Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Report
The 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 rates mixed and well below average for 2021 SUVs, mainly because of windshields that crack without impact.
Recalls
7
Complaints
32
Complaint Rate
20.9per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,850
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Windshields that crack with no impact lead the complaints, and seven recalls make this a year where recall records deserve a careful check.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Should You Buy the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110?
Expect a mixed result. Against other 2021 SUVs, this Defender sits well below average, and within its own scored model years it lands in the middle of six. The 2022 model rates about the same, so switching years does not clearly fix anything. Owners filed 32 complaints, and federal recall records list 7 recalls.
The windshield is the main complaint. Owners describe a sudden pop, sometimes overnight while parked, then a crack that runs 12 to 20 inches from a corner or pillar. Reports start around 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Some owners are on a second or third windshield, and replacement glass is often back ordered for months. Headlamps are next. The halo daytime running lights go out with no warning light, and the fix is a whole headlamp assembly, quoted in the thousands, with frequent warranty denials.
Ask the seller for recall records covering seats, seat belts, lighting, engine cooling and the power train, plus any windshield or headlamp repair history. Check both headlamps yourself.
Compared to the 2022 Land Rover Defender 110, which scored the same.
Pros
- +Only 32 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER: Windshield cracks with no impact, while parked, overnight, or at highway speed (12 complaints)
Compare 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 With
2021 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability: 56/100
2021 Toyota 4Runner
Reliability: 82/100
2021 Ford Bronco
Reliability: 41/100
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 62/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
20.9
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE
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. The raised air intake may not be secured properly, which can allow the intake to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached raised air intake can fall off the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Land Rover's number for this recall is N964.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Consequence
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.
SEAT BELTS
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
Consequence
An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
Buying a used 2021 Land Rover Defender 110? Check its history first
Visibility/wiper problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110, and 7 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Land Rover Defender 110Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
18 MPG
Fuel cost: $3,850/yr
Fuel only
17 city / 20 hwy MPG
Hybrid
19 MPG
Fuel cost: $3,650/yr
Fuel only
17 city / 22 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 110 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 20 | 18 | $3,850 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 110 MHEV 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Land Rover Defender 110.
Inspect the whole windshield in bright light for hairline cracks, especially ones running from the corners or pillars toward the center.
Ask the seller how many windshields the car has had and get the replacement invoices.
Switch on the lights and walk around the car to confirm both halo daytime running lights work.
Have a helper confirm the tail, brake, and turn signals work on both sides.
Drive at highway speed and listen for tapping or flapping near the passenger windshield pillar.
Press along both windshield pillar moldings and check for loose trim or broken clips.
Ask whether the car has ever stalled or shown a low-battery warning, and check the battery's service history.
Read any extended warranty to see whether it covers headlamp assemblies and windshield replacement.
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
12 complaintsThe windshield cracks with no impact, while parked, overnight, or at highway speed. Drivers describe a sudden pop, then a crack running from a corner or pillar toward the center, often 12 to 20 inches long and spreading fast. Some reports link it to extreme heat or cold, above 95 or below 30 degrees. Some owners are on their second or third windshield. Cracks block the driver's view and can interfere with cameras and lane departure assist. Replacement glass is often back ordered for months, and owners say Land Rover denies responsibility.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
8 complaintsThe headlamps lose their halo daytime running lights, and sometimes the main beam, on one or both sides. No warning light appears, so the failure often goes unnoticed until someone points it out. Repair means replacing the whole headlamp assembly, with quotes in the thousands and frequent warranty denials. Back orders can leave the car at the dealer for weeks. Other reports describe the tail, brake, and turn signals on one side failing under bright light, and an instrument cluster that dims too far to read at dusk and dawn.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsThe engine can stall while driving after a low-battery warning tells the driver to start the vehicle immediately. A sudden stall in traffic carries a real crash risk. A separate filing reports a DC/DC converter failure. The third complaint repeats the headlamp problem: the halo daytime running light fails, and the dealer replaces the entire headlamp assembly for thousands of dollars once the factory warranty has expired. Only three reports fall here, so the pattern is thin.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsThe passenger-side windshield pillar trim works loose at highway speed. Air gets under the weather stripping and makes a tapping, flapping, or crackling noise against the glass. In the worse case the molding breaks off its plastic clips and hangs from the pillar at about 70 mph, so the driver has to pull over. Broken clips mean the trim cannot simply be pressed back on. Only two reports exist, but both point to the same A-pillar area.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsWindshields crack again and again. Hairline cracks start from small pebble strikes and keep growing, and owners report being on a third windshield while mileage is still low. Replacement glass comes from the UK with waits of 2 to 4 months and costs about $1,800 each. Large cracks hurt visibility and interfere with driver assist features. Both filings say Land Rover declines responsibility, which leaves owners paying deductibles or the full bill.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owned a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the contact noticed a fuel odor while driving. The contact continued driving; however, the fuel odor had grown stronger. The contact arrived at the residence and inspected the vehicle, and became aware that the main fuel line had fractured, causing fuel to leak onto the engine. The dealer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty, and there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact traded the vehicle with another dealer, Courtesy Subaru 601 E Omaha St, Rapid City, SD 57701, and no longer owns the vehicle. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the repair was not covered under a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintSee attached document for complaint.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintVehicle suspension fault detected light turned on. Vehicle keeps adjusting on its own while on the freeway in traffic. Feels like it stalls. Hear popping noise. Vehicle only had 14k miles and was never used for off roading.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintIt happened after being parked at work for 9hrs. The lane assist not available! warning came on when I started the car. I noticed the steering wheel was VERY hard to turn. You have to use both hands and lean with body weight to turn the wheel a few inches which when the car is at a stand-still. It did get a little easier if the car was moving. The screen didnt dim but now I recall, just for a few seconds, part of the cameras on the display screen were grayed out when I put it in reverse. This only happened once for a short time during the multiple engine on/off cycles I tried hoping it would go away. The 20 sec pivi reboot didnt fix it (I tried it about 3 times). Walking away and coming back didnt fix it.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that the windshield cracked without impact, causing electrical issues. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
When Do 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Land Rover Defender 110 Years
Best Land Rover Defender 110 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2024
2022
2021
(Current Model)
Land Rover Defender 110 Years to Avoid
No Land Rover Defender 110 years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 57 and 64 across 6 scored model years.
Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2023 | 57/100 | Mixed |
| 2024 | 64/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 59/100 | Mixed |
| 2026 | 64/100 | Good |
Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110?
Does the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 have windshield problems?
How much does it cost to fix the headlamps on a 2021 Land Rover Defender 110?
Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 better than the 2022?
Don’t buy a 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 does best on how many systems draw complaints (82/100) and worst on repair costs (40/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Land Rover Defender 110.
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