2025 Land Rover Defender
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2025
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2025: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2021 | 42 |
| 2022 | 76 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Visibility/wiper
7 of 13 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
The windshield cracked the 1st week owned the car. Land Rover didnât warranty the windshield and have to buy a new one for 2500. The second windshield got a rock chip and now it expanded into a crack over 3 days.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Front Windshield has cracked. Defender has less than 10K and has only been driven on city roads and highway. No offroad. Chip left of center occurred from pebble while driving on Freeway back February.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-07-09
Power train
3 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
The transfer case on my new 2025 LR Defender 130 went out at 5,000 miles. This unit distributes power to the axles. I was told that if I continue to drive it, it could seize up, possibly leading to a loss of control of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-01-03
Electrical system
2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
Steering
1 of 13 total reports mentions: steering.
Fuel/propulsion system
1 of 13 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
I was driving on [XXX] In Sarasota County, Florida, at approximately 70mph I witnessed flames coming from passenger rear portion of the car, I pulled over and jumped out at the interior was filled with smoke.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-28
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2025-02-20Equipment, structure24E102000 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, remove and reinstall the RAI accessory, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837.
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Date not on fileAir bags26V389000 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.
Remedy: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driverâs air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 7, 2026.
Buy-smart checklist
2025 Land Rover Defender — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 26V389000 · Air bags
- Recall 24E102000 · Equipment, structure
FAQ
- Is the 2025 Land Rover Defender reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2025 Land Rover Defender?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2025 Land Rover Defender have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.