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2020 Land Rover Defender problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Land Rover Defender has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 8safety recalls
- 55owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 1fire report
- 9%fail the UK MOT
55 complaints, against an average of 41 for the other 6 Land Rover Defender model years.
Every Land Rover Defender model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Land Rover Defender?
The components named most often in the 55 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 Land Rover Defender owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 55 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2020 Land Rover Defender?12 owners · 21.8% · Recall 26V599000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Land Rover Defender?4 owners · 7.3%
- Why does my 2020 Land Rover Defender stall, lose power or shut off while driving?3 owners · 5.5% · Recall 26V599000
- Why does lane keeping assist steer on its own in my 2020 Land Rover Defender?3 owners · 5.5%
Has the 2020 Land Rover Defender been recalled?
8 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Propulsion System: Dc/Dc Converter Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the 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: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Air Bags: Frontal 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.
Electrical System: Propulsion System: Dc/Dc Converter 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). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. 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: Dealers will update the central software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final 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.
Equipment 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.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Oil/Lubrication 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: Other: Owners/Service/Other Manual 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.
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.
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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)Over-the-air fix 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.
Is the 2020 Land Rover Defender recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSADriver’s Airbag Potential Non-Deployment
Risk: A concern has been identified where the connector to the driver’s airbag at the clockspring may experience fretting corrosion over time. This can lead to an increased resistance in the driver’s airbag circuit potentially resulting in the airbag failing to deploy when requested to do so. An airbag which fails to deploy as-intended will increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Vehicles will have a protective lubricant gel applied to the driver’s airbag connector terminals.
UK DVSAE-PACE F-PACE Defender Discovery Sport Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar PHEV Traction Battery Fire Risk
Risk: Vehicles have experienced thermal overload which may manifest in smoke or fire that may occur underneath the rear of the vehicle where the high voltage traction battery is located. The root cause is not yet known and investigations are continuing. A vehicle thermal overload condition such as fire or smoke can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle as well as property damage.
Fix: Vehicles will be inspected by the retailer and as required at-risk battery packs will be replaced.
UK DVSAAJ20-D6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing CrackedD6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing Cracked
Risk: On affected vehicles the incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Fix: Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.
UK DVSASecurity Enhancement
Risk: For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Fix: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
UK DVSASecurity Enhancement
Risk: For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Fix: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles there is a risk where the water pump pully drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction.On affected vehicles there is a risk where the water pump pully drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pully drive is lost this leads to a loss coolant flow in the engine.
Risk: On affected vehicles there is a risk where the water pump pully drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pully drive is lost this leads to a loss coolant flow in the engine.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the engine coolant elbow replaced. In addition a turbocharger feed coolant pipe will be replaced.
UK DVSAFront passenger seats missing occupancy detection sensor system
Risk: The front passenger seats were manufactured without the Occupancy Detection Sensor system (ODS) installed.
Fix: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.
UK DVSAThe front seat track end stop bracket may be deformed
Risk: The front seat track end stop bracket may become deformed.
Fix: Replace the front seat tracks with a modified part.
UK DVSAThe fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value
Risk: The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value.
Fix: Inspect the exhaust downpipe to catalytic converter joint. If the fixings are present torque them up to the required torque specification. If any fixings are missing they will be replaced and torqued to the required specification.
EU Safety GateCorrosion of the airbag connector may increase electrical resistance, which could prevent the driver airbag from deploying correctly in…Corrosion of the airbag connector may increase electrical resistance, which could prevent the driver airbag from deploying correctly in the event of an accident. This increases the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 10/07/2026
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag connectors in the steering column has shown that they may corrode.Over time, the airbag might not deploy as intended and therefore could increase the risk of injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 23/06/2026
EU Safety GateA defective module has been installed in the high-voltage battery, which may cause it to overheat and lead to a fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 12/06/2026
EU Safety GateThe lower fixing on the accessory raised air intake and the body A-pillar on which it is mounted may not fit correctly.This can result in inadequate attachment force between the raised air intake and the vehicle. The air intake can become detached from the vehicle and fall into the road. This creates a risk of accident for the following traffic.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe engines may become blocked, which can cause external oil leakage or oil transfer into the air intake system, creating a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 16/02/2023
EU Safety GateThe coolant pump may malfunction and stop the coolant flow, causing the engine to overheat quickly and subsequently break an…The coolant pump may malfunction and stop the coolant flow, causing the engine to overheat quickly and subsequently break an engine-mounted plastic elbow in the cooling circuit. Coolant can leak onto the turbocharger's heat shield, creating a risk of fire in the engine compartment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateDue to an error in the assembly process, the occupant detection system (ODS) of the front passenger seat had not been installed on the…Due to an error in the assembly process, the occupant detection system (ODS) of the front passenger seat had not been installed on the seat cushion. As a result, no audible signal sounds and no warning symbol will appear on the instrument panel to warn the driver when the front passenger seat is occupied but the seat belt is not fastened.This may increase the risk of not having the seat belt fastened in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 05/10/2021
EU Safety GateWhen the manually adjustable front seats are moved as far forward as possible, for example, when moving the front seats forward rapidly to…When the manually adjustable front seats are moved as far forward as possible, for example, when moving the front seats forward rapidly to allow access to the second row seats, the front seat slide end supports may become deformed over time. As a result, the seats could be positioned too far and the driver may not be able to touch the pedals, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 16/08/2021
EU Safety GateThe gasket fixings between the exhaust downpipe and the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the correct torque and could…The gasket fixings between the exhaust downpipe and the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the correct torque and could become loose over time.As a result, hot exhaust gases could leak into the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 19/04/2021
How often does the 2020 Land Rover Defender fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Land Rover Defender owners report?
12 of the 55 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The following day, the contact’s spouse started the vehicle, and the message “High Voltage Shutdown Not Possible – Live System” was displayed. The contact stated that after an inspection, DTC: P0A7B was retrieved. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System); however, the part was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not…
The dealership is not able to perform the recall in a timely manner.
Our 2020 Defender's halo light on the driver's side has become inoperable & poses a safety hazard. After researching this issue, it appears that this has been reported widely online. This malfunctioning halo light renders overall lighting very dim at night, creating a safety hazard for my vehicle & other drivers on the road. While looking online this is a rampant problem with this model, with the dealers wanting to charge & exorbitant cost of $4K+ I am writing to request that the manufacturer assume full responsibility & costs for repairing this safety related lighting defect at a local…
I own a 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 HSE, and both of the vehicle’s daytime running lights (DRLs) have failed. The first DRL failed at approximately 63,000 miles, and the second DRL failed at approximately 68,000 miles. This appears to be a known and recurring issue with the DRL/signature lighting system on 2020 Land Rover Defenders, yet these failures commonly occur outside of the vehicle’s original warranty period, leaving owners responsible for extremely expensive repairs or replacement of an entire headlight assembly for what appears to be a failure of a small electronic component. This is…
Driving and the steering assistance warning goes off cuts off my cruise control and my lane keep assistance causing my car deceleration on highway promptly while going 70 mph.
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle was driving roughly. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the vehicle felt as if the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, and the contact was informed that the coolant hose attached to the radiator and the coolant pipes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred approximately one month later. The front driver’s side headlight had…
My 2020 Land Rover Defender 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) experienced a check engine light and hybrid electrical failure. Diagnostics by an authorized Jaguar Land Rover dealer confirmed code P0A1F-96 (Battery Energy Control Module / BECM internal component failure). This failure relates directly to an active, global safety recall issued by JLR (NHTSA Campaign 26V248 / JLR Recall D126) regarding DC-DC converter failures in MHEV vehicles. According to JLR recall documentation, a microchip failure in the DC-DC converter causes a total loss of 12V system charging, leading to electrical…
I am reporting a systemic failure of exhaust manifold retaining bolts on the 2020 Land Rover Defender (L663, P400 engine). While removing the engine skid plate, I discovered a fractured exhaust manifold bolt that had fallen down. The bolt head had separated, leaving the threaded portion in the cylinder head. There are I believe 12 manifold bolts securing the integrated exhaust manifold/turbocharger assembly, & multiple owners have documented similar failures, including cases with multiple broken bolts on one vehicle. The exhaust manifold is integrated with the turbocharger and is part of the…
We have had our vehicle for 3 years and had to replace our windshield twice from random cracks starting from the exterior windshield where it meets the body of the care. It has happened on its own, twice, which impact from any object. The cost of the windshield, as installed is over $2000 each time, and it is repeated occurrence with owners.
The DC/DC converter is failing on the vehicles regularly. This results in the vehicle losing power and shutting down while driving. I own this vehicle and while it hasn’t happened yet, I constantly fear that it will. With the common knowledge and frequency of this occurrence, Land Rover should fix as a recall to ensure the safety of all customers. Please push for this. Thank you.
2020 Land Rover Defender with air intake snorkel was detached from the vehicle driving down the highway during a windy day. I see that Land Rover has recalled the snorkel for 2023 and 2024 models for that very reason. The recall should include 2020 models as well! I've noticed that there are many Land Rover Defender owners talking about this same issue online.
My car does not fall under the VINs specified in recall N599 but is exhibiting the same unsafe conditions. At a rolling stop in traffic the car asks me to manually select a gear (while in Drive) and then shuts off the engine. The engine then will not restart and I am in unsafe conditions in intersections. I have brought the car to the dealership several times to resolve this and it continues to worsen. It has become a daily event and is now back at the delaership where they have told me it is not affected by this recall but clearly exhibits the same issue as described in that recall. This is a…
2020 Land Rover Defender: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Land Rover Defender reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 55 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Land Rover Defender; the most common categories were exterior lighting (19, 34.5%), electrical system (12, 21.8%), steering (8, 14.5%). There are 8 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Land Rover Defender?
Across 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are exterior lighting (34.5% of complaints), electrical system (21.8% of complaints), steering (14.5% of complaints), engine (12.7% of complaints), visibility/wiper (10.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Land Rover Defender have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 8 recalls for the 2020 Land Rover Defender; the most recent (campaign 26V599000, 2026-09-17) concerns Electrical System: Propulsion System: Dc/Dc Converter. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2020 Land Rover Defender?
12 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Land Rover Defender (21.8%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 26V599000 (electrical system: propulsion system: dc/dc converter). The fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Daytime running lights on my car gave out. This has been an issue with 2020+ Defenders as the LED module burns out overtime due to a lack of sufficient cooling. Land Rover quoted over 5000 dollars for headlight replacements just for a simple LED bulb." (NHTSA complaint 11746030, June 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 Land Rover Defender?
4 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Land Rover Defender (7.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "My 2020 Land Rover Defender 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) experienced a check engine light and hybrid electrical failure." (NHTSA complaint 11752326, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 Land Rover Defender stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
3 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Land Rover Defender (5.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 26V599000 (electrical system: propulsion system: dc/dc converter). The fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "The DC/DC converter is failing on the vehicles regularly. This results in the vehicle losing power and shutting down while driving. I own this vehicle and while it hasn’t happened yet, I constantly fear that it will." (NHTSA complaint 11709603, January 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does lane keeping assist steer on its own in my 2020 Land Rover Defender?
3 of the 55 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 Land Rover Defender (5.5%) describe lane keeping or lane centering assist steering unexpectedly or not working. One owner wrote: "While driving on straight highway, the vehicle's lane keep assist feature which was turned off (the default position) activated automatically without driver input or warning and caused the steering wheel to turn and abruptly moved the vehicle from side to…" (NHTSA complaint 11360178, September 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Defender
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.