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Last updated: 2026-04-20

2023 Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Report
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). With 7 recalls and 70 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.
Recalls
7
Complaints
70
Complaint Rate
26.5per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,850–$4,300
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
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)
- STEERING (7)
Should You Buy the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110?
A 57/100 score puts the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 in the "Mixed" tier. Buyers should approach with eyes open.
Complaint volume sits above average at 70 owner complaints alongside 7 recalls. Issues in electrical system (31) tend to be the costly ones.
Treat an extended warranty as non-negotiable and put electrical system (31) at the top of the inspection checklist.
Compared to the 2024 Land Rover Defender 110, which scored 7 points higher. See also the 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 for an earlier comparison.
Pros
Cons
- −Below-average reliability score
- −Above-average recall count
- −Above-average complaint rate for SUV
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (31 complaints)
Compare 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 With

2023 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability: 62/100

2023 Toyota 4RUNNER
Reliability: 82/100

2023 Ford Bronco
Reliability: 50/100

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability: 63/100

2023 Ford Explorer
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 7 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)
Recall Overview
7
recalls on record
The 2023 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
26.5
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 12.1
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.
2023 Land Rover Defender 110 Recall Details
7 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startup, resulting in the rearview camera image not displaying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the touchscreen software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N972.
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 2023-2024 Defender, 2024 Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The oil filter housing can crack and leak oil into the engine compartment.
Consequence
An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the filter housing, oil filter, and o-rings, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 27, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N908.
Buying a used 2023 Land Rover Defender 110? Check its history first
Every 2023 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
2023 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
16–18 MPG
Fuel cost: $3,850–$4,300/yr
Fuel only
14–17 city / 19–20 hwy MPG
Hybrid
20 MPG
Fuel cost: $3,450/yr
Fuel only
18 city / 23 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2023 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 |
| Defender 110 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,300 |
Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 110 MHEV 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S8) | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,450 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110.
Inspect DC-DC converter functionality; check for backorder issues
Examine windshield for cracks or chips; consider replacement history
Test power steering and lane keep assist for proper operation
Verify auto start-stop system does not cause uncommanded shifts to neutral
Check for coolant leaks, especially around turbo lines
2023 Land Rover Defender 110 Common Problems by Component
70 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
31 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110's DC-DC converter, which often leads to the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly while driving. Typical symptoms include the vehicle displaying warnings such as “Stop safely – electrical fault” and then losing all electrical power, which can result in a complete loss of propulsion and power steering. These incidents occur across a range of mileages, with some reports mentioning occurrences as early as 42,000 miles. The inability to control the vehicle poses significant safety risks, particularly when it happens at highway speeds or in active traffic. Additionally, the converter parts are often on backorder, leaving vehicles inoperable for extended periods, which is a critical consideration for potential buyers.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
12 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the windshields of the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110, including spontaneous cracking and vulnerability to chips that quickly lead to large cracks. Complaints often describe cracks appearing without any apparent impact or after minor rock chips, with some owners noting the cracks develop within days of replacement. Several reports indicate the problem occurs even when the vehicle is parked or driven on smooth roads, and some mention that cracks originate at the edges or base of the windshield. This recurring issue is noted by owners to impede visibility, posing a potential safety risk. The problem appears to occur in vehicles with varying mileage, often affecting relatively new vehicles, and some owners have had to replace the windshield multiple times within a short period.
STEERING
7 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the steering system of the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110, with the most common problems involving power steering failure and lane keep assist malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention that the steering wheel becomes difficult to maneuver, sometimes locking entirely, and that the lane keep assist system generates warning messages such as "Lane assistance not available." These issues are often accompanied by a warning or malfunction light and typically occur at low mileages, around 956 to 1145 miles. Safety implications are significant, as several owners describe near-miss situations due to steering difficulties, and one owner notes the car became inoperable, leaving them stranded. These problems have led to vehicles being towed to dealerships, where solutions have included software updates and battery resets, though parts availability has been an issue.
POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
5 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 frequently report issues with the power train, specifically related to the vehicle's auto start-stop feature. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle making uncommanded shifts from drive to neutral when the engine restarts after stopping, causing potential roll-back on inclines and requiring the driver to manually re-engage drive. This issue is noted to occur at various times, particularly when the vehicle is stopped at lights or on inclines. Additionally, multiple owners report failures of the DC to DC converter, part of the mild hybrid system, resulting in loss of charging and reliance on the battery, which can lead to the vehicle becoming immobile. These failures are sometimes associated with cold weather and have left owners stranded, posing potential safety risks.
ENGINE (5 complaints)
ENGINE
5 complaintsOwners report several recurring engine-related issues with the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110. A common problem involves the vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral while stopped, which has been noted by multiple owners, even with low mileage and within the first few weeks of ownership. Another frequently mentioned issue is coolant leaks, specifically from turbo lines, leading to engine overheating; this has been confirmed by dealers as a known issue and can result in significant repair costs. Additionally, some owners describe an electrical fault that renders the vehicle undrivable and an emissions fault causing the engine to stall, even in busy traffic. These issues, particularly the unexpected shifting to neutral and stalling, pose potential safety risks, especially in traffic situations.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsOwners of the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 report recurring issues with the windshield and ADAS sensor cover. Multiple complaints indicate that windshields crack easily, either when hit by small rocks or spontaneously without any known impact. One owner mentions replacing the windshield twice within a four-month period. Additionally, there is a report of the cover over the ADAS sensors detaching and falling into the driver area, which once resulted in loss of control. These issues appear to occur relatively early in the vehicle's life, though specific mileage details are not provided. Potential safety implications include compromised visibility and control, especially concerning the detached sensor cover.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintWhile driving the dashboard suddenly showed a message saying Battery Charging Fault error” a few minutes later the car stopped driving while I was on a busy freeway. It had no power and it displayed several messages saying suspension system is disabled, battery issue, cameras disabled. I had try to navigate my rolling car to a side lane to call roadside assistance. It was a very dangerous incident and needs to be addressed. Land Rover in White Plains NY, diagnosed my vehicle saying the Dc to Dc converter needs to be replaced and they don’t have any in stock. They also mentioned they have 30 customer cars all waiting for the same part. This was scary and I’m grateful my children were not in the vehicle at the time.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThis vehicle is equipped with the "Interactive Driver Display" (IDD), which is a full digital dash. Myself and several other members of enthusiast forums have reported that with recent software updates (PIVI 4.0), this display autodims entirely too dim to see. This happens in bright, full-sun, and half-sun cloudy conditions which prevent the driver from seeing the dashboard. This presents a major safety issue, as there is way to see the speed, tachometer, fuel gauge, warning lights of any kind (including pressure, safety warnings, engine temperature, etc.).
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintTook the vehicle out of the garage, drove 3 miles to the highway, got on the highway, traveling 65MPH, within 15 minutes of leaving home and no more than 5-10 minutes on the highway, the passenger rear tire blew out without warning, I did not hit any debris in the road. The vehicle veered with the sudden loss of pressure, no accident but occurred during rush hour. There were OEM on a 23.5yr Land Rover Defender. Continental CrossContact 275/45 R22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintThe vehicle experienced an electrical fault and shortly after receiving the warning on the dash, the vehicle completely lost power in the middle of traffic. The dealership has told me that the hybrid battery and DC converter both need to be replaced, but the DC converter is on indefinite back order. Based on information I’ve learned from others and I’ve heard from the dealership, Land Rover has been aware of this issue for about a year, but parts have been unavailable for several months. My dealership alone has several of the same vehicle suffering from the same problem, get Land Rover seems to have no path towards resolution.
When Do 2023 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 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110?
How many recalls does the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 have?
Is the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2023 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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Land Rover Defender 110.
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