Model year 2023 · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2023 Land Rover Defender: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings

EPA rates the 2023 Land Rover Defender at 16–20 mpg combined across 8 versions. NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 86 owner complaints for this model year.

Safety recalls

9

EPA combined mpg

16–20

NHTSA overall rating

—

Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT

Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Land Rover dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.

2023 Land Rover Defender recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 9 safety recalls for the 2023 Land Rover Defender, newest first.

Electrical system: Propulsion system: DC/DC converter

NHTSA 26V599000 Reported Sep 17, 2026
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. E008)
Units affected
23,677 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Air bags: Frontal

NHTSA 26V389000 Reported Jun 12, 2026
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. D120)
Units affected
250,857 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Electrical system: Propulsion system: DC/DC converter

NHTSA 26V248000 Reported Apr 17, 2026
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. D126 H575)
Units affected
170,169 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Equipment: Electrical: Infotainment: Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit and 1 more component

NHTSA 25V016000 Reported Jan 16, 2025
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N972)
Components
Equipment: Electrical: Infotainment: Video (touch)screen/monitor/unit; Back over prevention: Software
Units affected
28,370 (estimate)
Problem
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."
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Oil/lubrication: Filter/screen

NHTSA 24V450000 Reported Jun 17, 2024
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N908)
Units affected
2,013 (estimate)
Problem
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.
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.
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Service brakes, hydraulic: Critical fasteners

NHTSA 23V789000 Reported Nov 22, 2023
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N848)
Units affected
121 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Child seat: Vehicle tether anchor and 1 more component

NHTSA 23V137000 Reported Mar 2, 2023
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N768)
Components
Child seat: Vehicle tether anchor; Seats: Mid/rear assembly
Units affected
812 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Oil/lubrication

NHTSA 23V044000 Reported Feb 2, 2023
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N763)
Units affected
6,724 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Seat belts: Pretensioner

NHTSA 22V523000 Reported Jul 21, 2022
Filed by
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (manufacturer recall no. N720)
Units affected
4,927 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.

Full recall record on nhtsa.gov

Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.

2023 Land Rover Defender fuel economy by version

EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.

2023 Land Rover Defender EPA fuel economy
VersionEngineTransmissionDriveFuelCity/Hwy/CombFuel cost/yrCO2 g/mi
Defender 1102.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium17/20/18 mpg$4,550492
Defender 1105.0L 8-cyl superchargedAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium14/19/16 mpg$5,150563
Defender 110 MHEV3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium18/23/20 mpg$4,100444
Defender 130 P300 MHEV3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium17/21/19 mpg$4,350480
Defender 130 P400 MHEV3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium17/21/19 mpg$4,350480
Defender 902.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium18/21/19 mpg$4,350465
Defender 905.0L 8-cyl superchargedAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium15/19/16 mpg$5,150545
Defender 90 MHEV3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybridAutomatic 8-speed4-Wheel DrivePremium18/23/20 mpg$4,100444

Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.

EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.

2023 Land Rover Defender crash-test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

2023 Land Rover Defender NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicleOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover riskForward collision warning
2023 Land Rover Defender 110 SUV 4WDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated—Standard
2023 Land Rover Defender 130 SUV 4WDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated—Standard
2023 Land Rover Defender 90 SUV 4WDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated—Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.

Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.

2023 Land Rover Defender owner complaints

Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2023 Land Rover Defender, most recently on Oct 24, 2026. 0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.

Most-cited components in 2023 Land Rover Defender complaints
Component named in complaintsMentions
Electrical system41
Visibility/wiper14
Engine13
Exterior lighting10
Power train7
Steering7
Lane departure: Assist4
Unknown or other4
Lane departure: Warning3
Forward collision avoidance: Automatic emergency braking2

Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.

Had a safety problem with your vehicle? You can report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem.

Other Land Rover Defender model years

Land Rover Defender by model year
YearCombinedRecallsComplaintsOverall rating
2027 Defender17–18 mpg———
2026 Defender16–20 mpg36—
2025 Defender16–19 mpg113—
2024 Defender16–20 mpg727—
2022 Defender16–19 mpg676—
2021 Defender18–19 mpg942—
2020 Defender18–19 mpg758—

All Land Rover Defender years compared · Decode a VIN

Other 2023 Land Rover models

Sources

  • Recalls: NHTSA recall flat file (FLAT_RCL_POST_2010), dated Oct 27, 2026, plus a live check of api.nhtsa.gov in your browser.
  • Complaints: NHTSA consumer complaint flat files (COMPLAINTS_RECEIVED), counts only — we do not republish complaint text.
  • Crash tests: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API.
  • Fuel economy: FuelEconomy.gov vehicles file (U.S. DOE and EPA), dated Sep 29, 2026.
  • NHTSA, EPA and DOE do not endorse OpenVIN. Vehicle names identify vehicles only; OpenVIN is not affiliated with Land Rover.