Recalls
9campaigns
3 electrical · 2 engine · 1 air bag
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
82filed
Owner reports, 2001–2026 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
20mpg combined
$3,266/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
3 L 6-cyl· 8-speed automatic
8 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (9)
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 2023 Land Rover Defender. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Drive Power from DC-DC Converter Failure
Electrical system · propulsion system · dc/dc converter
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported23,677 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V599000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Driver's Air Bag May Not Deploy in a Crash
Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported250,857 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V389000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Loss of Drive Power from DC-DC Converter Failure
Electrical system · propulsion system · dc/dc converter
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
- Consequence
- A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the central software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 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 numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.
Repair progress not yet reported170,169 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 26V248000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111
Back over prevention · software
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Consequence
- A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.
86.2% repairedof 28,370 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 25V016000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Compartment Fire from Oil Leak
Engine and engine cooling · engine · oil/lubrication · filter/screen
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
98.2% repairedof 2,013 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 24V450000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Improperly Reinstalled Brake Calipers May Detach
Service brakes, hydraulic · critical fasteners
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
100% repairedof 121 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V789000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Third-Row Child Seat May Have Reduced Strength
Child seat · vehicle tether anchor
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
95.8% repairedof 812 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V137000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Engine Cam Carrier May Leak Oil
Engine and engine cooling · engine · oil/lubrication
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
98.4% repairedof 6,724 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 23V044000
Listed for 2023 Land Rover Defender. Not checked against your VIN.
Seat Belt Pretensioners May Not Restrain Properly
Seat belts · pretensioner
Official NHTSA text
- 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.
95.8% repairedof 4,927 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 22V523000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (82)
82 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
0involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 82 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 39 | 47.6% |
| Visibility/wiper | 14 | 17.1% |
| Engine | 12 | 14.6% |
| Exterior lighting | 7 | 8.5% |
| Power train | 7 | 8.5% |
| Steering | 7 | 8.5% |
| Lane departure | 6 | 7.3% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 4.9% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 2 | 2.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 2.4% |
How 2023 compares with other Defender years
Best and worst Defender years →20011
20023
20031
202055
202142
202275
202382
202425
202513
20266
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | 3 | 0 |
| 2003 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 55 | 7 |
| 2021 | 42 | 9 |
| 2022 | 75 | 6 |
| 2023 | 82 | 9 |
| 2024 | 25 | 7 |
| 2025 | 13 | 1 |
| 2026 | 6 | 3 |
This year (2023)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 20 mpg combined
20
mpg combined
18
city
23
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,100
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 444 g/mi
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle
What it costs you to run
$3,266per year
$272per month
750gallons a year
Miles ÷ 20 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 23 / 20 | $4,100 | 444 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 21 / 19 | $4,350 | 465 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | $4,350 | 480 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | $4,350 | 480 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | $4,550 | 492 |
| 5 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 16 | $5,150 | 545 |
| 5 L 8-cyl · 8-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | $5,150 | 563 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2023 Defender for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2023 Land Rover Defender FAQ
How many recalls does the 2023 Land Rover Defender have?
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 26V599000 (electrical), 26V389000 (air bag), 26V248000 (electrical), 25V016000 (electrical), 24V450000 (engine), 23V789000 (brake), 23V137000 (seat), 23V044000 (engine), 22V523000 (seat belt). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2023 Land Rover Defender problems?
Owners filed 82 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (39), Visibility/wiper (14), Engine (12) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2023 Land Rover Defender get?
EPA rates the 3 L 6-cyl · 8-speed automatic version at 18 city, 23 highway and 20 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2023 Defender compare with other years?
Among the 2001–2021 Land Rover Defender model years at least five years old, the 2001 drew the fewest complaints (1) and the 2020 the most (55). The 2023 drew 82. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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