2021 Land Rover Defender Owner Complaints

The signature halo LED ring on the front headlight stopped working and has now failed completely, impairing headlight performance. Land Rover previously replaced one of these units when under warranty, but now refuse to fix the second one unless privately paid for (I am now out of warranty). This is a known and common issue and is clearly a safety concern and a consequence of a Land Rover design flaw. In my opinion, this should be a safety recall.

NHTSA ID

11766706

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

On my 2021 Land Rover Defender 110, the front Daytime Running Light (DRL) halo unit experienced a complete illumination failure due to an internal component defect. Because the LED DRL system is permanently sealed inside the headlamp assembly, replacing the failed light required a complete headlamp replacement costing nearly $3,000 out of pocket. Shortly after this initial repair, the DRL halo unit on the remaining original headlamp assembly experienced the exact same total failure. This is a known pattern defect across 2020–2023 Land Rover Defender models caused by internal heat degradation of the LED components (referenced in JLR Special Service Message SSM 75479). The failure of exterior daytime running lights significantly reduces daytime vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, creating an unexpected safety hazard. Jaguar Land Rover designed an integrated lighting system where a minor internal LED failure renders the primary safety lighting inoperable and requires a nearly $3,000 unit replacement per side. Given the immediate back-to-back failure of both factory headlamps, this is a dangerous systemic component defect rather than standard wear and tear.

NHTSA ID

11765315

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

I am reporting a severe and known thermal design defect regarding the factory LED headlight assemblies on the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110.The integrated Daytime Running Light (DRL) LED module has completely failed and burned out prematurely on my vehicle (Current mileage: 66,800). This is a well-documented engineering failure across the L663 Defender community, tracked internally by Land Rover under Special Service Message SSM 75479. The internal LED driver chip consistently overheats and destroys itself within the sealed headlight unit.Because this is a sealed component, Land Rover does not offer a replacement bulb or individual electronic module repair. Instead, consumers are forced to replace the entire headlight assembly at a cost of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, as the vehicle is past its standard factory warranty.This is a critical safety issue. The loss of the daytime running light significantly reduces vehicle visibility to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists during daytime hours and adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the complete unexpected failure of safety-critical exterior lighting elements creates an unnecessary hazard on public roads.Land Rover is fully aware of this thermal design flaw but has failed to issue a safety recall to update the defective cooling or electrical components within these headlamp assemblies. I request that the NHTSA investigate this systemic lighting failure and mandate a manufacturer recall to replace these defective units before visibility-related accidents occur.

NHTSA ID

11763882

Incident

Aug 31, 2026

Driver Side Daytime running lamp illumination failed at 45 thousand miles. There is no internal notification of the failure and it failed prematurely. Its outside of the JLR warranty and they are not supporting any repair nor is the dealer who wants to replace both lamps at the cost of $6,000.

NHTSA ID

11757436

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

On XXX at approximately 8:10am I received this red warning on my vehicle: "OK to drive with caution. Hybrid system fault detected." I was driving my daughter to daycare at the time and didn't feel safe continuing to do that. My wife had to drive 25minutes to come and get us and safely continue our trip. No other issues with the vehicle prior to this incident. A month or two prior to that, 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 appointment for the following Wednesday, August 5th. I was put in a loaner while they checked out the vehicle. On Wednesday, August 12th, I heard back from [XXX] regarding my vehicle and this was the message I got from the system: [Primary]: LCEL - CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSIS: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DIAGNOSIS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT - DIAGNOSIS - CUSTOMER STATES ON SOLID, VEHICLE SEEMS JERKY Check Engine Light - Diagnosis-Land Rover: MHEV BATTERY will need replaced. ran multiple tests on topix thru the work flow. DTCs confirmed internal malfunction to MHEV BATTERY. it will also need programmed once installed. includes hour of diag My rep followed up and let me know that this was going to be outside of my extended warranty coverage. I followed up asking about the recall and the relation to this incident. He responded and said he still had very limited information in regards to that recall, so once parts and repair procedures are released, I could be entitled to reimbursement. I'm failing to understand how LandRover wouldn't cover this. It's directly related to the recall notice I got in April, and then what they described could happen, effectively happened to my vehicle. I did not feel safe driving it so I didn't drive it until it was time to drop it off. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11756648

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

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. Apparently it’s a common issue that JLR know about, but won’t do anything. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Special Service Message (SSM) 75479 relates to the premature failure or dimming of the Daytime Running Light (DRL) halo on premium LED headlights, most notably affecting vehicles like the 2020-2023 Land Rover Defender. SSM 75479 acknowledges the internal awareness of this condition for technicians, though it is designated as an informational service message rather than a formal recall.

NHTSA ID

11755150

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Defender. 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 recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11754833

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that 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 completely removed from the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred on two occasions, resulting in the replacement of both the driver-side and passenger-side A-pillar trims. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 35,000.

NHTSA ID

11748533

Incident

Jan 2, 2025

Mileage

35,000 mi

Headlight DRL Failure - it's safety issue. this is known issue with defenders but when I contacted local dealer in Atlanta area, they refused to replace it without me paying $3200.

NHTSA ID

11734105

Incident

Dec 12, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11718497

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

DC/DC converter failure

NHTSA ID

11709561

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The daytime running lights (DRL) have failed in the passenger side. After some quick research, it's apparent that this is a widespread issue with the "Signature" halo lights in the Defender headlamp assembly. Reddit discussion: [XXX] ) Here is a Youtube video showing the issue and "fix". So many people have had this same issue that this guy figured out the problem: [XXX] ) The original warranty would have covered it but my warranty just expired earlier this year and the extended warranty will not cover it. The dealership is telling me that the entire headlamp assembly will need trashed and replaced all because this small "chip" within the unit has failed. The cost to repair is close to $3,000. Seeing that the issue causes the DRL's to fail which could lead to a failed vehicle inspection, the issue should be reported more widely and a recall should be issued. Thank you for your time! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11701653

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

The halo headlight went out, and I have an extended warranty that supposedly doesn't cover it. After researching, this seems to be a national event. The headlights need to be recalled and the manufacturer needs to be held accountable.

NHTSA ID

11692392

Incident

Oct 6, 2025

The contact owned a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that 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 fuel to leak onto the engine. The dealer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty, and there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact traded the vehicle with another dealer, Courtesy Subaru 601 E Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, and no longer owns the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID

11692274

Incident

Sep 30, 2025

Mileage

68,000 mi

On or about August 7 or 8, my wife was driving our vehicle when it suddenly stalled and stopped running. Prior to this incident, we received a warning that the battery was low and that the vehicle needed to be started immediately. On August 9, I replaced the battery. That same day, we contacted the dealership where we purchased the vehicle and reported the issue. We were advised not to drive the car and instead have it towed to the dealership for inspection. In researching the problem, I found information about recall N599, which involves vehicles of this model year suddenly stalling. However, when I entered my VIN, no active recalls were shown for my vehicle. Given the similarity of the issue we experienced to the recall description, I believe my vehicle should be included. The vehicle is currently in the dealership’s shop undergoing a computer system reset, but I strongly feel any necessary repairs related to this stalling issue should be covered under the recall. My primary concern is the safety of this vehicle for my family and all passengers, and I request that this matter be reviewed and addressed under recall coverage.

NHTSA ID

11682718

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

1. 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 headlight will need to be replaced. 4. No warning lights are available for the Daytime Running Lights. I found the issue while observing the front headlights of the Defender. 5. The issue is that I have been told by 3 different auto repair companies that numerous Defenders have the same issue. The Daytime Running Lights have failed and the entire Head Lamp has to be replaced. 6. The auto techs say this seems to be a BAD SUPPLY CHAIN and the issue should be addressed by Land Rover. This is due to so many Defenders having the same issue. 7. In addition, I was told by every auto company that the passenger side DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT would be going bad anyday because these headlamps are a problem on Defenders. 8. Land Rover has told me I will have to pay around $4,000 and up to $5,000 to have Land Rover replace the entire HEAD LAMP that has failed on many 2021, 2022, and 2023 Defenders. 9. This is WRONG when Land Rover Defenders have so many Daytime Running Lights Head Lamps going out. There is a BAD SUPPLY CHAIN problem I believe just like the auto techs have told me. 10. I firmly believe some Defenders owners don't even know their Daytime Running Lights are out. It takes you actually checking out the front of your vehicle and noticing the head lamps. (Also, some owners just have the head lamp replaced and write the check.) Please help me with Land Rover replacing this headlamp with a headlamp that doesn't have issues. Land Rover North America should be held responsible for this common Daytime Running Light problem.

NHTSA ID

11668024

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11650434

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

Vehicle suspension fault detected light turned on. Vehicle keeps adjusting on its own while on the freeway in traffic. Feels like it stalls. Hear popping noise. Vehicle only had 14k miles and was never used for off roading.

NHTSA ID

11649892

Incident

Mar 19, 2025

a random crack appeared without incident in the front window and proceeded to progress across rapidly where repair was not an option.

NHTSA ID

11617866

Incident

Jun 4, 2024

The windshield of the vehicle had a crack form from the upper passenger corner down to the middle of the glass then turning towards the middle of the glass. It is about 16 inches long and the temperature was a modest 85 degrees F.

NHTSA ID

11585649

Incident

Apr 27, 2024

It happened after being parked at work for 9hrs. The “lane assist not available!” warning came on when I started the car. 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 few seconds, part of the cameras on the display screen were grayed out when I put it in reverse. This only happened once for a short time during the multiple engine on/off cycles I tried hoping it would go away. The “20 sec pivi reboot” didn’t fix it (I tried it about 3 times). Walking away and coming back didn’t fix it.

NHTSA ID

11567000

Incident

Jan 22, 2024

The passenger side headlight is malfunctioning. The halo and outer bulbs do not come on which disables the daylight running lights and reduces the effectiveness of the headlight at night. There is no warning light or message indicating the failure. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s dealer and they confirmed that the headlight is faulty. I feel like this issue should be repaired by the manufacturer and at their expense. My research has shown that this is a common issue in this vehicle and is reason for a recall.

NHTSA ID

11558558

Incident

Nov 13, 2023

Headlamps are faulty. Replaced the drivers side at almost the end of the 49k miles and after about another 900 miles, the passenger side went out. There is a defect with these lights and they’re back ordered through the UK. Police have told me that I have a headlight out and there is nothing I can do about this.

NHTSA ID

11553672

Incident

Aug 31, 2023

Ever since I purchased my Defender back in 2021, the instrument cluster automatically dims. Usually when at dusk or dawn, the cluster dims so much, it is impossible to read with sunglasses, and very poorly lit without sunglasses. I have the dimmer switch set to the brightest setting, but it still automatically dims despite being set to the brightest.

NHTSA ID

11552072

Incident

Oct 11, 2023

This vehicle has been at the dealership for six weeks waiting on both headlamp replacements. Daytime running lights do not function. Intermittent headlamp function.

NHTSA ID

11546063

Incident

Jul 6, 2023