Last updated: 2026-04-20

2023 Land Rover Defender 110
RELIABILITY SCORE: 57/100 (MIXED)

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

Complaint Severity56/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs40/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact63/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity85/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

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

    Common Problem Categories

    Safety

    LOW RISK
    • 7 manufacturer recalls issued

    Other

    HIGH RISK
    • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)
    • VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)

    See detailed breakdown by component ↓

    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 sold

    Segment avg: 12.1

    LowAvgHigh
    Moderate

    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.

    25V0160002025-01-16

    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.

    24E1020002024-12-06

    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.

    24V4500002024-06-17

    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.

    VIN History Report

    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.

    Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

    • 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

    Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Not Available)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Not Available)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row, 3rd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (None)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)
    View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

    Land Rover Defender 110Repair Costs & Maintenance

    Maintenance Rating

    2Maintenance rating: 2 out of 5

    Based 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
    TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
    Defender 110 2.0L 4-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)172018$3,850
    Defender 110 5.0L 8-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)141916$4,300
    Hybrid trims
    TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
    Defender 110 MHEV 3.0L 6-cyl4-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8)182320$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.

    31
    12
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31)VISIBILITY/WIPER (12)STEERING (7)POWER TRAIN (5)ENGINE (5)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3)SUSPENSION (1)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1)Other (5)

    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

    31 complaints

    Owners 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.

    31 complaints total

    VISIBILITY/WIPER

    12 complaints

    Owners 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.

    12 complaints total

    STEERING

    7 complaints

    Owners 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.

    7 complaints total
    POWER TRAIN (5 complaints)

    POWER TRAIN

    5 complaints

    Owners 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.

    5 complaints total
    ENGINE (5 complaints)

    ENGINE

    5 complaints

    Owners 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.

    5 complaints total
    UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)

    UNKNOWN OR OTHER

    3 complaints

    Owners 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.

    3 complaints total
    SUSPENSION (1 complaints)

    SUSPENSION

    1 complaint
    2026-02-28

    While 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 complaint
    2023-07-28

    This 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 complaint
    2023-08-04

    Took 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 complaint
    2025-12-30

    The 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.

    42,000–61,000 milesElectrical system failures
    956–1,145 milesSteering system malfunctions

    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

    The 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.

    Land Rover Defender 110 reliability scores by year
    YearScoreRating
    202159/100Mixed
    202259/100Mixed
    202357/100Mixed
    202464/100Good
    202559/100Mixed

    Land Rover Defender 110 Reliability Compared to Other Years

    Reliability scores compared across model years
    YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
    202660/100 (predicted)Predicted00
    202559/100-5Mixed18
    202464/100+7Good416
    2023(selected)57/100-2Mixed770
    202259/1000Mixed461
    202159/100Mixed732

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 reliable?
    The 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 has a "Mixed" reliability rating (57/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 7 recalls and 70 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
    What are the most common problems with the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110?
    The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (31 complaints), VISIBILITY/WIPER (12 complaints), STEERING (7 complaints), POWER TRAIN (5 complaints), ENGINE (5 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
    How many recalls does the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 have?
    The 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
    Is the 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 expensive to maintain?
    The 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 may have above-average maintenance costs. Its reliability score of 57/100 and 70 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely.

    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.

    Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

    Look Up a VIN →

    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

    1

    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.

    2

    Repair Costs

    Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

    3

    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.

    4

    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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