Problem Lookup › Land Rover › Defender › 2023
Car problem report
2023 Land Rover Defender problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2023 Land Rover Defender has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 85owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 0injuries reported
The most complained-about Land Rover Defender year on file: 85 complaints, against an average of 36 for the other 6 model years.
Every Land Rover Defender model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2023 Land Rover Defender?
The components named most often in the 85 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2023 Land Rover Defender owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 85 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2023 Land Rover Defender stall, lose power or shut off while driving?8 owners · 9.4%
- Why does my 2023 Land Rover Defender overheat?5 owners · 5.9%
- Why does my 2023 Land Rover Defender lose all electrical power?4 owners · 4.7%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2023 Land Rover Defender?4 owners · 4.7%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2023 Land Rover Defender?3 owners · 3.5%
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2023 Land Rover Defender?3 owners · 3.5%
Has the 2023 Land Rover Defender been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2023 Land Rover Defender as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2023 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 DVSAAJ20-D6 Fuel Injector Clamp CrackedD6 Fuel Injector Clamp Cracked
Risk: A concern has been identified where the clamps used to secure the fuel injectors into the cylinder head on certain AJ20-D6 engines may crack allowing the injector to come loose. This loose injector could become unseated allowing fuel to be pushed past the injector seal from the combustion chamber or the fuel feed system.
Fix: A fuel leak in this area could result in fuel spill onto hot engine components which may result in a fire.
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 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required.On affected Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required. This may occur whilst the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle will operate in Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode only. When the EV system is no longer able to propel the vehicle the vehicle will unexpectedly slow down and no drive is possible.
Risk: On affected Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required. This may occur whilst the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle will operate in Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode only. When the EV system is no longer able to propel the vehicle the vehicle will unexpectedly slow down and no drive is possible.
Fix: Software update to the Powertrain control module.
UK DVSAOn affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an…On affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an incident cannot be ruled out.
Risk: On affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an incident cannot be ruled out.
Fix: The third-row seat back latch operation will be checked. Where the seat latches operate correctly no further action is required. Where a latch does not operate properly the seat frame and associated components will be replaced.
UK DVSAFor certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a…For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn t been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Risk: For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn't been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Fix: The engine cam carrier will be inspected and where an incorrectly machined cam carrier is found replace it with a correctly machined component. Depending on mileage and engine conditions further associated components may require replacement.
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.
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 plastic used for the oil filter housing in some petrol and diesel engines can crack over time.This can cause oil leaks onto the engine and road. Leaked oil can ignite upon contact with hot engine parts, increasing the risk of a fire. Moreover, it can also create slippery sections, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries especially for two-wheeled vehicles.
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 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 GateThe back seat LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) may be faulty.A child restraint system may not work as intended due to compromised seat strength. This could lead to injuries in case 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: Unknown
What do 2023 Land Rover Defender owners report?
12 of the 85 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.
A warning sign appeared stating the battery was not charging (something like that). When I turned off the car, another warning said to keep the car turned on the battery was low. I kept the car on and began to drive home, very quickly more warnings appeared, power was diminished, so I pulled into a parking lot and the car completely stopped. Tried to turn engine back on to get it into a parking spot, It would not start. Could not put the care in neutral to push it out of the way. Tried to put my hazard lights on, but they would not turn on. Had it towed to a shop, they told me it was a recall…
Without warning, the driver's side front Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature halo ring suffered a complete electrical failure while driving. The low-beam projector and high-beam lamps continue to function, but the primary forward signature DRL element is completely inoperative due to what appears to be an internal circuit/LED driver board failure within the factory sealed headlamp housing. This malfunction compromises vehicle safety by significantly degrading front-end conspicuity and visibility to oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians during daylight hours, twilight, and inclement…
We purchased this vehicle new on 3/22/23. On 3/23/24 we started having "Charging System Fault" Red Warning Lights on the dash. Our first service to remedy this issue was on 3/23/24 with 288 miles on the vehicle. We have continued to have these issues, which has ultimately been determined to be related to the current open recall (NHTSA Recall Number 26V-248). We have been in the shop 5 times over the past 3 years for the same issue. Most recently, at 50,873 miles last week, the DC-DC converter failed and left us stranded. We had to have the vehicle towed to Land Rover Albany. Land Rover…
My 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 X Dynamic is less than four years old and recently passed its 50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty limit. A LED daytime running light (DRL) should not fail this early. The integrated front daytime running light "halo" LED module inside the sealed premium headlamp assembly failed and is completely dark. Low/ high beams and turn lights still work, but it's not a replaceable component; the LED module's built into the sealed housing, so repair at the dealer means replacing the entire headlamp, while 90% still functions, costing ~$3,000 USD. DRLs exist to make the…
My 2023 Land Rover Defender is subject to manufacturer recall D126 / NHTSA Recall 26V-248 concerning potential failure of the DC/DC converter due to an internal fault in the boost control microchip. The recall remains incomplete and Jaguar Land Rover has advised that a remedy is not yet available. I have contacted Jaguar Land Rover and my authorized Land Rover retailer, but there is currently no repair that I can have performed to remedy the safety defect. This has created a significant problem because I recently relocated from Canada to the United States and need to import my Canadian-market…
Front windshield is extremely fragile. The smallest rock will create a chip which will spider across the windshield within a couple days. I have an older Land Rover and there have been more rocks with only a few small chips and no spider. Cheap glass installed on the new Land Rovers.
The DC/DC converter failed and caused the vehicle to immediately lose all power at a main intersection. My wife was driving the vehicle when this happened with out two children in the vehicle as well (ages [XXX] and [XXX]. Luckily, she was able to somewhat get out of intersection of a very busy road. The vehicle had to be towed to the Land Rover dealership. The part was covered by a factory extended warranty. There is an active recall for this part; however, this vehicle does not show to be in the recall. Since this part did fail, I wanted to file a complaint since it is not in the recall…
The vehicle experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure while driving, related to the DC converter. Warning lights did appear prior to the failure; however, I was driving down a mountainous road and do not recall the exact messages. Shortly after, the vehicle shut down and lost power, causing it to roll to a stop in active traffic. At the time of the incident, I was partially in the roadway and unable to safely move the vehicle out of traffic. The vehicle became inoperable and could not be restarted. I had two children and two dogs in the vehicle at the time. The vehicle had to be…
While driving the vehicle warnings alerted me that the battery was low and to start the vehicle ( it was running as I was driving) then the alert changed to pull over when possible. At this time the power steering and power brakes started to fail by the time I pulled into a parking lot the vehicle completely died and I had to push it into a parking spot. I called Land Rover they towed it to a dealership. The dealership in Orlando Florida said that the DC to DC converter failed and that it would need a new one (but the part is on a back order because it’s a common issue and they have no idea…
The DC/DC converter failed causing the generator not to charge. This caused the car to lose all power whilst I was driving the vehicle and come to a complete stop on an active road.
Took my car to the dealership to have the windshield replaced due to a rock chip. Driving home on the freeway with the new windshield installed, I noticed a new crack moving across the windshield. I had on driven only 45 miles. Contacted Landrover and was told it was just an unfortunate chance event. I previously had a windshield replaced for the same reason. I now need my 3rd windshield in 1 1/2 years
Steering wheel is locked and does not turn the wheels
2023 Land Rover Defender: questions owners ask
Is the 2023 Land Rover Defender reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Land Rover Defender; the most common categories were electrical system (41, 48.2%), visibility/wiper (14, 16.5%), engine (13, 15.3%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Land Rover Defender?
Across 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (48.2% of complaints), visibility/wiper (16.5% of complaints), engine (15.3% of complaints), exterior lighting (10.6% of complaints), power train (8.2% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2023 Land Rover Defender have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2023 Land Rover Defender. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2023 Land Rover Defender stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
8 of the 85 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Land Rover Defender (9.4%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "The vehicle experienced an electrical fault and shortly after receiving the warning on the dash, the vehicle completely lost power in the middle of traffic." (NHTSA complaint 11711036, January 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 2023 Land Rover Defender overheat?
5 of the 85 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Land Rover Defender (5.9%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Powerconverter failure. Repair part unavailable Constant coolant leak (documented more than 4 repair attempts since purchase." (NHTSA complaint 11710926, January 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 2023 Land Rover Defender lose all electrical power?
4 of the 85 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Land Rover Defender (4.7%) describe a sudden loss of electrical power: dash, lights and screens going dark. One owner wrote: "Without warning, the driver's side front Daytime Running Light (DRL) signature halo ring suffered a complete electrical failure while driving." (NHTSA complaint 11772095, October 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 the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2023 Land Rover Defender?
4 of the 85 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Land Rover Defender (4.7%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "While driving my Defender 130 at Highway speed a warning for a faulty electrical system light came on. Within a mile while I was trying to exit the highway, all electrical systems failed." (NHTSA complaint 11714802, February 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 the auto start-stop system act up on my 2023 Land Rover Defender?
3 of the 85 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Land Rover Defender (3.5%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "On several occasions my car has shifted from Drive into Neutral while I was at a light and the vehicle had shut itself off as part of the Intelligent Start Stop feature." (NHTSA complaint 11515844, April 2023). 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 do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2023 Land Rover Defender?
3 of the 85 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2023 Land Rover Defender (3.5%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "My 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 X Dynamic is less than four years old and recently passed its 50,000-mile new-vehicle warranty limit. A LED daytime running light (DRL) should not fail this early." (NHTSA complaint 11767551, September 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.
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 vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2023 only; combines NHTSA's entries for DEFENDER 110, DEFENDER 130 and DEFENDER 90.