MODEL
Land Rover Defender Safety
NHTSA safety across every Land Rover Defender model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Land Rover Defender we cover (2020 to 2020), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 7 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Land Rover Defender returned to the American market for 2020 after a lengthy absence, arriving as a premium body-on-frame SUV aimed at adventure-seeking buyers who want serious off-road capability wrapped in a modern, upscale package. It competes in the upper tier of the rugged SUV segment, drawing buyers who prize heritage, versatility, and a distinctive presence as much as outright performance.
The 2020 Land Rover Defender lacks federal crash-test ratings, leaving a notable gap in its safety profile. Without NHTSA's star ratings, consumers cannot evaluate its structural protection based on federal testing. Six recalls were issued for the 2020 model year, a significant number that points to early production issues. Owner complaints totaled 48, including one reported crash, one reported fire, and one reported injury. The fire complaint, though unverified, is a specific concern for potential buyers. While the Defender's reintroduction was an engineering achievement incorporating modern driver-assistance technology, the absence of crash-test data and the recall volume make the 2020 model year a cautious consideration rather than a strong safety recommendation. Prospective buyers should verify all recall remedies have been completed on NHTSA's database.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the 2020 Defender for its striking design, capable off-road composure, and well-appointed cabin that feels like a significant step forward from its predecessor. Driving dynamics are described as more refined than the old model, and interior materials are considered premium for the segment. Some reviewers note that early examples showed minor fit and finish inconsistencies consistent with a freshly relaunched nameplate.
- NHTSA did not conduct crash testing on the 2020 Defender, so there are no federal star ratings available to evaluate occupant protection for this model year.
- Six recalls were issued for the 2020 model year alone. Before buying any used 2020 Defender, verify that all recall repairs have been completed using the free VIN lookup tool at NHTSA.gov.
- Owner complaint data includes one reported fire among the 48 total complaints filed with NHTSA. While unverified, prospective buyers should ask about the vehicle's service history and monitor for any fire-related recall notices.
- The 2020 model year was the Defender's relaunch year for the US market. First-year production vehicles historically carry higher rates of early-build issues, and the recall count here reflects that pattern.
Most-recalled year on record: 2020 Land Rover Defender with 7 recalls.