no report yet
Propulsion system: dc/dc converter
NewRisk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
2023 Land Rover DefenderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 97 owner complaints about the 2023 Land Rover Defender, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-523 the manufacturer reports only 88% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Land Rover Defender has problems
97 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
45Electrical system
14Engine
14Visibility/wiper
14Exterior lighting
7Power train
7Steering
6Lane departure
2Forward collision avoidance
2Fuel/propulsion system
77 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 45 | 0 |
| Engine | 14 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 14 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 0 |
| Power train | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 7 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 6 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2023 Land Rover Defender recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Air bags: frontal
NewRisk. An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
no report yet
Propulsion system: dc/dc converter
NewRisk. A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2026 Q3
Back over prevention: software
Risk. A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
repaired · 2026 Q1
Oil/lubrication: filter/screen
Risk. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Service brakes, hydraulic: critical fasteners
Risk. Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and cause structural wheel damage, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Child seat: vehicle tether anchor
Risk. A child seat with reduced strength may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2024 Q4
Engine: oil/lubrication
Risk. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Seat belts: pretensioner
Risk. Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Land Rover.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Defender year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Defender median. How we score
'92'93'94'95'99'01'02'03'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Defender owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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.
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 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.
Own a 2023 Defender?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.