Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the Land Rover Defender since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.
Not every Land Rover Defender is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with
particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use
GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask
the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.
62% of the Land Rover Defenders on the DVLA record are vans, and DVSA’s recalls cover every
body type, so some of these recalls may apply only to vans.
Land Rover Defender recalls by year
Recalls launched each year, 2000 to 2026
2023 had the most, with 5. 2026 runs to 14 September 2026. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.
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Land Rover Defender safety recalls by year of launch
Launched 26 June 2026DVSA recall R/2026/241Manufacturer ref. E005
Defect
A concern has been identified on certain AJ20-D6 engines where the Front End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) belt idler pulley may over-rotate following a high torsion input and lead to a clash with and damage to the oil pressure and temperature sensor. A damaged oil pressure and temperature sensor can lead to an oil leak from the engine which can result in a slip hazard for following road users particularly two-wheeled vehicles.
Remedy
Vehicles will have the Front-End Auxiliary Drive (FEAD) idler pulley replaced.
Launched 19 June 2026DVSA recall R/2026/245Manufacturer ref. D121
Defect
A concern has been identified where the connector to the driver’s airbag at the clockspring may experience fretting corrosion over time. This can lead to an increased resistance in the driver’s airbag circuit potentially resulting in the airbag failing to deploy when requested to do so. An airbag which fails to deploy as-intended will increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy
Vehicles will have a protective lubricant gel applied to the driver’s airbag connector terminals.
Defender and Discovery 2026 Model Year Fuel Tank Wall Thickness
Launched 12 June 2026DVSA recall R/2026/177Manufacturer ref. D127
Defect
A concern has been identified where the fuel tank wall thickness may be below design specification near the inlet check valve. A fuel tank with a thinner-than-designed wall may not perform adequately in the event of a crash leading to increased risk of fuel spillage and potentially fire.
Remedy
Affected vehicles will have the fuel tank replaced.
E-PACE F-PACE Defender Discovery Sport Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar PHEV Traction Battery Fire Risk
Launched 12 June 2026DVSA recall R/2025/553Manufacturer ref. D080 D122
Defect
Vehicles have experienced thermal overload which may manifest in smoke or fire that may occur underneath the rear of the vehicle where the high voltage traction battery is located. The root cause is not yet known and investigations are continuing. A vehicle thermal overload condition such as fire or smoke can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle as well as property damage.
Remedy
Vehicles will be inspected by the retailer and as required at-risk battery packs will be replaced.
Defender Third Row Lower Seat Belt Anchorage Bracket
Launched 31 March 2026DVSA recall R/2026/115Manufacturer ref. D098 & D113
Defect
On affected vehicles a concern has been identified where the third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket may contain a weld stud of insufficient ISO strength due to material contamination at the supplier. An insufficiently strong weld stud in this position could result in the safety restraint system not functioning correctly in the event of a crash increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Remedy
Vehicles will have the third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket replaced.
Vehicles affected
982 Defender vehicles
Built
11 Mar 2025 to 25 Mar 2026
2025 2 recalls
Defender 90” Classic Works LP Fuel Line Clash to Bracket
Launched 10 March 2025DVSA recall R/2024/390Manufacturer ref. H941
Defect
The manufacturer has determined on affected vehicles the routing of low-pressure fuel pipes may clash with the rear right-hand damper. There is a risk that the fuel pipe could abrade and cause a fuel leak.
Remedy
Vehicles will have the fuel line replaced and an additional fuel line bracket fitted together with revised routing for the fuel pipe
Vehicles affected
7 Defender vehicles
Built
12 Jan 2012 to 9 Oct 2015
Defender P425 Dynamic Mode Stability
Launched 4 March 2025DVSA recall R/2025/065Manufacturer ref. N977
Defect
Affected vehicles have had an incorrect set of settings in Dynamic Mode. Dynamic Mode therefore does not provide adequate stability suspension stiffness nor provide adequate stability control system operation thereby increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Vehicles will have dynamic mode disabled.
Vehicles affected
20 Defender vehicles
Built
1 Jul 2024 to 24 Jan 2025
2024 5 recalls
AJ20-D6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing Cracked
Launched 14 June 2024DVSA recall R/2024/255Manufacturer ref. N908
Defect
On affected vehicles the incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Remedy
Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.
Launched 17 May 2024DVSA recall R/2024/201Manufacturer ref. N896
Defect
On affected vehicles converted by JLR Classic Works the brake pipes may have been incorrectly assembled to the brake modulator.
Remedy
Vehicles will have the brake pipe routing inspected and corrected if necessary.
Vehicles affected
6 Defender vehicles
Built
19 Oct 2011 to 21 Jan 2016
AJ20-D6 Fuel Injector Clamp Cracked
Launched 27 March 2024DVSA recall R/2024/100Manufacturer ref. N853
Defect
A concern has been identified where the clamps used to secure the fuel injectors into the cylinder head on certain AJ20-D6 engines may crack allowing the injector to come loose. This loose injector could become unseated allowing fuel to be pushed past the injector seal from the combustion chamber or the fuel feed system.
Remedy
A fuel leak in this area could result in fuel spill onto hot engine components which may result in a fire.
On affected Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required. This may occur whilst the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle will operate in Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode only. When the EV system is no longer able to propel the vehicle the vehicle will unexpectedly slow down and no drive is possible.
Launched 30 October 2023DVSA recall R/2023/293Manufacturer ref. N831
Defect
On affected Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) it is possible that the internal combustion engine will not start when required. This may occur whilst the vehicle is in motion and the vehicle will operate in Electric Vehicle (EV) Mode only. When the EV system is no longer able to propel the vehicle the vehicle will unexpectedly slow down and no drive is possible.
Front axle casing may fail causing the suspension to collapse
Launched 31 August 2023DVSA recall R/2022/236Manufacturer ref. N706
Defect
Front axle casing may fail causing the suspension to collapse.
Remedy
Fit an additional bracket mounted to the end of the axle case tube to ensure that in the event of failure the wheel hub assembly and suspension is restrained.
Vehicles affected
9,923 Defender vehicles
Built
1 Sept 2010 to 28 Sept 2012
On affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an incident cannot be ruled out.
Launched 1 June 2023DVSA recall R/2023/135Manufacturer ref. N768
Defect
On affected vehicles there is an issue involving the seat latch in the area of the third row of seats for where injury in the event of an incident cannot be ruled out.
Remedy
The third-row seat back latch operation will be checked. Where the seat latches operate correctly no further action is required. Where a latch does not operate properly the seat frame and associated components will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
318 Defender vehicles
Built
27 Jul 2021 to 9 Jan 2023
DVSA lists it as
“DEFENDER 130”
For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn t been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Launched 18 May 2023DVSA recall R/2023/044Manufacturer ref. N763
Defect
For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn’t been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulation of oil against the pressure control valve rubber membrane and subsequently an external oil leak or increased oil carryover into the air intake system.
Remedy
The engine cam carrier will be inspected and where an incorrectly machined cam carrier is found replace it with a correctly machined component. Depending on mileage and engine conditions further associated components may require replacement.
On affected vehicles there is a risk where the water pump pully drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pully drive is lost this leads to a loss coolant flow in the engine.
Launched 9 May 2023DVSA recall R/2023/087Manufacturer ref. N785
Defect
On affected vehicles there is a risk where the water pump pully drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pully drive is lost this leads to a loss coolant flow in the engine.
Remedy
Affected vehicles will have the engine coolant elbow replaced. In addition a turbocharger feed coolant pipe will be replaced.
The front seat track end stop bracket may be deformed
Launched 16 August 2021DVSA recall R/2021/247Manufacturer ref. N609
Defect
The front seat track end stop bracket may become deformed.
Remedy
Replace the front seat tracks with a modified part.
Vehicles affected
1,025 Defender vehicles
Built
7 Dec 2020 to 9 Apr 2021
DVSA lists it as
“DEFENDER 90”
The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value
Launched 19 April 2021DVSA recall R/2021/137Manufacturer ref. N571
Defect
The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value.
Remedy
Inspect the exhaust downpipe to catalytic converter joint. If the fixings are present torque them up to the required torque specification. If any fixings are missing they will be replaced and torqued to the required specification.
Launched 31 July 2017DVSA recall R/2017/196Manufacturer ref. N064
Defect
P053 campaigned vehicles - Brake Disc to Hub Bolts where the front brake pipe from caliper to the brake flexible hose is subsequently showing signs of a chafe condition in some instances it has been reported that a noise is present or the loss of brake fluid has occurred. If the brake pipe continues to chafe through sudden loss of brake fluid could be experienced. Brake fluid loss will illuminate a red warning triangle. Brake fluid loss will ultimately result in extended brake pedal travel combined with reduced braking performance in the corresponding brake circuit increasing stopping distances. Loss of one braking circuit could compromise vehicle stability and significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected. Where recall campaign P053 is yet to be completed provide the P053 remedy and ensure that the specified clearances are achieved following completion of the P053 recall remedy. In the case of vehicles that have already had recall campaign P053 completed the dealer will ensure the correct clearances are achieved. If there are any signs of damage to the left hand right hand or both sides of the front brake pipe the damaged pipe will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
1,178 Defender vehicles
Built
24 Oct 2014 to 5 Jan 2015
2015 1 recall
Braking imbalance may make vehicle unstable
Launched 4 February 2015DVSA recall R/2015/028Manufacturer ref. P053
Defect
The fixing bolts for the front and rear hub assemblies are not to specification. The bolts could break and cause loud noise followed by severe vibration wheel lock possibly a bolt could puncture the brake disc or even if all the bolts are damaged the hub may become insecure to the axle. The aforementioned will cause instability and significantly increase the risk of collision.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace all the front and rear wheel hub fixings. If any damaged has been caused by bolts failing the affected components will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
1,166 Defender vehicles
Built
24 Oct 2014 to 6 Jan 2015
2014 1 recall
Front wheel may detach
Launched 28 November 2014DVSA recall R/2014/092Manufacturer ref. P048
Defect
It has been established that in extreme cases the front axle tube could fracture over a period of time. If not identified this could result in the detachment of the wheel and hub assembly.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles and fit additional brackets to hold the hub/tube assembly in place should the tube fracture.
Vehicles affected
2,666 Defender vehicles
Built
1 Sept 2010 to 5 Jul 2011
2012 1 recall
Seat belt mounting bracket may fail
Launched 8 August 2012DVSA recall R/2012/069Manufacturer ref. P025
Defect
Some seat belt mounting bracket bolt/studs may be out of specification as they may have suffered Hydrogen Embrittlement during production. Occupants will normally notice the failure by the looseness or detachment of seat belt brackets. If the issue is not rectified occupants may not be restrained in their seat if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles and replace the seat belt mounting brackets.
Vehicles affected
6,136 Defender vehicles
Built
1 Feb 2010 to 31 Jan 2012
2011 1 recall
Parking brake efficiency can be affected
Launched 4 April 2011DVSA recall R/2010/232Manufacturer ref. P022
Defect
It is possible that the transfer box output shaft may not be to specification. This can allow oil to leak between the output shaft and the drive flange. This can result in oil entering the parking brake drum and contaminating the brake linings which can affect the parking brake efficiency.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles for the cleaning and resealing of the drive flange to output shaft plus the replacement of any contaminated brake linings.
Vehicles affected
23,175 Defender vehicles
Built
5 Oct 2007 to 4 Nov 2010
2009 1 recall
Parking brake may become ineffective
Launched 4 December 2009DVSA recall R/2009/091Manufacturer ref. P019
Defect
Parking brake efficiency can be impaired as a result of an incorrectly assembled oil seal at the transfer box output shaft allowing oil to contaminate the brake linings.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to inspect and where necessary fit a new oil seal degrease the back plate and drum and replace the brake linings.
Vehicles affected
5,003 Defender vehicles
Built
7 Jun 2007 to 13 Feb 2008
2004 1 recall
Possible loss of service brake
Launched 31 March 2004DVSA recall R/2003/180Manufacturer ref. ABD148
Defect
A potential fluid leak from the brake modulator may result in a reduction in the efficiency of the service brake or in the worst case complete failure of the service brake system.
Remedy
Recall all potentially affected vehicles and fit stronger valve covers to the brake modulator.
Launched 22 April 2002DVSA recall R/2001/171Manufacturer ref. 273
Defect
Land Rover has received a small number of reports that detail a potential abrasion condition between the front left hand flexible brake hose and tyre. In extreme circumstances dependant upon the position of the hose the front left hand tyre can contact the hose and cause abrasion to the outer lining material which could result in a brake fluid leak.
Remedy
Recall all affected vehicles to check the clearance between the hose and tyre where abrasion or limited clearance is found the hose must be replaced.
Vehicles affected
14,727 Defender vehicles
Built
Build dates not given
2001 1 recall
Insecurity of front seat backrest.
Launched 22 October 2001DVSA recall R/2001/017Manufacturer ref. 237
Defect
The front seats may not latch positively following operation of the seat tip lever. In consequence the seat squab (backrest) could attempt to fold forward if the vehicle should be brought to a very rapid stop.
Remedy
Affected vehicles will be recalled for examination of the operation and integrity of the front seat tip lever and latching mechanism. In cases where the mechanism is found to bind a new seat frame assembly will be fitted.
Launched 5 June 2000DVSA recall R/2000/038Manufacturer ref. 211
Defect
As a consequence of the manufacturing process the engine flywheel may develop surface cracks which under certain high load conditions can propagate resulting in disintegration of the flywheel.
Remedy
Recall affected vehicles for the fitment of quality assured parts.
Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the Land Rover Defender. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
