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2023 Land Rover Defender Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Land Rover Defender carries 9 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering pretensioner and oil/lubrication. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “48V DC-DC converter failure causing vehicle shutdown.” 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

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Campaign #22V523000 · Jul 21, 2022

Issue: 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.

Risk: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: 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.

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.

CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR

Campaign #23V137000 · Feb 3, 2023

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch may not latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat installed to the top tether.

Risk: A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N768.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #23V789000 · Nov 22, 2023

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition. The brake calipers may not be reinstalled properly, allowing the brake calipers to detach.

Risk: Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and cause structural wheel damage, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reinstall the brake calipers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N848.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:FILTER/SCREEN

Campaign #24V450000 · Jun 17, 2024

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Defender, 2024 Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The oil filter housing can crack and leak oil into the engine compartment.

Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the filter housing, oil filter, and o-rings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N908.

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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Campaign #25V016000 · Jan 16, 2025

Issue: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.

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 2023 Land Rover Defender.

Reported to NHTSA

48V DC-DC converter failure causing vehicle shutdown

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

30 NHTSA complaints · 2026-01-14 → 2026-07-27

“The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 – 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shuddered and vibrated with several unknown warning lights illuminated and flashing before the vehicle abruptly stalled and lost power in the middle of the freeway. The vehicle lost steering and braking…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719441
“On December 29th 2025 my car displayed an alert "Electrical Fault Detected: Please Pull Car Over Safely". I was in rural New Hampshire at the time so continued driving (for about 5 minutes) until I lost all power steering, stability controls and ability to drive the car…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713872

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield cracking and chipping from minor impacts

VISIBILITY/WIPER

16 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04-06 → 2026-07-21

“I have had to replace my windshield 3 times in a matter of a few months. In the case of my last two windshields, I was able to drive for only 2 days before it cracked. In all cases they started as small rock chips, always within a few inches of the exterior edge.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11515849
“Windshield cracks. Minor chips causes major cracks that go across the windshield and reduces visibility. While driving, I watched the crack spread across my sight line which impaired driving. This is the second windshield I have had to replace in two months.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577756
“Vehicle windshield spontaneously cracked with large crack extending across most of passenger side. Vehicle has 10K miles. No offroad driving. No rock or foreign object struck vehicle. Driven on smooth roads. Weather was not issue.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585616

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Daytime running light and headlight assembly failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-10-17 → 2026-07-22

“Daytime running lights have both failed within the last 79 days. Passenger side failed at ~32660 miles o/a 05 Mar 26. It was replaced under warranty. Driver side failed around 36234 miles on 22 May 26 (5-days out of warranty). It is pending a shop appointment for replacement.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11739874
“The Halo/daylight running light has burned out. I have found on the internet that this is a know issue. Mine burned out at 57,000 miles. The dealer wants over $3000 to fix it.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752192

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering lockup with lane departure system fault

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03-18 → 2024-01-20

“When driving the new 2023 vehicle with 956 miles we got a lane keep malfunction dialogue box pop up on digital instrument cluster. At the same time the power steering ceased to work or the lane keep fought to keep it centered even when trying to make maneuvers to stay in lane of traffic…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512581
“Dec 6. Started vehicle and steering wheel would nor move. All functions of car worked. Fwd, rev, engine running , lights all worked. Turned off and restarted 3 times and steering wheel still not moving. All of a sudden wheel became free. I worry now if this could happen while driving.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11558909

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Uncommanded shift to neutral during auto start-stop

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05-23 → 2023-04-06

“Stopped on an uphill grade, start stop on vehicle activated, engine stopped. Upon brake release, engine started, vehicle made uncommanded shift from drive to neutral, rolled backward several feet before brake could be reapplied. Land Rover has been aware of the uncommanded shift to neutral…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11476748

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and dashboard auto-dimming to illegibility

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08-04 → 2023-10-21

“This vehicle is equipped with the "Interactive Driver Display" (IDD), which is a full digital dash. Myself and several other members of enthusiast forums have reported that with recent software updates (PIVI 4.0), this display autodims entirely too dim to see.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540707
“The instrumentation lighting auto adjusts on its own sometimes causing a hazardous situation. The issue is at dusk when the instrument panel goes haywire and will dim to almost completely dark making it illegible.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550061

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)

1 crashes 2010–2024

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 2023 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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