RoadVitals

2024 Land Rover Defender

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
8
Latest Sep 24, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2024 Land Rover Defender, most frequently naming the electrical, steering and engine categories. 8 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 242 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical1639.0%
  • Steering512.2%
  • Engine512.2%
  • Driver assistance49.8%
  • Airbags24.9%
  • Fuel system24.9%
  • Exterior lighting24.9%
  • Powertrain (other)24.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

8 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER:WEBBING:STITCHING

Sep 24, 2026
371 units potentially affected
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2024 Land Rover Defender vehicles. The second-row seat belt may be improperly stitched.
The risk: An improperly stitched seat belt may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect the second-row seat belt serial number, and replace the seat belt, as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 20, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D130.
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLCManufacturer number D130View on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER

Sep 17, 2026
23,677 units potentially affected
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLCManufacturer number E008View on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Jun 12, 2026
250,857 units potentially affected
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driver’s air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLCManufacturer number D120View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE25019OpenPreliminary Evaluation

Rear Seat Belt Stitching Failure and Detachment

Opened Dec 11, 2025

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1 complaint stating that a rear row seat belt became detached in a model year (MY) 2024 Land Rover Defender.Photos of the seat belt received with the complaint show that the stitching of the webbing of the seat belt appears to have not been properly formed. An improperly stitched seat belt can become detached during a collision. Detachment of the seat belt increases the risk and severity of injury in a collision. This is especially concerning for children and children in child seats. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to determine the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues. To review the ODI report cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

SEAT BELTSLed to recall 26V615

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

AirbagsElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 15, 2026

On October 7th I was driving on the interstate when the engine and battery light came on in my 2024 Land Rover Defender, a notice came on the dash display stating "Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected". I got off the interstate and safely pulled over and called Land Rover Boise. They stated my car had a part on recall and was unsafe to drive. I have never gotten notification about this recall. He then stated I would need to tow my car at my own expense. Upon inspection at the Boise dealership they are now telling me my battery is dead and they will cover the recall part but not the battery despite them both happening at the same time. Prior to October 7th and the DC-DC Converter failure my battery light had never turned on nor had it ever been dead. The new battery including testing the old one is approximately $2,400 which they are saying is my responsibility. In total they are trying to make me pay my towing fee $2,400, dead battery $2,400, rental car $400 and time off of work to make calls/pick up vehicle as a result of a recalled part that currently has no fix or fix date. I am extremely worried to even drive the car with this defective part. I do not feel any of this is my responsibility as I was sold a defective car in first place.

NHTSA ID
11771316
Incident
Oct 7, 2026
Electrical
Filed Oct 5, 2026

My vehicle has had a software update they will not push through to the vehicle. It says because of 11 volt battery not at sufficient threshold level to handle update. Said drive for 50 -60 minutes non stop to fully charge the AGM battery. I have do so 3 times still says battery threshold for update not at at sufficient level. So I checked the 12 volt AGM battery and it was fully charged. Still said same thing battery too low to handle update. So I called Land Rover they instructed me to put an AGM charger on batter leave it until fully charged and in matience mode. I did that still note say in the vehicle update not complete due to I sufficient battery charge. So I called Land Rover back told them it didn’t work. They told me to bring it in, then said wait you have a recall E008 about the mike hybrid DC-DC converter power to the 12 volt AGM Battery. But they said Land Rover doesn’t have a fix yet. Why don’t that have a fix yet this recall came out I. April of 2026. Said need software update but so far La d rover has done nothing! Why are they allow to take this much time determining a remedy, while people are risking there lives driving these vehicle on roadways and highways. Why does NHTSA allow them to do so. You should fine them a 1 million dollars a day u til they sold up there process. I didn’t even know the recall was out but Land Rover told me this is likely why my vehicle keeps says 12V battery, insufficient to allow the update. Told me Recall notices coming out next month? 7 months later this can be acceptable for consumers. They must move faster or take the cars/ suv back!! Customers should get a full refund! You should expect a vehicle company to move faster with a fix and communicate such with its customers!

NHTSA ID
11768952
Incident
Oct 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Aug 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Land Rover Defender. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System). The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11759455
Incident
Aug 25, 2026
Airbags
Filed Aug 14, 2026

On August 14, 2026, at approximately 12:15 p.m., I arrived at Land Rover Mission Viejo for a scheduled appointment to complete Safety Recall D120, Driver's Airbag Potential Non-Deployment. No service attendant greeted or checked me in. When I approached an attendant, the attendant said they could not help because they were going to lunch. An employee attempted to obtain assistance from others; one said they were too busy, and another said, "I can't rescue everybody." I waited in the reception area, but no one assisted me and no manager or supervisor was available. I left without the recall repair being performed. The driver's-airbag safety defect remains unrepaired, leaving the vehicle with a potential non-deployment risk.

NHTSA ID
11757007
Incident
Aug 14, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2026

Vehicle: 2024 Land Rover Defender, VIN [XXX] Related recall: NHTSA campaign 26V248 (JLR internal D126 / H575) This complaint concerns the unavailability of a remedy for a defect that can cause complete loss of drive power while the vehicle is in motion. Timeline: - April 17, 2026: Jaguar Land Rover North America filed Part 573 report for campaign 26V248, covering 170,169 mild-hybrid vehicles including 53,644 2020-2024 Defenders. JLR's filing describes the defect as an internal fault in the boost control microchip of the DC-DC converter, and states that failure results in loss of 12-volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting. - June 20, 2026: I received an interim owner letter. The letter confirms the defect and the safety risk. It states no remedy is available and that additional correspondence will follow at an unspecified date. - August 11, 2026: No remedy is available. No estimated remedy date has been communicated to me. Approximately four months have elapsed since the Part 573 filing and approximately two months since owner notification. Issue one - the interim notification does not address safe operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11756154
Incident
Jun 6, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 31, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N), with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact swerved to the shoulder, and an object struck the windshield, causing the windshield to crack. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

NHTSA ID
11753957
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
Mileage
32,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 28, 2026

The recent DCDC converter recall has left me feeling unsafe driving my Defender on anything except the slowest local roads. It's an extremely frustrating inconvenience, especially during this summer season with plans for road trips and travels being put on hold or cancelled due to not having a safe vehicle. Also, the JLR dealership is not offering loaner vehicles because the recall remedy is not available yet. There is no timeline for when the remedy will be developed, which is the cherry on top. That means I have to pay out of pocket, indefinitely, for a rental car on top of paying the car note for the Defender. Did I mention that JLR "conveniently" waited almost 60 days from the time they submitted the recall notice to NHTSA to send out the interim letters? They put me and over 150,000 other drivers at risk for nearly two months because they decided to take their time in mailing the letters out (I received mine on June 17th). This removes all confidence I would have had in their ability to develop the fix in a timely manner.

NHTSA ID
11747068
Incident
Jun 17, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 17, 2026

The manufacturer became aware of this issue approximately six months ago. At this time, no repair is available. I am driving to a remote location without consistent phone service and the manufacturer and dealer will not offer a loaner vehicle. I believe that Land Rover should offer a trade in for a new vehicle without this issue.

NHTSA ID
11744695
Incident
Jan 1, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TUCC_OCT2026_46

The air conditioning system is not cooling properly

TUCC_OCT2026_34

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.

TUCC_OCT2026_29

SEAT BELTS

2ND ROW SEAT BELT INSPECTION

SSM76493 - 19OCT26

STRUCTURE:BODY

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

SSM76515 - 19OCT26

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

D061 Defender 16OCT26

ENGINE

Turbocharger Coolant Feed / Return Leak

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Land Rover Defender by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026630—
2025132054.9
2024Viewing278161.4
20239510058.0
2022797060.2
20214210055.1
2020588058.1
2019000—
2004000—
2003100—
2002300—
2001100—
2000000—
1999100—
1998000—
1997000—
1996000—
1995120—
1994010—
1993210—
1992010—
1990100—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.