacement part is on national back order, with an estimated repair time of up to two months. Based on owner reports and service discussions, this appears to be a common failure affecting Land Rover mild-hybrid vehicles. Many reports describe sudden loss of electrical power, warning messages, and vehicle shutdown. This issue presents a potential safety risk, as failure of the DC-to-DC converter can result in loss of vehicle systems and may occur without warning, including while the vehicle is in motion. The vehicle is currently unusable. It is concerning that a critical electrical component with safety implications is failing at relatively low mileage and that replacement parts are not readily available. I am requesting NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation, recall, or other corrective action.

NHTSA ODI #11713757

Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

There were two separate issues. First was the battery dying once 4 months after purchase and again about 12 months after purchase. Both times we were lucky we were not out and about 4 wheeling like we normally do. Second is very recent about 18 months after purchase. Both the coolant feed and return lines to the turbo were lea…

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There were two separate issues. First was the battery dying once 4 months after purchase and again about 12 months after purchase. Both times we were lucky we were not out and about 4 wheeling like we normally do. Second is very recent about 18 months after purchase. Both the coolant feed and return lines to the turbo were leaking bad. O2 sensor came up faulty, as well as PCV diaphragm. This about the 4th serious issue we’ve had with this car. I expected this upon purchasing but got one anyways to try it out for off-roading. More to come soon!

NHTSA ODI #11533865

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2022
Engine

The engine cut out whilst going 90kmph on a four lane freeway. I had about 10 seconds to react before it rolled to a complete stop - it wouldn't connect the gas at all. Extremely unsafe situation, other cars beeping their horns in panic as they swerved past me. Lucky to not have caused a serious collision and die today. I ended …

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The engine cut out whilst going 90kmph on a four lane freeway. I had about 10 seconds to react before it rolled to a complete stop - it wouldn't connect the gas at all. Extremely unsafe situation, other cars beeping their horns in panic as they swerved past me. Lucky to not have caused a serious collision and die today. I ended up in between the third lane and the fourth lane exit. Waited there for 2 mins with cars going past me at full speed. Restarted and was able to take the exit where it continued to stall and eventually the vehicle was towed to the dealership. I've had the vehicle 48 hours at 325km total.

NHTSA ODI #11470012

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2022
EngineSteering

Several times while waiting at a red light, the engine just died, feels like it's connected to the hybrid engine not functioning properly. service said it had to do with battery and they fixed it. It still happened 2 more times after they serviced. Also now car is not drivable, because the steering wheel does not budge/move. Wai…

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Several times while waiting at a red light, the engine just died, feels like it's connected to the hybrid engine not functioning properly. service said it had to do with battery and they fixed it. It still happened 2 more times after they serviced. Also now car is not drivable, because the steering wheel does not budge/move. Waiting for service to return my call. Is this something that could happen whilst driving? It is very scary when the brand new car keeps failing unexpectedly.

NHTSA ODI #11451195

Official recalls

5

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.

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.

21V435000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights; Exterior Lighting:tail Lights; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Jun 8, 2021

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.

Consequence: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.

Consequence: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.

Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.

Consequence: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.

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.