2024 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 2024 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
- Electrical1337.1%
- Steering514.3%
- Driver assistance411.4%
- Engine411.4%
- Fuel system25.7%
- Exterior lighting25.7%
- Powertrain (other)25.7%
- Visibility12.9%
- Other / unspecified12.9%
- Seat belts12.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
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
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.
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.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car has had 2 separate, distinct failures of the DC/DC converter which result in electrical faults rendering all systems unusable (gearbox, steering, etc.) and making the care immobile. I have had it replaced once in September 2025 following a failure, and then the replacement failed in January 2026. This is incredibly dangerous while driving. Dealer and Land Rover are aware of widespread failures, parts are backordered with no timeline. Warning light starts with 'Electric Fault Detected' and continues to function for an indeterminate amount of time before failing completely.
Yes, my car caught fire. It's at an impound currently. My clothes caught fire when I tried putting it out. The car could have been parked in my garage or been in NYC, with a full tank of gas, that would have caused serious damage. My insurance company is sending an investigator to look into it today. No, warning lamps, messages or symptoms.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2024 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the display screen was dark. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V016000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact to turn off and restart the vehicle for the failure to be self-corrected. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
Infotainment screen intermetittetly doesn't work which then prohibits the use of the backup camera(s). Worried about the lack of visibility in reverse. Multiple service trips to the dealership with no resolution.
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
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)
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving my 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 on Route 114 in Massachusetts at approximately 8:30–9:00 PM in dark and rainy conditions, the vehicle suddenly and completely shut off while in motion. The vehicle lost all power: • Engine shut off • No gears functioned • Vehicle would not restart • Lights and hazard lights were not functioning The vehicle was stranded in the middle of an active roadway with no warning and no visibility. Because of this, I had to exit the vehicle into traffic, stop oncoming vehicles, and remove my child from the car. We crossed a live lane of traffic to get to safety while leaving the vehicle in the roadway. I called 911. Police responded and controlled traffic at the scene. In the presence of the responding officer, I attempted to restart the vehicle multiple times. It remained completely unresponsive for an extended period before eventually starting again without explanation. This vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power while in motion on an active roadway. This is a serious safety concern. I do not feel it is safe to transport my child or family in this vehicle. I am seeking a clear and definitive diagnosis and resolution. If this issue cannot be conclusively identified and repaired, the vehicle should not remain in service. • RSelect systems: • Engine • Electrical • Powertrain
To whom may it concern, I was driving on [XXX] , in Pennsylvania, at the speed of 65 miles per hour speed, My car engine suddenly stop ( may be i am not able to describe in proper word ) but i tried to put accelerator, car not responding total stop , at the speed of 65 miles per hours , i was driving my car with my entire family - 4 occupant . Luckily i pull over to shoulder and i survive , this is new vehicle purchased in dec /2024( only 15 month old ) - total odometer is 10196 miles . After this incident , I called Range rover road side assistance , Someone came at 6 pm and pick up our vehicle , We were on highway at least for 3 hours , My car is at dealership . But definitely this car and model has major issue with engine . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Yes, my car caught fire. It's at an impound currently. My clothes caught fire when I tried putting it out. The car could have been parked in my garage or been in NYC, with a full tank of gas, that would have caused serious damage. My insurance company is sending an investigator to look into it today. No, warning lamps, messages or symptoms.
Near dusk, the driver display (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge , etc.) automatically dimes to night mode and becomes unreadable. Turning the rheostat controlling display brightness does nothing. Very dangerous. Display should only go to night mode when conditions are actually dark.
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
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.
Car has had 2 separate, distinct failures of the DC/DC converter which result in electrical faults rendering all systems unusable (gearbox, steering, etc.) and making the care immobile. I have had it replaced once in September 2025 following a failure, and then the replacement failed in January 2026. This is incredibly dangerous while driving. Dealer and Land Rover are aware of widespread failures, parts are backordered with no timeline. Warning light starts with 'Electric Fault Detected' and continues to function for an indeterminate amount of time before failing completely.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Went through 4 windshields in just over 2 years of ownership, cracks repeatedly from minor stone impacts, presents safety risk for visibility while driving or risk of shattering after cracking from minor impact. Clearly is a manufacturing defect as is reported for multiple owners of Defenders since 2020.
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 2024 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the display screen was dark. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V016000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact to turn off and restart the vehicle for the failure to be self-corrected. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 4,500. Parts distribution disconnect.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
Back passenger side seat belt not stitched and was not connected to the frame.
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 .