Last updated: 2026-04-20
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Report
The 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 scores 59/100 ("Mixed"). With 7 recalls and 32 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
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
Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.
Top Issues to Watch
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (3)
Should You Buy the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110?
A 59/100 score puts the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open.
Complaint volume sits above average at 32 owner complaints alongside 7 recalls. Issues in visibility wiper (12) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put visibility wiper (12) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2022 Land Rover Defender 110, which scored the same.
Pros
- +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- +Only 32 complaints reported
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (12 complaints)
- −EXTERIOR LIGHTING issues reported (8 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: 17.5
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
Every 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- 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 headlamps and daytime running lights for functionality
Check for any windshield cracks or signs of previous replacements
Test the electrical system for any stalling or low battery warnings
Verify A-pillar moldings are securely fastened
Ensure there are no unusual noises at highway speeds
2021 Land Rover Defender 110 Common Problems by Component
32 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
12 complaintsOwners report frequent instances of the windshield on the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 developing cracks spontaneously, often without any apparent impact or external force. Complaints frequently mention cracks forming while the vehicle is both stationary and in motion, with some owners noting sudden loud popping sounds prior to the appearance of a crack. The temperature conditions at the time of these incidents vary, but several reports describe occurrences during high temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Mileage at the time of these incidents ranges from as low as 5,000 to 12,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as cracks can rapidly progress, potentially affecting visibility and related safety features such as cameras and lane departure systems. Multiple owners also describe prolonged delays in obtaining replacement windshields, citing backorders and incorrect parts being supplied.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
8 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 frequently report issues with the exterior lighting, particularly with the daytime running lights and headlamps. Complaints commonly describe simultaneous failures of the daytime running lights, often necessitating expensive full headlamp replacements, with costs cited between $4,000 and $5,000. Some reports indicate headlamp failures occurring around 49,000 miles, with subsequent issues shortly after. Additionally, owners mention a lack of warning lights for these failures, which can lead to reduced visibility and potential legal issues in regions requiring daytime running lights. Used car buyers should be aware of these reported issues, as they may incur significant repair costs and affect vehicle safety.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 report issues primarily with the electrical system, specifically the DC/DC converter failure and problems with the daytime running lights (DRL) on the passenger side. Symptoms include the failure of the "Signature" halo lights within the headlamp assembly, which some owners note requires a costly replacement of the entire unit. Another reported issue involves the vehicle stalling unexpectedly, preceded by a low battery warning, with one owner linking this to a known recall for similar problems. These electrical issues can result in vehicle stalling and potential inspection failures, posing a safety concern. Complaints do not specify mileage, but they highlight the importance of checking warranty coverage for these issues.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 report issues with the vehicle's A-pillar moldings, particularly at highway speeds. Complaints frequently mention a crackling or flapping noise, attributed to the moldings not being securely fastened, allowing air to pass underneath. In one instance, the right windshield pillar molding detached while driving, causing scratches on adjacent panels and requiring temporary repairs with duct tape. These issues have been noted shortly after purchase, even in Certified Pre-Owned models, suggesting that the problem may not be caught during inspections. Safety implications include the risk of the molding detaching at high speeds, which could potentially lead to accidents.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with cracked windshields on the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110, with some experiencing multiple replacements within a short period. Complaints typically describe hairline cracks that expand over time, often following minor impacts from small debris. These issues are noted as occurring at relatively low mileages, around 15,000 miles, and some owners mention waiting several months for replacement parts. Safety concerns are highlighted, as large cracks can obstruct visibility and interfere with driver assistance systems, potentially leading to unsafe driving conditions. This pattern may be important for potential buyers to consider, especially if purchasing a used vehicle with a history of windshield replacements.
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
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Land Rover Defender 110 Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Land Rover Defender 110 year is 2024 with a reliability score of 64/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2025 (59/100) and 2022 (59/100).
Land Rover Defender 110 Years to Avoid
No Land Rover Defender 110 years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Land Rover Defender 110 maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Score Trend
Land Rover Defender 110 reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 60/100.
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 |
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?
How many recalls does the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 have?
Is the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 expensive to maintain?
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.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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