Used Land Rover Defender 2020-present reliability
Category: Large SUV
Expensive running costs and subpar reliability aside, the Land Rover Defender is powerful, practical and plush.
What should I look for in a used Land Rover Defender 4x4?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
The Defender is a large car, so check all corners carefully for any scuffs and dents. Check that all the electrical features are in working order, too. Take the example you're interested in on a test drive if you can, too, and make sure it feels and sounds in perfect mechanical condition.
What are the most common problems with a used Land Rover Defender 4x4?
The water pump pully drive belt is at risk of becoming damaged, leading to detachment or destruction. Number of recalled vehicles: 18,151. Years applicable: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.
The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value. Number of recalled vehicles: 4002. Years applicable: 2020, 2021.
A damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor. Number of recalled vehicles: 2981. Years applicable: 2021, 2022.
Click here for more information. Contact your local Land Rover dealer if you believe your vehicle is involved in a recall.
Is a used Land Rover Defender 4x4 reliable?
The Land Rover Defender has its issue when it comes to reliability. In our 2023 What Car? Reliability Survey, it ranked 20th out of 24 cars in the large SUV class. Its reliability score of 87.8% makes it more reliable than the Range Rover Velar but less reliable than the BMW X3 and Jaguar F-Pace.
Engine electrics saw the largest fault rate (8.0%), while air-con, non-engine electrics and infotainment/sat-nav attracted a fault rate of 6.0% each.
As a car brand, Land Rover ranked towards the bottom (as it tends to), placing 28th out of 32 manufacturers. Its overall reliability rating of 87.6% puts it above Alfa Romeo and slightly above Jaguar. Still, you'll find BMW much higher up the table, while Lexus and Toyota rank first and second respectively.
Used Land Rover Defender: owners' reliability data
Land Rover Defender Owner feedback we’ve heard puts forth notable concerns regarding reliability, particularly regarding the vehicle's electronics and infotainment system, leading to frequent dealer visits.
Dealer service experiences also varied significantly among respondents. Positive comments were made about the courteous and professional attitude of the dealership staff and the quality of the communication. However, some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the timeliness and effectiveness of repairs, highlighting a discrepancy in service standards.
Concerns were also raised about the cost of repairs and the handling of warranty claims, suggesting room for improvement in customer service and support.
