2025 Land Rover Defender
Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 48 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 64 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 11 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 11 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20250709
3 of 11 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, 20260103
2 of 11 total reports mention: electrical system.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 11 total reports mentions: fuel/propulsion system.
FIREShow 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, 20250928
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 24E102000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V389000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2025 Land Rover Defender — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V389000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24E102000 (equipment, structure) has been completed.
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 55% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2025 Land Rover Defender have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.