NHTSA // SAFETY RECORD
2020 Land Rover Defender
Recall and complaint safety record from NHTSA. This configuration has not been crash-tested.
CRASH
DATANot crash-tested
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 has not been crash-tested by NHTSA, so it carries no Safety Index. Its safety record here is built from 6 recalls and 48 owner complaints on file, giving it a moderate recall and complaint burden.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
Reviewers 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 // RECALLSRecall record
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL26V389000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driver’s air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 7, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.
Reported 2026-06-12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:DC/DC CONVERTER26V248000
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The remedy for this recall is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.
Reported 2026-04-17
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION23V044000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-02-02
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL21V584000
Risk: Incorrect child restraint information may result in a child seat being improperly secured, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Land Rover will mail owners the correct information to insert into the owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 23, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N601.
Reported 2021-07-29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS21V435000
Risk: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.
Reported 2021-06-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)21V424000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Connected Diagnostic Services (CDS) and the Over-the-air (OTA) diagnostics functionality will be disabled, either by a dealer or through an OTA update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N599.
Reported 2021-06-03
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
48 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.