2023 Land rover Defender problems
The Land Rover Defender (initially introduced as the Land Rover 110 / One Ten, and in 1984 joined by the Land Rover 90 / Ninety, plus the new, extra-length Land Rover 127 in 1985) is a series of British off-road cars and pickup trucks. They consistently have four-wheel drive, and were developed in the 1980s from the original Land Rover series which was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in April 1948. Following the 1989 introduction of the Land Rover Discovery, the term 'Land Rover' became the name of a broader marque, and thus no longer worked as the name of a specific model; thus in 1990 Land Rover renamed the 90 and 110 as Defender 90 and Defender 110 respectively. The 127 became the Defender 130.
The vehicle, a British equivalent of the Second World War derived (Willys) Jeep, gained a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and versatility. Using a steel ladder chassis and an aluminium alloy bodywork, the Land Rover originally used detuned versions of Rover engines. The original Defender is still being produced in developing countries despite the arrival of the Land Rover Defender (L663).
Though the Defender was not a new generation design, it incorporated significant changes, compared to the series Land Rovers, such as adopting coil springs front and rear, as opposed to all leaf springs on the previous; except for retaining rear leaf springs on high capacity (payload) models. Coil springs offered both better ride quality and improved axle articulation. Adding a lockable centre differential to the transfer case gave the Defender permanent (on-road) four-wheel-drive capability. Both changes were derived from the Range Rover, and the interiors were also modernised.
Externally, a full-length bonnet and full-width integrated grille and headlights, combined with (finally) a single-piece windscreen, plus widened wheel arches that covered new, wider-track axles were the most noticeable changes. Initially the engineering department conserved a part-time 4WD system, like on previous models, but it failed to sell, and this option was dropped in 1984. While the engine was carried over from the Series III, a new series of modern and more powerful engines was progressively introduced.
Even when ignoring the series Land Rovers and perhaps ongoing licence products, the 90/110 and Defender models' 33-year production run were ranked as the sixteenth longest single-generation car in history in 2020.
In 2020, Jaguar Land Rover introduced the first all new generation of Land Rover Defenders, switching from body on chassis to integrated bodywork and from live, rigid axles to all around independent suspension. While starting at a higher base price, the new model brought significant improvements to on road dynamics over the old model, air suspension is available on most trims. The range was originally limited to just two wheelbase lengths before a third, the Defender 130, was announced in 2022. The new Defender series is only available in closed, estate car bodies.
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Common 2023 Land rover Defender problems
The 2023 Land Rover Defender has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to software and electronics. These issues have led to concerns about reliability and safety, with some owners experiencing multiple problems within the first few months of ownership.
One of the most common issues reported is the Check Engine light coming on, which has been attributed to software problems rather than mechanical faults. In some cases, this issue has caused the car to go into a reduced power mode or even stall while driving. This can be a significant safety concern, especially if it occurs in heavy traffic or at high speeds.
Another issue reported by several owners is problems with the infotainment system, including issues with sound, touchscreen responsiveness, and software updates. These problems can affect the car's usability and safety, particularly when using features such as rearview cameras and navigation.
Some owners have also reported issues with the car's safety systems, including emergency steering and braking systems, airbags, and coolant levels. These issues can be particularly concerning, as they can directly impact the car's safety and the safety of its occupants.
In addition to these issues, some owners have reported problems with the car's doors, including issues with seals and locks. These problems can affect the car's comfort and usability, as well as its safety in the event of a crash.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the car's engine and powertrain, including problems with the fuel system, transmission, and drivetrain. These problems can affect the car's performance and fuel efficiency, as well as its safety and reliability.
In summary, the 2023 Land Rover Defender has been reported to have several common problems, primarily related to software and electronics. These issues can affect the car's safety, reliability, and usability, and can be particularly concerning for owners who have experienced multiple problems within the first few months of ownership. It is important for Land Rover to address these issues promptly and effectively to ensure the safety and satisfaction of its customers.
Are the 2023 defenders reliable?
Is the 2023 Land Rover Defender Reliable? The 2023 Defender has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
Does the new defender have issues?
The New Defender is a very large, heavy vehicle with a lot of power, because of this, it is very heavy on brakes and can wear out a set of discs within 32,000 miles. It can wear out brake discs much faster than that too if brake pads are worn down enough to score the discs with their metal backing.
What is the safety rating of the Land Rover Defender 2023?
However, the 20202 model, which formed the basis of the 2023 model, was given a five-star safety rating by Euro NCAP, the European agency in charge of researching insurance and safety ratings for vehicles. It also received a five-star rating from ANCAP in Australasia.
Where is the 2023 Land Rover Defender built?
The Defender replaces the original Land Rover Defender (1983-2016). The cars are built in Slovakia at Jaguar Land Rover's Nitra plant, a manufacturing facility which opened on 25 October 2018. The plant covers an area of about 300,000 m2 (3,200,000 square feet).
2023 Land rover Defender complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Land rover Defender.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2023 Land rover Defender recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2023 Land rover Defender.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION:FILTER/SCREEN
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Defender, 2024 Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The oil filter housing can crack and leak oil into the engine compartment.
- Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the filter housing, oil filter, and o-rings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N908.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition. The brake calipers may not be reinstalled properly, allowing the brake calipers to detach.
- Consequence: Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and cause structural wheel damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will reinstall the brake calipers, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 18, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N848.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch may not latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat installed to the top tether.
- Consequence: A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the third-row seat frame and components, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 24, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N768.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.
- Consequence: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine cam carrier and related components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N763.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC
- Components: SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
- Summary: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.
- Consequence: Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N720.
Negative 2023 Land rover Defender car reviews
Positive 2023 Land rover Defender car reviews
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I recently purchased a 2022 90 X dyn Se in January 2022, which was gently used with only 2500 miles. My previous vehicle was a 2010 Caddy SRX luxury, which I loved and kept for nearly a decade. It was like driving a recliner down the highway, very comfy! I tried out the X5 BMW V8, which drove impressively, but for the price, it just didn't have the wow factor in the looks department. The Mercedes AMG-43 didn't do much for me either, and reminded me of a Subaru (not that there is anything wrong with a Subaru, but there is a big price difference). The 63 got down the road quickly, but I felt like I would be driving a runner sled in the winter. Mercedes me was impressive, but changing the border dash colors was a little over the top. We live in the mountains and can get dump truck loads of snow within hours. I loved the velar, it was sporty, quick, and handled very well, but my husband had to duck his head when entering the vehicle and looked squished in the passenger seat! No headroom. I wasn't thinking of the defender as I had seen a 4-door and it just looked too big, I mean, we have a truck! Then we found the 90. It looks great! Things I love about it are that it will climb a hill/mountain effortlessly at any speed! It's awesome. Stop and go around town, it's great! The turning radius is also very impressive. It glides over back roads with ease. And if you want to creep alone at 3 or 4 miles an hour without it thrusting forward, it will do it! For our terrain, it is perfect. Also, I drove it in downpours of rain, and there was no hydroplaning or feeling like it was going to. It sticks to the road very well and feels pretty safe.There is plenty of room in the car, and the layout is well-designed. My husband can easily conduct business from the passenger seat, with plenty of space to lay his phone and charger, and jot down notes. However, the doors are quite heavy, including the back door, and the car sits a little high for shorter people like myself. I recently got steps installed, which has helped. My first trip to the dealership went well, and I drove the car home! The Meridian stereo is okay, but I expected better. I have adjusted the subwoofer, bass, etc., but sometimes the speakers still vibrate. The seat belt is a bit of a reach, and when I release it to exit the vehicle, it swings back and hits the metal side door panel. Not ideal! Another issue I have is that my speed tends to fluctuate on the highway, so I've started using cruise control for longer trips. Overall, I'm happy with the car. The pros outweigh the cons for me! I love the defender light-up display at night, and the mirror signals indicating a passing car. Accessing the back seat requires a bit of patience, but it's just me and my husband, so it's not a big issue. The car has remote start on the app, but it does drink a little bit of high-test gas, so I don't use it often. I do wish the gas tank was larger. So far, I haven't had any issues other than a wiper arm needing adjustment to sit flat on the windshield, which was also fixed when they installed my side steps. Time will tell, but for what was available on the market, the Defender 90X is the best choice for me at this point in my life. No regrets, and I hope not to have any!
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Just over 19,000 miles and a year on my 2023 Land Rover Defender S P300, and I've had just two minor issues. Although Apple CarPlay very rarely doesn't behave, I found that toggling the WiFi off/on on my phone resolves the issue. Similarly, when Start/Stop activates, it will very rarely start back up in Neutral, but I did my research before purchasing a Rover and am pretty unbothered by these minor quirks that show themselves rarely.
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I bought a 2022 Defender six months ago and I'm happy to say that it has been a great experience so far. The 3.0L 6 mild hybrid engine provides plenty of power and the SUV is solidly built. The 11.4in touchscreen is incredibly user-friendly and easy to navigate, and the recent over-the-air update has added wireless Apple CarPlay to the system. The Heads-Up Display is also pretty clear and adds to the overall driving experience. Although the angle of the windshield may cause chips from rocks on the road, this is a minor issue compared to the overall quality of the vehicle. I did have to change the windshield due to a couple of cracks, but this could be due to the unique engineering of this vehicle. The Fuji white exterior with black roof and black graphics is stunning and definitely turns heads. I've received many compliments on the vehicle and I'm still pleased with my purchase after 1 1/2 years and 20k miles. Overall, I highly recommend the 2022 Defender to anyone looking for a reliable and stylish SUV.
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I've had my Defender for 15 months and 16000 miles and I'm happy to report that I haven't experienced any mechanical issues whatsoever. Although I've encountered a few software glitches, they were easily resolved by resetting the system, much like turning your phone on and off when it acts up. The vehicle is not only comfortable and functional, but it also boasts great aesthetics. My only challenge is that I keep discovering new additions to enhance my driving experience, such as a roof rack, ladder, mud flaps, and more. I use it for off-roading as well as my daily commute, and I couldn't be more pleased with its performance.
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Your vehicle sounds amazing! It's great to hear that you've had such a positive experience with it. From what you've said, it seems like it's the perfect fit for your needs. It's always tough to decide between different models, but it sounds like you made the right choice. It's also great to hear that you're using it to its full potential. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Land rover Defender problems:
2023 Defender 90 Issues after 3 months : r/NewDefender
Oct 28, 2023 ... I do know that a lot of the manufacturers that Land Rover uses for its parts are the same ones that a lot of other manufacturers use, Toyota ...
Brand New 2023 Defender S 110 Issues - Land Rover Forums ...
My sound issue is more frequent, but still annoying. I have a feeling the dealer won't be able to fix it. So my next thought is can this ...
new defender reliability - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover ...
Mar 22, 2022 ... ... Defender - new defender reliability ... Land Rover reliability… So I've put a deposit on a 2023 defender ... What are some known common problems? 3.
Most Common Problems in Land Rover Defender Engine | by ...
Jul 5, 2023 ... The cooling system in Land Rover Defenders is critical for preventing engine overheating. Common problems include radiator leaks, water pump ...
Other years of Land rover Defender
Are you having problems with your 2023 Land rover Defender?
Ignatius Gorczany 2025-08-28
Despite some initial issues with my 2020 Defender HSE, I have found it to be a great car overall. The interior is well-designed and functional, and my labs love the rear for our journeys. The car performs well in deep sand and has surprisingly good highway manners. Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase.JLR's recent release of this car has unfortunately reinforced their poor reputation for reliability. The dealer has not been communicating effectively and has provided a loaner car without addressing the issue. I have taken the initiative to contact JLR USA and open a case, but their response was not satisfactory. Based on my experience, I would advise against purchasing this vehicle at this time. However, it is possible that subsequent model years may address these issues. In the meantime, I recommend exploring alternatives such as the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or Ford Ranger Tremor.
Ruben Kuhn 2025-08-23
Looks great! However, it seems to have some typical Land Rover glitches. My beautiful white HSE had to go back twice, and I was without it for a week both times. Unfortunately, the engine warning light is still not fully resolved. I should have known better, having imported a 90 and driven that for years. But, I expected more with the price tag and promises of the new model. Some of my friends say I should buy a Toyota/Lexus instead, but I’m resisting!
Monty Weissnat 2025-07-05
Great looking vehicle and well designed. However, it is let down by poor materials and finish.
Green Purdy 2025-07-05
Let's talk about this vehicle. It looked great when I bought it, but unfortunately, I experienced some issues during the first week. The Infotainment system wasn't working and there was no sound coming out. I contacted the dealer and they informed me that a software update was needed. In the second month, I faced the same issues and also noticed that the rear door seals were coming undone, causing air to come in while driving. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they informed me that it was a design flaw, but they were going to try and correct it. In the third month, the AC unit stopped working and I took it back to Land Rover. They informed me that the AC hose had a leak and they were going to replace it, along with another software update. In the sixth month, I faced some serious safety issues, such as the emergency steering and braking system not working, the car dying at a stop light, and the dash and infotainment going out while driving on the highway. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they kept it for over 10 days, but the issues persisted. In the seventh month, I faced the same issues and yet to receive any response from Land Rover. I filed a case in April 26, 2021, but unfortunately, I have yet to hear from anyone regarding these issues. This vehicle has some serious safety issues that need to be addressed.
Tom Reichel 2025-06-23
I recently purchased a 2021 Defender X and was initially thrilled with it. However, on the morning of day 3 with around 500 miles on the odometer, I experienced some safety system failures and a gearbox failure while driving at 80 mph on the interstate. It was a scary experience, but thankfully I was able to get to safety. The out of town dealer was able to repair it, but unfortunately, it failed again the next morning, causing me to miss some important meetings. The car has been at the dealer for 8.5 days out of the first 11 that I owned it. Despite these setbacks, I have remained calm throughout the process. As an engineer and technology developer, I was a bit disappointed that I bought a car with Land Rover's reputation for reliability, but I am hopeful that the situation will improve. After 100 days of trying to repair the car, it was pronounced dead, but Land Rover customer care worked hard to find and deliver a new 2022 Defender. I am happy to report that it is exactly what I was hoping for - refined and rugged. Although the lemon experience has left me cautious, I am grateful for the excellent support I received. I even decided to keep my Rubicon just in case.