2020 Land Rover Defender Problems

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 a safety concern, not simply an aesthetic or convenience issue. When one of the signature DRLs fails, the lighting appearance of the vehicle can make it appear as though a headlight or other required exterior light is not functioning properly. This can make the vehicle less conspicuous to other drivers and can also result in confusion or concern from law enforcement. A vehicle with one side of its DRL signature illuminated and the other side completely dark can appear to have a lighting malfunction, potentially resulting in the driver being pulled over or cited. The fact that both DRLs on my vehicle have now failed independently at approximately 63,000 and 68,000 miles is particularly concerning and suggests a recurring component or design defect rather than an isolated failure. Owners should not be expected to replace an entire headlight assembly at significant expense because of a predictable failure of the DRL electronics. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the frequency and cause of DRL failures on 2020 Land Rover Defenders and determine whether a safety-related defect exists and whether Land Rover should be required to provide a permanent remedy, particularly given that these failures can occur after the original warranty has expired. I am also concerned about the potential impact of this recurring failure on vehicle inspection and registration requirements.

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 failed and was replaced by the local dealer. The contact stated that one month later, the front passenger’s side headlight failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 40,000.

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 warnings and a sudden loss of motive power/propulsion while driving. CHRONIC CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE: This vehicle has suffered from unresolved, long-term 12V charging system degradation caused by this MHEV subsystem defect. This chronic lack of proper charging has directly destroyed three (3) primary 12V main batteries and the emergency telematics (SOS) backup battery over a 4-year period. Replacing these auxiliary batteries failed to fix the underlying issue because the MHEV system/DC-DC converter continuously fails to maintain adequate charging across vehicle systems. This continuous voltage collapse eventually triggered the permanent BECM hardware lockout code (P0A1F-96). SAFETY HAZARD: A sudden loss of 12V system charging and subsequent loss of propulsion on public roads or at highway speeds presents a severe crash hazard to occupants and other motorists. STATUS & DEALER REFUSAL: An authorized JLR dealer confirmed code P0A1F-96 and documented "Pending Recall Campaign D126ADM2" on the official service invoice. Despite this being an acknowledged, safety-related defect in the MHEV system leading to loss of drive power, JLR North America and the dealer refuse to repair or grant goodwill coverage under the active safety recall framework, quoting over $3,400 out-of-pocket. The vehicle is available for inspection.

I own a 2020 Land Rover Defender and have experienced a failure of the LED halo ring/daytime running light within the headlight assembly. The LED ring stopped functioning even though the headlight assembly has not been damaged, modified, or involved in any accident. This failure affects the vehicle's visibility and appearance and may create a safety concern because the daytime running light is no longer operating as intended. I contacted the dealership regarding the issue, but I was informed that the repair is not covered under warranty, despite similar LED halo and DRL failures being reported by other Defender owners. I am requesting that this issue be investigated, as it appears to be a defect in the headlight assembly rather than normal wear and tear.

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 failed and was replaced by the local dealer. The contact stated that one month later, the front passenger’s side headlight failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 40,000.

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 emissions control pathway. This assembly operates at extremely high temps. Based on the pattern of failures, repeated thermal cycling and inadequate fastener material appear to cause bolt fatigue and fracture. When bolts break, proper clamping force is lost and hot exhaust gases escape directly into the engine compartment rather than remaining sealed within the manifold/turbo assembly. This presents serious safety concerns: Fire risk: Escaping exhaust gases from a turbocharged engine can exceed 1,000°F. These gases are released near wiring, plastic components, insulation, and other materials. Loss of sealing increases the risk of localized overheating and engine compartment fire. Exhaust gas intrusion: Exhaust leaks at the manifold can allow exhaust gases to enter the passenger compartment. Emissions defect: As this leak occurs upstream of emissions control components, unmetered exhaust gases escape before entering the emissions system, affecting federally regulated emissions compliance. This costs thousands to fix and owners are going to ignore it due to cost & unawareness. Multiple vehicles across varying mileages have experienced this issue, suggesting a systemic design or material defect rather than normal wear. Exhaust manifold fasteners should not fracture under normal operating conditions on a vehicle with 30,000 miles.

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 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.

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.

2 windshields cracked within a 2 month period. Second windshield cracked about 45 days after installation with no evidence of any impact causing it. One morning I came out to my vehicle and there was a 6-8 inch crack starting at the bottom of the windshield. Have driven the same roads for 30 years and have never had issues with windshields and now 2 in a couple of months.

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.

Driver's side A Pillar trim came loose at 75 mph on freeway and blew off the side of the car. Also pulled out mounting bolt for A Pillar Trim.

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 failed and was replaced by the local dealer. The contact stated that one month later, the front passenger’s side headlight failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into two mailboxes but the vehicle kept driving down a curved road onto the left lane. The brakes had failed to engage. The contact did not receive medical attention on the scene but later went to the hospital for injuries sustained. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard then towed to a body shop where it remained. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure occurred after receiving the vehicle back from the dealer. The vehicle was originally taken to the dealer for the emergency brakes, lane departure, emergency steering, traction control warning lights, and cracked windshield. However, the dealer could not replicate the failure and only the lane departure software was updated and the windshield was replaced but not calibrated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 7,434.

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 rear backup camera is foggy and it is not possible to see clearly while backing up. It is foggy in any weather condition, during the daylight, and at night. There are halos around lights at night in addition to the general fogginess.

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 warnings and a sudden loss of motive power/propulsion while driving. CHRONIC CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE: This vehicle has suffered from unresolved, long-term 12V charging system degradation caused by this MHEV subsystem defect. This chronic lack of proper charging has directly destroyed three (3) primary 12V main batteries and the emergency telematics (SOS) backup battery over a 4-year period. Replacing these auxiliary batteries failed to fix the underlying issue because the MHEV system/DC-DC converter continuously fails to maintain adequate charging across vehicle systems. This continuous voltage collapse eventually triggered the permanent BECM hardware lockout code (P0A1F-96). SAFETY HAZARD: A sudden loss of 12V system charging and subsequent loss of propulsion on public roads or at highway speeds presents a severe crash hazard to occupants and other motorists. STATUS & DEALER REFUSAL: An authorized JLR dealer confirmed code P0A1F-96 and documented "Pending Recall Campaign D126ADM2" on the official service invoice. Despite this being an acknowledged, safety-related defect in the MHEV system leading to loss of drive power, JLR North America and the dealer refuse to repair or grant goodwill coverage under the active safety recall framework, quoting over $3,400 out-of-pocket. The vehicle is available for inspection.

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 MAJOR SAFETY issue! The car shuts off without warning and wont restart. This is engine electrical system and transmission related. It drains the battery and leaves the car inoperable

255/60R20