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2021 Land Rover Defender Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Land Rover Defender carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering tail lights and retractor. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Daytime running light and headlamp assembly failure.” Land Rover schedules service annually: oil and inspection every 12 months or roughly 16,000 miles, whichever comes first, with the interval message shown in the instrument cluster. The published intervals assume on-road use — Land Rover halves oil and driveline intervals for sustained off-road driving, deep wading, or heavy towing. On air-suspension models (Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery), have the compressor, struts, and ride-height sensors inspected at every service; it's far cheaper as a check than as a failure.

9 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Campaign #21V435000 · Aug 6, 2021

Issue: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Campaign #21V668000 · Aug 26, 2021

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.

Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Campaign #21V584000 · Jul 29, 2021

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the third-row seating is equipped with LATCH child seat restraints with top tethers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."

Risk: Incorrect child restraint information may result in a child seat being improperly secured, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: Land Rover will mail owners the correct information to insert into the owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 23, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N601.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign #21V424000 · Mar 6, 2021

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may unexpectedly switch off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in an engine stall with no warning.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: The Connected Diagnostic Services (CDS) and the Over-the-air (OTA) diagnostics functionality will be disabled, either by a dealer or through an OTA update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N599.

SEATS

Campaign #21V499000 · Jan 7, 2021

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Defender 90 vehicles equipped with manually-adjustable front seats. The front seat track end-stop bracket may become deformed, which could prevent the seat from locking into place.

Risk: A seat that is not properly locked into place can move unintentionally during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will replace the front seat tracks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N609.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Campaign #23V044000 · Feb 2, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT

Campaign #24E102000 · Jun 12, 2024

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543. The raised air intake may not be secured properly, which can allow the intake to detach from the vehicle.

Risk: A detached raised air intake can fall off the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, remove and reinstall the RAI accessory, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N964.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER

Campaign #26V248000 · Apr 17, 2026

Issue: 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.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #26V389000 · Dec 6, 2026

Issue: 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.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Land Rover Defender.

Reported to NHTSA

Daytime running light and headlamp assembly failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

12 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2026-08

“The left headlight daytime running light has died due to a defective chip in the light itself. It may cause a higher chance of a daytime wreck because of reduced visibility. Also, more chance of me getting pulled over for my headlight not working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755150
“The driver side DAYTIME Running Light has failed as of 1/20/25. 2. Some states require the DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS to be operating. (So, I need to replace this headlamp.) 3. Three auto repair companies have confirmed the DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS are not operating and the entire…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668024
“Both daytime running lights failed simultaneously. Not covered by warranty and told that they would cost >$5,000 to repair. There have been hundreds of these reported and it should be a recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11718497

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield spontaneous cracking without impact

VISIBILITY/WIPER

15 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2024-10

“under adverse temperature conditions ( e.g. high temp or low temp ) the windshield can develop a sudden crack, without any external impact. Conditions: above 95 deg F or below 30 deg F ; Status: vehicle could be stationary, or in motion; Hazard to occupants: Yes; Safety concern…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11451131
“Windshield cracked for no reason. ie no chip caused by rock, etc. Happened while I was driving with no traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470701
“at 12k miles my windshield while driving makes a huge popping sound and i look to see that it cracked right down the middle, startling me while driving at night. There was ABSOLUTELY nothing that hit the windshield. It was a clear night driving with no other drivers on the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11508583

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

A-pillar exterior trim detachment at highway speed

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-09 → 2026-07

“while driving at highway speeds, the driver-side windshield exterior A-pillar trim detached from the vehicle and blocked the driver-side rearview mirror, obstructing rear visibility. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the highway, and the detached A-Pillar trim was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748533
“while driving on the highway at about 70mph I heard a loud noise coming from the front right side of the car and when I looked the right windshield pillar molding had broken off and was hanging by the bottom. I had to pull over immediately and saw that the molding had broken off…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11545310

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system recall repair parts unavailability

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01 → 2026-08

“The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754833
“I had received the recall notice regarding a failure of the DCDC converter and that an electrical fault warning could potentially happen. Well I got that warning and then my check engine light remained on. I immediately called [XXX] Jaguar Land Rover in [XXX] and got an…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756648

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Main fuel line fracture and fuel leak

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 NHTSA complaint · 2025-10 → 2025-10

“after refueling the vehicle, the contact noticed a fuel odor while driving. The contact continued driving; however, the fuel odor had grown stronger. The contact arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle, and became aware that the main fuel line had fractured, causing…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692274

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering wheel high effort and lane assist fault

STEERING

1 NHTSA complaint · 2024-01 → 2024-01

“I noticed the steering wheel was VERY hard to turn. You have to use both hands and lean with body weight to turn the wheel a few inches which when the car is at a stand-still. It did get a little easier if the car was moving. The screen didn’t dim but now I recall, just for a…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11567000

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Annual Service)

Every 16,000 mi

Replace oil and filter every 12 months or about 16,000 miles, whichever comes first, using the JLR-spec oil grade for your engine. Off-road use, wading, or towing: halve the interval per Land Rover's own severe-service guidance.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles. Full-time AWD punishes mismatched tread depth — replace tires in sets of four on Range Rover and Discovery models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 16,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and wear sensors at every annual service. Heavy curb weight means Range Rover Sport pads wear faster than sedan owners expect.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 4 fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage — sooner if the vehicle wades regularly, since moisture ingress is the failure mode.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Air Suspension & Underbody Inspection

Every 16,000 mi

At every annual service: check air springs for cracking, compressor operation, ride-height calibration, and underbody/driveline condition. Off-road-driven vehicles: also inspect skid plates and breather lines.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Transfer Case Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid around 60,000 miles — sooner with regular towing or off-road use. The active transfer case on Range Rover Sport and Discovery is sensitive to degraded fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Front & Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front and rear differential fluid around 60,000 miles; halve that for wading or towing. Models with the active rear locking differential use a specific fluid — no substitutes.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

The ZF 8-speed is marketed as lifetime fill; ZF itself recommends fluid and pan service around 60,000-100,000 miles. Independent JLR specialists lean toward 60,000 for towing and off-road vehicles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles on-road; inspect at every service if the vehicle sees dust, gravel, or trail use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 16,000 mi

Replace at every annual service. Most JLR models locate it behind the glovebox; some Range Rover models have twin filters.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Engine Coolant

On condition / lifetime

JLR long-life coolant is scheduled for roughly 10 years; independent specialists suggest refreshing around 100,000 miles, using only JLR-spec coolant.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

No occupant deaths in FARS 2010–2024 crashes are on record for this year and model. That is the census answer for the window, and it says nothing more than that.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Land Rover Defender reflects Land Rover's published service intervals and the Service Interval Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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