2021 Land Rover Defender Exterior lighting Problems

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

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

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

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

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

We have two 2021 Defender 110 SE North American Specification models and these do not have the smoked tail lights as are on another recall. When subjected to a bright light, the entire assembly of tail, brake and turn signals fails on one side of the vehicle. This is also repeatable on the rear lights on both left and right sides of both vehicles. Since the current recall only appears to cover those vehicles with smoked tail lights the recall needs to be extended to all models.

NHTSA ID

11424416

Incident

Jul 5, 2021