Land Rover Defender recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 31 safety recalls naming the Land Rover Defender, launched from 2000 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Land Rover Defender recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 31
- 2000 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 26 June 2026
- R/2026/241
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Land Rover Defender recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
AJ20-D6 Idler Pulley Clash
R/2026/241, launched 26 June 2026. Also covers the Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
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.
Driver’s Airbag Potential Non-Deployment
R/2026/245, launched 19 June 2026. Also covers the Discovery, Range Rover
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
R/2026/177, launched 12 June 2026. Also covers the Discovery
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
R/2025/553, launched 12 June 2026. Also covers the Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar
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
R/2026/115, launched 31 March 2026, 982 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
Defender 90” Classic Works LP Fuel Line Clash to Bracket
R/2024/390, launched 10 March 2025, 7 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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
Defender P425 Dynamic Mode Stability
R/2025/065, launched 4 March 2025, 20 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
AJ20-D6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing Cracked
R/2024/255, launched 14 June 2024. Also covers the Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
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.
Land Rover Defender Incorrect Brake Pipe Routing
R/2024/201, launched 17 May 2024, 6 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
AJ20-D6 Fuel Injector Clamp Cracked
R/2024/100, launched 27 March 2024. Also covers the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport
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.
Security Enhancement
R/2024/145, launched 15 March 2024. Also covers the Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar
Defect: For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
Security Enhancement
R/2024/147, launched 14 March 2024. Also covers the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport
Defect: For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Remedy: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
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.
R/2023/293, launched 30 October 2023, 770 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Range Rover Velar
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.
Remedy: Software update to the Powertrain control module.
FRONT AXLE CASING MAY FAIL CAUSING THE SUSPENSION TO COLLAPSE
R/2022/236, launched 31 August 2023, 9,923 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
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.
R/2023/135, launched 1 June 2023, 318 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
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.
R/2023/044, launched 18 May 2023, 499 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
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.
R/2023/087, launched 9 May 2023, 18,151 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
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.
DAMAGED FRONT SEAT BELT PRE TENSIONER TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ON THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR
R/2022/222, launched 19 August 2022, 2,981 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Discovery, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Velar
Defect: Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Remedy: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.
FRONT PASSENGER SEATS MISSING OCCUPANCY DETECTION SENSOR SYSTEM
R/2021/333, launched 21 October 2021, 509 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Discovery
Defect: The front passenger seats were manufactured without the Occupancy Detection Sensor system (ODS) installed.
Remedy: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.
THE FRONT SEAT TRACK END STOP BRACKET MAY BE DEFORMED
R/2021/247, launched 16 August 2021, 1,025 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front seat track end stop bracket may become deformed.
Remedy: Replace the front seat tracks with a modified part.
THE FIXINGS CONNECTING THE EXHAUST DOWNPIPE TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE VALUE
R/2021/137, launched 19 April 2021, 4,002 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Discovery
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.
SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID
R/2017/196, launched 31 July 2017, 1,178 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
BRAKING IMBALANCE MAY MAKE VEHICLE UNSTABLE
R/2015/028, launched 4 February 2015, 1,166 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
FRONT WHEEL MAY DETACH
R/2014/092, launched 28 November 2014, 2,666 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
SEAT BELT MOUNTING BRACKET MAY FAIL
R/2012/069, launched 8 August 2012, 6,136 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
PARKING BRAKE EFFICIENCY CAN BE AFFECTED
R/2010/232, launched 4 April 2011, 23,175 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
PARKING BRAKE MAY BECOME INEFFECTIVE
R/2009/091, launched 4 December 2009, 5,003 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
POSSIBLE LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKE
R/2003/180, launched 31 March 2004, 59,616 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Discovery
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.
LEFT HAND FRONT BRAKE FLEXIBLE HOSE CONCERN
R/2001/171, launched 22 April 2002, 14,727 vehicles affected across the models it covers
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.
INSECURITY OF FRONT SEAT BACKREST.
R/2001/017, launched 22 October 2001, 4,368 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Freelander
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.
ENGINE FLYWHEEL MAY FRAGMENT
R/2000/038, launched 5 June 2000, 12,965 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Discovery
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.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Land Rover Defender, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Land Rover dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.