2022 Land Rover Defender Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2022 Land Rover Defender, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical2531.6%
- Visibility1417.7%
- Exterior lighting810.1%
- Driver assistance67.6%
- Engine67.6%
- Steering45.1%
- Body & structure33.8%
- Brakes33.8%
- Powertrain (other)33.8%
- Airbags22.5%
- Other / unspecified22.5%
- Interior & seats11.3%
- Suspension11.3%
- Tires & wheels11.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is losing power from the battery showing battery needs to recharge and its full charged have to turn interior lights off
Alternator & DC/DC Converter failure or DC/DC Converter failure that also led to Alternator failure. I will attach letter correspondence sent to Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The windshield on my Land Rover Defender cracked from a tiny pebble. I sealed the crack but I'm just waiting for it to crack again. My friend [XXX] has the same car and he's on his fourth windshield. When I purchased the car, the sales person recommended the extended warranty because "the windshield is $3000 and you'll use it". INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Subject vehicle was parked outside in the driveway of my home for ~1 week and wasn't driven. During that time daily temperatures reached into the low-to-mid 90s with plenty of sun. With no impact damage whatsoever the windshield developed a crack starting on the driver's side outer edge and propagating inward approximately 18" toward the center of the vehicle. Vertically, the crack is located approximately midway between the bottom and top of the windshield.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is losing power from the battery showing battery needs to recharge and its full charged have to turn interior lights off
The LED DRLs failed in the first 28000 miles leaving no DRLs. Researching this issues shows it it a known defect but not considered a safety issue. I disagree as visibility is greatly diminished without the lights. Numerous online complaints and LRJ reuses to compensate owners out of warranty.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
8/25/2023 18,118 miles, vehicle purchased. Warranty 48 months or 50,000 miles. Factory warranty remaining 31 months or 31,905 miles. 1/8/2024 26,536 miles, L Headlight failure, electric door lock malfunction, air suspension failure. Headlight = warranty replacement. Service Department = no solution, diagnostic code or replication of electric lock or suspension issue. 3/26/2024 30,285 miles, R Headlight failure, Low Battery notification. Tested Battery- passed. Headlight- warranty replacement. 4/30/2024 32,175 miles, Low Battery notification. Tested Battery- failed. Battery replacement and battery reset module = warranty replacement. 11/7/20205 58,812 miles, Turbo Coolant O rings failed- mechanical. Service writer advised this is common for these engines in the V6 defender models. Repair estimate $642.77. Dealership - provided good faith discount. Customer agreed to and paid a negotiated repair totaling $377.30. Despite all repairs, electrical warnings continued off and on with Low Battery notifications, that would appear and disappear. 1/31/2026 (62,105 mi), electrical issue, Low Battery notification, then “STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED” notification. Caused vehicle failuer & shut down. Required towing. "STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED" notification – electronic fault affects: Power delivery, Steering, Braking, Stability systems. Dealership Diagnosed fault code P0D33-11, failed DC/DC converter and batteries. Replacement Cost +$2,467.38. DC/DC Convertor OEM Parts are on national backorder. 1-2 months lead time. QTY 15 units waiting. Low battery warnings & P0D33-11 code are related. Weak 12V battery = stress the DC/DC converter, fault codes, conversely, a failing DC/DC prevent the 12V battery charging. These repeated low-battery warnings and electrical failures are directly related to DC/DC converter failure and represent an ongoing electrical defect that originated during the warranty period, not normal wear and tear.
The Daytime Running Headlights have gone out once again. This is such a common issue with the Land Rover Defenders yet, the manufactures force the customers to pay $3000 to $5000 to replace. Police will pull you over for this issue ask they think you headlight is completely out.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) Exhaust Manifold Studs are loosening and/or breaking on I6 engine causing potential CO2 exposure to passengers in the cabin and/or engine bay fire risk. 2) Potentailly yes via CO2. 3) Yes - out of factory warranty therefore had independent service center replace all studs 4) No 5) Not in my case but others on JLR Automotive Forums have heard rattling noises and found broken bolts that fell onto the skid plate directly below engine. *) In attached images below the final picture is of the repaired studs
8/25/2023 18,118 miles, vehicle purchased. Warranty 48 months or 50,000 miles. Factory warranty remaining 31 months or 31,905 miles. 1/8/2024 26,536 miles, L Headlight failure, electric door lock malfunction, air suspension failure. Headlight = warranty replacement. Service Department = no solution, diagnostic code or replication of electric lock or suspension issue. 3/26/2024 30,285 miles, R Headlight failure, Low Battery notification. Tested Battery- passed. Headlight- warranty replacement. 4/30/2024 32,175 miles, Low Battery notification. Tested Battery- failed. Battery replacement and battery reset module = warranty replacement. 11/7/20205 58,812 miles, Turbo Coolant O rings failed- mechanical. Service writer advised this is common for these engines in the V6 defender models. Repair estimate $642.77. Dealership - provided good faith discount. Customer agreed to and paid a negotiated repair totaling $377.30. Despite all repairs, electrical warnings continued off and on with Low Battery notifications, that would appear and disappear. 1/31/2026 (62,105 mi), electrical issue, Low Battery notification, then “STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED” notification. Caused vehicle failuer & shut down. Required towing. "STOP SAFELY – ELECTRICAL FAULT DETECTED" notification – electronic fault affects: Power delivery, Steering, Braking, Stability systems. Dealership Diagnosed fault code P0D33-11, failed DC/DC converter and batteries. Replacement Cost +$2,467.38. DC/DC Convertor OEM Parts are on national backorder. 1-2 months lead time. QTY 15 units waiting. Low battery warnings & P0D33-11 code are related. Weak 12V battery = stress the DC/DC converter, fault codes, conversely, a failing DC/DC prevent the 12V battery charging. These repeated low-battery warnings and electrical failures are directly related to DC/DC converter failure and represent an ongoing electrical defect that originated during the warranty period, not normal wear and tear.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Went to turn on vehicle and experienced a complete shutdown of power steering system. Lane assist not available message was the only error presented.
Several times while waiting at a red light, the engine just died, feels like it's connected to the hybrid engine not functioning properly. service said it had to do with battery and they fixed it. It still happened 2 more times after they serviced. Also now car is not drivable, because the steering wheel does not budge/move. Waiting for service to return my call. Is this something that could happen whilst driving? It is very scary when the brand new car keeps failing unexpectedly.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the raised air intake partially detached from the vehicle. The contact believed that the VIN should be included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E102000 (Equipment, Structure) after the failure. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall and would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
The drivers side A-pillar continues to fall off/come loose at high speeds. It happened on 2 times already resulting in around 20-inch body part falling off on the highway and flapping causing immediate pull over
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 (16,658 miles), the brake pedal suddenly went soft and sank to the floor. Braking became severely degraded and effectively useless. I was able to slow the vehicle using engine braking and bring it to a stop safely. Multiple warnings appeared simultaneously, including brake system warnings, amber ABS and DSC lamps, and a "stability control not available" message. There was no crash, fire, or injury, but the loss of braking created a serious risk to me and the surrounding traffic as I was making a left onto [XXX] against oncoming traffic on [XXX] The vehicle was not driven further and was taken to an authorized Land Rover dealership for diagnosis. The dealership's diagnostic scan confirmed DTC C055E-7A ("Brake Hydraulic Circuit A Leak – Fluid Leak or Seal Failure") logged on XXX, along with related code C055E-64. This confirms a hydraulic fluid leak or seal failure in the service brake system, consistent with the total loss of pedal pressure I experienced. The manufacturer has issued Special Service Message SSM 74988 addressing this exact DTC on this platform (Defender L663, 2020 model year onward), indicating awareness of this failure mode. There were no warning lamps or symptoms prior to the failure — it occurred suddenly with no advance indication. The vehicle and diagnostic records are available for inspection upon request. Root-cause diagnosis by the dealership is in progress; the suspected sources are a hydraulic line, caliper, seal failure, or the integrated brake unit (which combines the booster, master cylinder, ABS pump, and control module in a single assembly on this platform). A sudden hydraulic brake failure at this low mileage suggests a potential defect rather than wear. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I purchased a 2022 V8 after waiting about a year to get the vehicle. It mostly has been a good car until recently. I was pulling into my garage, which has a downhill grade, and there was ice on the surface of the driveway and subsequently slid into the corner of my garage going no more than 3-5 mph. Quarter size dent on the bumper, no big deal… I thought. Tried to reverse away from the garage and the car wouldn’t move. All of the warning lights appeared. I was able to finally get it to reserve but every time I would put it into drive from there, the parking brake would turn on and the brakes would lock up. I had it towed to a Land Rover dealership and apparently the entire ABS module has faulted. They ordered a new one and installed it only to find out that it still isn’t working properly. Land Rover says this isn’t covered by warranty as it isn’t a manufactures defect. I’ve now had to spend $10k and still don’t have a fully functioning vehicle. How could a $110k “off road machine” be put to a stand still due to a quarter size dent incident in the bumper, let alone the ABS module is located in the engine bay! Incredibly frustrating and can’t wait to get it fixed and sel it; if I can even get it fixed properly. I am taking it to another Land Rover dealership in town as the other one seemed incapable of figuring it out. Land Rover USA has been horrible to work with and I am now driving a vehicle with a vibrating sensation in the brakes and maybe 50% of the normal braking power.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on a busy road. My car gave a message saying electrical failure and transmission failure. Within 20 seconds shut the car down before I could safely pull over and it was unable to start. Hazard lights didn’t work and I was stuck in the middle of the road until a tow truck came. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failure of the dc to dc converter. It has been replaced but took two weeks to repair
On January 25, 2026, while driving my 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 in Colorado on Interstate 70, the vehicle suddenly and completely lost power with no warning. There were no dashboard alerts, warning lights, or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle abruptly became disabled while traveling at highway speed, creating an immediate and serious risk of a crash, severe injury, or death to myself and other motorists. I was extremely fortunate to be able to safely maneuver the vehicle out of traffic and exit the highway. Given traffic conditions on I-70, this failure could easily have resulted in a major accident. The vehicle was undrivable and had to be towed to Flatirons Land Rover in Colorado on January 25, 2026. On January 26, 2026, after I had to repeatedly follow up with the dealership, I was informed that the failure was caused by a defective component related to the battery/electrical system. Although the repair is covered under warranty, the required part is on backorder, and I was advised the vehicle will be out of service for approximately six weeks. The dealership stated they cannot provide a loaner vehicle, leaving me without transportation. They said the dcdc converter and I don not understand and they did not explain well A sudden loss of power without warning at highway speeds represents a serious safety defect that puts drivers and the public at risk. I am concerned this defect may affect other vehicles and could lead to serious injuries or fatalities if not addressed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle is losing power from the battery showing battery needs to recharge and its full charged have to turn interior lights off
The Daytime Running Headlights have gone out once again. This is such a common issue with the Land Rover Defenders yet, the manufactures force the customers to pay $3000 to $5000 to replace. Police will pull you over for this issue ask they think you headlight is completely out.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2022 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the raised air intake partially detached from the vehicle. The contact believed that the VIN should be included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E102000 (Equipment, Structure) after the failure. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired under the recall and would be an out-of-pocket expense. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
LAdder broke with me on it. I am 190 lbs. Well below what it is rated for. Both ladder hinges snapped with me falling on the ground as a result. Very painful. Informed LR and my dealer. No action taken.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Sounds of a clicking noise when accelerating from takeoff and braking. I have moved the seat up and down to see if that would help and it continues to click. Vehicle has 6500 miles on it.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Bulletin 76096 should be recall. The suspension has failed. Both Upper arms, bushings,sway bars and links and after 3 weeks, multiple attempts to correct banging, the issue is a bulletin, but yet a recall, conveniently not under warranty. Only 50,000 miles. Please press for recall. Like the DC CONVERTER -impairing vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving 65 mph on interstate and heard loud noise. Tire warning light showed air pressure loss. AAA changed tire. AAA mechanic stated he believed the cause of the rear driver side tire failure was a side wall blowout. Tire size: Pirelli 255/60 R20 113V M+S Quatro Scorpion Zero
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .