2023 Land Rover Defender

DC/DC converter failure, left my wife stranded. Software update failed to fix. Car is undrivable. Land Rover won't assist with towing or paying for repairs even though this issue is covered under NHTSA Recall Number 26V-248.

NHTSA ID

11776822

Incident

Nov 6, 2026

I am reporting a suspected systemic safety defect involving premature failure of the integrated LED daytime running lights (DRLs) on 2020–2026 Land Rover Defender (L663) vehicles. The DRLs reportedly fail at relatively low mileage, frequently around 50,000 miles, during normal vehicle operation. The suspected cause is overheating and premature deterioration of the integrated LED driver electronics due to inadequate thermal management. The precise cause requires investigation. This failure eliminates an important daytime vehicle conspicuity feature, reducing visibility to approaching motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, particularly during rain, overcast weather, and transitional lighting conditions. Some owners report no dashboard warning when the DRLs fail, potentially leaving drivers unaware of the malfunction. Jaguar Land Rover has known about this issue since at least 2021. Its Special Service Message SSM 75479 specifically acknowledges DRL failures on 2020–2021 Defenders and documents an engineering investigation. Similar failures have subsequently been reported by owners of later model years, suggesting a potentially unresolved design defect. Because the DRL electronics are integrated into the sealed headlamp assembly, dealerships generally require replacement of the entire assembly, costing approximately $3,000 per headlight or $6,000 for both. Land Rover reportedly provides goodwill replacements selectively while requiring other owners to pay out of pocket. I request that NHTSA investigate the entire 2020–2026 Defender population, examine JLR’s engineering records, warranty claims, component failure rates, and headlamp design revisions, and determine whether a safety recall and manufacturer-funded corrective action are warranted. This is a recurring failure of a factory-installed safety-related lighting system, not simply an ordinary maintenance or warranty concern.

NHTSA ID

11776154

Incident

Sep 1, 2026

The Tow Hooks are rusted and part of the vehicle when purchased and not an add on aftermarket part or accessory. Land Rover has failed to follow up after many attempts to contact and resolve. This should be covered under the rust and corrosion warranty, and they are ailing to even look at the problem. The concern is if there's any additional rust to major suspension or body parts as well as requesting that these tow hooks parts be replaced/repaired under the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty.

NHTSA ID

11775710

Incident

Nov 5, 2025

I own a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 X. The passenger-side daytime running light halo is completely inoperative. On November 2, 2026, an authorized Land Rover dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that the entire passenger-side headlamp assembly must be replaced. The quoted repair cost was approximately $3,255, plus applicable taxes and fees. The dealer also advised that the vehicle cannot pass Hawaiʻi’s required safety inspection because of the lighting failure. The original headlamp has not yet been replaced and remains available for inspection. There has been no crash, fire, injury or death associated with this failure. I believe the DRL has failed prematurely on a relatively new vehicle. Because the DRL is integrated into the sealed headlamp assembly, the failure requires replacement of the entire assembly rather than an individual bulb or serviceable lighting component. I am concerned that this premature exterior-lighting failure reduces the vehicle’s daytime visibility to other drivers and prevents the vehicle from passing its required safety inspection. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can document the failure and evaluate whether similar DRL failures are occurring in other Land Rover Defenders.

NHTSA ID

11775558

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 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 vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional investigation. 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, and a case was filed by email.

NHTSA ID

11775429

Incident

Nov 3, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the raised air intake (snorkel) installed on my 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 Trek Edition. I purchased this vehicle in 2024 from Land Rover Arrowhead, Arizona, as a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The snorkel was already installed when I purchased it. Yesterday, I noticed that the raised air intake mounted along the passenger-side windshield pillar had become loose and was visibly separating from the vehicle body. The assembly no longer appears securely attached. I have photographs documenting the issue. I am concerned that the mounting brackets, retaining clips, or fasteners may have failed. Since this component is exposed to airflow, it could detach while driving, especially at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard for other motorists. I discovered Land Rover Safety Recall N964 (NHTSA 24E-102), which addresses raised air intake attachment failures on certain Defender vehicles. The defect described in the recall appears similar to the condition of my vehicle. I contacted Land Rover Chandler, Arizona, but was informed that my VIN has no applicable open recall. This determination was made over the phone without physically inspecting the snorkel. I have scheduled a dealership inspection to determine the cause of the failure and identify the installed accessory part number. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether my vehicle is affected by the same defect described in Recall N964 and whether my VIN should be included in the affected vehicle population. I can provide photographs, purchase records, and dealership inspection findings to support this complaint.

NHTSA ID

11775373

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Defender. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available.

NHTSA ID

11774273

Incident

Oct 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving 67 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, and all electrical features shut off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was towed to another dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ID

11774183

Incident

Oct 5, 2026

Mileage

43,000 mi

The air conditioning system is not cooling properly

Interference from external WiFi sources could disrupt wireless CarPlay or Android Auto connection. Reconnection to the vehicle may also be inhibited while in the area of localized interference.

Restricted or reduced cabin heating performance caused by heater matrix blockage.

Retailers may not be following the installation instructions correctlywhen installing accessory wheel arch protection kits.

Turbocharger Coolant Feed / Return Leak

Coolant Bypass Hose Leak