2022 Land Rover Defender

DC to DC converter failure that displays a RED warning indicator that says "Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected" with a red battery indicator symbol displayed simultaneously. I called the dealer as this is the 3rd time I have experienced similar electrical issues that have left me stranded since my purchase of this truck new Jan '22. The dealer brushed me off the first time telling me I didn't drive the vehicle enough, 2nd time they replaced the battery, now they said they had a bulletin (1 month prior) from Land Rover of known DC-DC converter failure with no ETA for parts. I was told by the dealer the steering could lock up and/or the vehicle could have brake failure. I had it towed 1 hour to the dealer. There are 10 other vehicle sitting at this one dealer awaiting the same part replacement and they never notified me of this issue when they were aware of the safety concerns a month prior to my 3rd incident. This is a now known nationwide issue with Defenders and I have a claim in for it to be covered under the factory warranty since my factory warranty had just expired 9 days prior especially given my prior record of electrical issues with this particular vehicle. This is still not resolved and it has been at the dealer for 18 days as it is not safe to drive and still awaits a part with no estimated time for repair.

Electrical fault detected - pull over safely error message appeared while driving, and when vehicle was shut off, low battery warning appeared. Started vehicle and attempted to put in drive and failed with drivetrain error, then suspension error and power steering error. Replaced 12V battery next morning and still received electrical fault error. Towed to dealer and diagnosed with DC-DC converter failure.

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.

On January 25, 2026, while driving my 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 in Colorado on Interstate 70, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost power with no warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle abruptly became disabled while traveling at highway speed, creating an immediate and serious risk of a crash, severe injury, or death to myself and other motorists. I was extremely fortunate to be able to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic and exit the highway. Given traffic conditions on I-70, this failure could easily have resulted in a major accident. The vehicle was undrivable and had to be towed to Flatirons Land Rover in Colorado on January 25, 2026. On January 26, 2026, after I had to repeatedly follow up with the dealership, I was informed that the failure was caused by a defective component related to the battery/electrical system. Although the repair is covered under warranty, the required part is on backorder, and I was advised the vehicle will be out of service for approximately six weeks. The dealership stated they cannot provide a loaner vehicle, leaving me without transportation. They said the dcdc converter and I don not understand and they did not explain well A sudden loss of power without warning at highway speeds represents a serious safety defect that puts drivers and the public at risk. I am concerned this defect may affect other vehicles and could lead to serious injuries or fatalities if not addressed.

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.

Vehicle display provided warning of Electrical Fault and shorty thereafter the vehicle "bricked" ie. became entirely inoperable. I was able to jump start the engine but as soon as the vehicle was disconnected from the jumping power source the vehicle's engine shut down. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The tech with the towing truck jump started the vehicle and noted the problem appeared to be with the alternator (ie. excessive draw on the power source). The dealership has tentatively diagnosed the problem as the DC-DC converter which serves as the alternator in this vehicle. The part has been back ordered for quite some time. The failure of this component seems to be a widespread issue with a number of Land Rover models.

On [XXX], while driving approximately 30 mph, my vehicle displayed the warning “STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED.” I immediately pulled over and restarted the vehicle, but the warning reappeared. Due to safety concerns and proximity to my home, I cautiously continued driving. Two blocks from my residence, I stopped briefly and received a message stating “BATTERY LOW – PLEASE START ENGINE.” After restarting and turning the vehicle off again, the original warning cleared; however, the vehicle has been completely inoperable since [XXX]. The SUV was towed for battery replacement and then towed again after diagnosis confirmed a failed DC-DC converter. The dealership has advised the earliest availability of the replacement part is February 19, 2026, resulting in over two months of total vehicle downtime. I have received minimal updates during this time. I reported this issue to Land Rover/JLR but have not received follow-up or resolution. Based on my research, DC-DC converter failure is a known safety issue, and JLR has prior awareness of this defect. This failure presents a serious safety concern due to loss of electrical function while driving, possibly emergency brake issue, along with unreasonable repair delays related to a known issue. I am requesting acknowledgement of this safety concern, clear communication regarding my case, and appropriate assistance due to the extended downtime and still having to pay a monthly car payment/insurance and manufacture warranty just expiring at the 50,000 miles. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)