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The 2022 Land Rover Defender is hailed as an off-road champion. The automaker states it is “capable of great things,” but sadly, many customers are experiencing serious problems. Among the top complaints are windshields that crack without impact, defective exterior lighting, steering that fails, and brakes that malfunction.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020 2021 2023
Contents
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Land Rover Defender
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Steering | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Electrical System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Structure:body | |
| Engine | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | |
| Tires:sidewall | |
| Seats |
Most Common Problems with the 2022 Land Rover Defender
The most common problems 2022 Land Rover Defender owners are experiencing relate to visibility issues. Most of these are windshields that crack for no reason, ultimately obscuring visibility. The other relates to faulty exterior lighting, which can be a major safety risk.
Other serious issues are related to steering failure and malfunctioning brakes.
Visibility Problems
Any problem that limits visibility in a vehicle is a safety hazard. As mentioned above, the two visibility issues 2022 Land Rover Defender owners are complaining about are cracking windshields and exterior lighting. These are also the main cause of complaints about the 2021 Land Rover Defender to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Additionally, Lemberg Law is investigating consumer complaints about windshields cracking in the 2020-2022 Land Rover Defenders.
Windshields That Randomly Crack
Of the 24 complaints lodged with the NHTSA between November 3, 2021, and January 21, 2023, 10 are about windshields, most of which randomly crack with no impact. Some 2022 Defender owners have had this happen 2 or 3 times. Some report that dealerships say there is no warranty on glass.
Windshield Complaint Examples
An owner from California states that the windshield “spontaneously cracked” without impact while parked. It started near the top center of the windshield and was 1.5 feet long in an instant, partially obstructing the driver’s view.
Another owner from California states that the windshield broke 30 days after purchase. “I think this is a design issue and should be looked into.” An Arizona owner’s windshield also cracked within 30 days of ownership. This time a “small pebble” was the cause.
Another complaint reports a spontaneous crack that starts at the top of the windshield and then spiders into 3 more cracks that block visibility. This, the owner from Massachusetts, states happened while the SUV was being hand washed. There were no chips and no damage.
An owner from Arizona had his 5-month-old Defender’s windshield crack while driving through a car wash. “The windshield ‘popped’ and a large crack started in the top center and spread out (in) both directions in what looks like a mustache.” Again, there was no chip and the vehicle wasn’t moving.
A Michigan owner also states that the “windshield cracked for no apparent reason.” It starts from the bottom of the windshield and spreads upwards. “I do not understand why this problem is not being addressed by Land Rover and why there has not been a major recall for this issue.” The complaint continues, “It is very sad to purchase such an expensive vehicle, and the windshield breaks after just a couple weeks of ownership. I know I have to get it replaced because it will only spread and I won’t be able to see the road when I’m driving.”
Cracks That Look the Same
An owner from Utah complained to the NHTSA after his “windshield cracked in the upper right corner with no impact” twice. “The second time, I wasn’t even driving! The crack looks nearly identical, even as it runs. I paid for a new windshield the first time because they insisted that a rock hit me, although none of the people in the car ever heard or saw that. This time, I wasn’t even driving.”
A Washington owner believes the problem may be the defogger, but also states that cracks look the same. He states that his crack is almost identical to at least three other 2022 Defender windshield cracks he has seen. It starts at the lower midline of the windshield and extends up about 9 inches before arcing horizontally. All of these cracked with zero impact. “The cracks are too similar in location and dimension and too spontaneous (no strike noted) to be anything other than an integral design flaw.”
No Warranty On Glass
This Washington owner also states, “As this is glass, (the) dealer will not entertain warranty issues.” So, “I won’t waste time contacting (the) dealership.’
A New Jersey owner whose Defender windshield cracked while parked says it seems to be a stress crack. “It is a small V at the top center (that) comes down the middle and across the passenger side.” Like the Washington owner, he thinks heating may be an issue. “I wonder if there is a design flaw in the filament put inside the glass.”
Having owned the SUV for only a few months, and “barely driven” it, he tried to claim by warranty. But the dealer said that “they wouldn’t chance covering by warranty out of fear (that) corporate would deny the claim.” Land Rover corporate responded a month saying they wouldn’t cover or have anyone further inspect as they rely on their dealers only. They suggested that if the owner wasn’t satisfied he should go to arbitration. “This appears to be a known issue now and concerning that they wouldn’t want to investigate further.”
Exterior Lighting Problems
Vehicle lighting is designed to provide the driver with plenty of visibility while helping other people on the road see the SUV. However, some Defender models have severe issues with lighting.
Here’s an outline given through an NHTSA complaint from an owner in North Carolina.
“1. Both rear taillights extinguish when a bright light is flashed at them. The taillights will not come back on until you power cycle the vehicle. I am able to replicate this issue with a handheld flashlight. 2. At night if my taillights are not visible, then this can be hazardous to the safety of others on the road and myself. 3. I have not had an authorized repair facility inspect the issue but have read that this is an issue with other Defender models and that a recall has been issued for the clear taillights that come on the Defender X trim 4. There is nothing to alert you of the issue. I saw people report this issue in a Defender forum and decided to try it on my personal vehicle. I was able to replicate the issue.”
It turns out that there is a recall on 2,622 2020-2022 Defender models because of poor lighting that can reduce visibility. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V435000 says that the rear taillight assembly can fail because of a voltage spike. When the assembly fails, the turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights can fail to work properly, leading to on-road danger and the risk of crashing.
Steering Failure
It stands to reason that any vehicle is useless without steering. So, if you have a recurring problem with the power steering of your 2022 Land Rover Defender failing, you may have bought a lemon.
There are 5 complaints to the NHTSA about steering, most of which also report getting a lane assist not available error message. An owner from Connecticut states that lane assist not being available was “the only error presented.” This was after turning on the Defender and experiencing “a complete shutdown of (the) power steering system.”
Another owner from Connecticut experienced engine failure several times. The dealer serviced the brand-new SUV and said it was a battery issue. But it happened 2 more times after the service. To make matters worse, “now the car is not drivable, because the steering wheel does not budge/move.”
An owner from Nevada received the lane assist unavailable error message when the power steering failed. This was 12 hours after not using the vehicle. At first, after starting the Defender, it didn’t move in drive or reverse. After a few restarts, the driver got it moving, “but the steering was still failing. I am worried about the steering failing while driving.”
Another report of lane assist not being available comes from an owner in Pennsylvania. This was showing on the driver’s screen, “and when I wanted to drive away, the steering wheel was unresponsive, but I could drive the vehicle forward and in reverse. Also, the main interactive display was slightly dimmed.” Trying to restart didn’t help this owner. Additionally, the dealership couldn’t find anything wrong but assured the owner that this couldn’t happen at high speed!
An owner from California reports that the lane departure feature “erroneously triggers causing the active steering system to engage and induce swerving.”
Brake Malfunctions
When brakes malfunction, it’s not only those who are inside the vehicle that are put at risk of injury if there’s a crash. Anyone in adjacent vehicles are also at risk.
Brake problems reported to the NHTSA are that the brakes “lock up” or the automatic emergency braking system self-activates for no reason.
A Californian owner has had lots of problems with the 2022 SUV including the emergency braking system self-activating. The vehicle stopped abruptly even though there were no obstacles in the road and the closest vehicle ahead of them was at least 20 yards away. “Luckily, there was no vehicle following me or we would have been rear-ended. There was a red hazard signal with a red exclamation mark that appeared on the display near the speedometer and an audible alarm sounded.” As so often happens, the dealer couldn’t find any faults. “I informed the dealership that if this happens again I will return the vehicle and request a refund.”
After sliding on ice and crashing, very slowly, into his garage wall, an owner from Nevada tried to reverse away from the building. All the warning lights turned on. Eventually, he got it to reverse, but thereafter, each time he put the SUV into drive, “the parking brake would turn on and the brakes would lock up.” According to the dealership, the ABS module that runs diagnostic checks of the SUV’s antilock braking system, “faulted.”
They installed a new one but that didn’t work properly either. To make matters worse, Land Rover says this isn’t a manufacturer’s defect and so this isn’t covered by warranty. “Land Rover USA has been horrible to work with and I am now driving a vehicle with a vibrating sensation in the brakes and maybe 50% of the normal braking power.”
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
If you think you have a lemon you can let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Land Rover pay legal fees. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you. And the law makes Land Rover pay legal fees.
So, if you think you’ve got a lemon, feel free to contact Lemberg Law by calling our Helpline or filling out a contact form.
Complaint Data
| Category | Electrical System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 21, 2023 |
| State | NV |
| Description | I purchased a 2022 v8 after waiting about a year to get the vehicle. It mostly has been a good car until recently. I was pulling into my garage, which has a downhill grade, and there was ice on the surface of the driveway and subsequently slid into the corner of my garage going no more than 3-5 mph. Quarter size dent on the bumper, no big deal… I thought. Tried to reverse away from the garage and the car wouldn't move. All of the warning lights appeared. I was able to finally get it to reserve but every time I would put it into drive from there, the parking brake would turn on and the brakes would lock up. I had it towed to a land rover dealership and apparently the entire abs module has faulted. They ordered a new one and installed it only to find out that it still isn't working properly. Land rover says this isn't covered by warranty as it isn't a manufactures defect. I've now had to spend k and still don't have a fully functioning vehicle. How could a 0k “off road machine†be put to a stand still due to a quarter size dent incident in the bumper, let alone the abs module is located in the engine bay! Incredibly frustrating and can't wait to get it fixed and sel it; if I can even get it fixed properly. I am taking it to another land rover dealership in town as the other one seemed incapable of figuring it out. Land rover usa has been horrible to work with and I am now driving a vehicle with a vibrating sensation in the brakes and maybe 50% of the normal braking power. |
| Category | Tires:sidewall |
| Date | Jan 19, 2023 |
| State | SC |
| Description | Driving 65 mph on interstate and heard loud noise. Tire warning light showed air pressure loss. Aaa changed tire. Aaa mechanic stated he believed the cause of the rear driver side tire failure was a side wall blowout. Tire size: pirelli 255/60 r20 113v m+s quatro scorpion zero |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jan 02, 2023 |
| State | MI |
| Description | The windshield cracked for no apparent reason. The crack starts from the bottom of the windshield and spreading upwards. I have been reading that this is a common problem with all land rover defenders. I filed an insurance claim to replace the windshield through safelight which is going to cost me 0 deductible. I do not understand why this problem is not being addressed by land rover and why there has not been a major recall for this issue. I'm sure that this is going to happen again after replacement. It is very sad to purchase such an expensive vehicle and the windshield breaks after just a couple weeks of ownership. I know I have to get it replaced because it will only spread and I won't be able to see the road when I'm driving. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Dec 13, 2022 |
| State | CT |
| Description | Went to turn on vehicle and experienced a complete shutdown of power steering system. Lane assist not available message was the only error presented. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Nov 15, 2022 |
| State | OK |
| Description | I have a 2022 land rover defender 110 and it had 8,000 miles on it. One day I was driving and the windshield just cracked, nothing had hit it and no visible chips were present. I have yet to receive a replacement windshield. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Sep 19, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | The drivers side a-pillar continues to fall off/come loose at high speeds. It happened on 2 times already resulting in around 20-inch body part falling off on the highway and flapping causing immediate pull over |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jun 21, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | My land rover defender is 5 months old with 5,765 miles on it. Driving through the car wash today the windshield "popped" and a large crack started in the top center and spread out both directions in what looks like a mustache. No chip, vehicle was not moving and the windshield failed. Unacceptable. |
| Category | Engine |
| Date | Jun 20, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | The engine cut out whilst going 90kmph on a four lane freeway. I had about 10 seconds to react before it rolled to a complete stop - it wouldn't connect the gas at all. Extremely unsafe situation, other cars beeping their horns in panic as they swerved past me. Lucky to not have caused a serious collision and die today. I ended up in between the third lane and the fourth lane exit. Waited there for 2 mins with cars going past me at full speed. Restarted and was able to take the exit where it continued to stall and eventually the vehicle was towed to the dealership. I've had the vehicle 48 hours at 325km total. |
| Category | Seats |
| Date | Jun 16, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | Sounds of a clicking noise when accelerating from takeoff and braking. I have moved the seat up and down to see if that would help and it continues to click. Vehicle has 6500 miles on it. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Jun 16, 2022 |
| State | NJ |
| Description | My windshield crack on its own when it was not even being driven. It appears to be a stress crack as it is a small v at the top center comes down the middle and across the passenger side. Only owned the car a few months and barely driven. I took to the dealer and they said they wouldn't chance covering by warranty out of fear corporate would deny the claim. Spoke with corporate and after a month they finally responded and said they wouldn't cover or have anyone further inspect as they rely on their dealers only and if I was satisfied I should go through arbitration. This appears to be a known issue now and concerning that they wouldn't want to investigate further. My windshield is heated and I wonder if there is a design flaw in the filament put inside the glass? Upsetting to deal with and shocked by lack or responsiveness from land rover. |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | May 16, 2022 |
| State | UT |
| Description | For the second time, my windshield cracked in the upper right corner with no impact. The second time, I wasn't even driving! The crack looks nearly identical, even as it runs. I paid for a new windshield the first time because they insisted that a rock hit me, although none of the people in the car ever heard or saw that. This time, I wasn't even driving. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Apr 29, 2022 |
| State | MS |
| Description | Windshield cracked spontaneously while washing. No chips, no damage and hand washed vehicle. Crack is blocking visibility and starts at top of windshield and spiders into 3 cracks. |
| Category | Back Over Prevention: Warnings, Lane Departure: Warning |
| Date | Apr 05, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Regarding the lane departure feature, there has been a number of occurrences while operating the vehicle during daylight conditions where the system erroneously triggers causing the active steering system to engage and induce swerving. No recalls or service bulletins by the dealer have been posted regarding this issue and no system warning indications have been present. More than likely, misreadings by the vehicle's sensors during less than ideal optical conditions could be the root cause. Regarding the parking collision system and more specifically, the onboard cameras (front and rear) on the vehicle, the visual output of these is distorted when viewing using the onboard display. Distorted here implies a fisheye lens type or effect which makes it extremely difficult to gauge distance and accuracy of vehicle track when parking or navigating tight spaces. Additionally, the rear parking camera suffers from very poor resolution during night conditions rendering it useless. These concerns were raised via the local dealer after initial purchase of the vehicle, however, no relevant technical service bulletins or recalls were discovered. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 21, 2022 |
| State | AZ |
| Description | Easily cracked windshield. Less than 30 days owned and a small pebble cracked my windshield. |
| Category | Visibility/wiper |
| Date | Feb 11, 2022 |
| State | CA |
| Description | Windshield spontaneously cracked while parked (no impact). Crack was near top center and runs across the safety camera system. Crack was also instantaneously 1. 5 foot long and partially obstructs driver's view. Scheduled for inspection by dealership - police, insurance has not been involved. No warning lamps or messages have appeared before or after the crack formed. |
| Category | Engine, Steering |
| Date | Feb 09, 2022 |
| State | CT |
| Description | Several times while waiting at a red light, the engine just died, feels like it's connected to the hybrid engine not functioning properly. Service said it had to do with battery and they fixed it. It still happened 2 more times after they serviced. Also now car is not drivable, because the steering wheel does not budge/move. Waiting for service to return my call. Is this something that could happen whilst driving? It is very scary when the brand new car keeps failing unexpectedly. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Jan 24, 2022 |
| State | NV |
| Description | Power steering failed upon starting the car after 12 hours of non use. The lane assist light came on saying it was unavailable. Upon first starting it did not move in drive or reverse but was able to after a few restarts but the steering was still failing. I am worried about the steering failing while driving. |
| Category | Power Train |
| Date | Jan 21, 2022 |
| State | NY |
| Description | I was sitting at a red traffic light, the auto stop/start function activated and engine shut off. When the light turned green I hit the gas and my 2022 defender stalled. I started the vehicle went to put into gear and it stalled again. I tried to start the vehicle again and it stalled right away. On my third attempt to start vehicle it finally started. Also while driving during the day when I stopped I noticed the auto stop/start indicator would would be white and be in inhibited mode randomly. I had been driving for at about an hour. I had this vehicle for 3 weeks and so far this was the only time it has happened. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Jan 20, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | Two driver-side a-pillar trim pieces fell off at highway speed. The dealer repaired under warranty, but less than a month later the same two pieces fell off again at highway speed. The second time one of the pieces struck another vehicle. This defect is a road hazard and safety risk that needs to be addressed. |
| Category | Lane Departure: Assist, Steering |
| Date | Dec 23, 2021 |
| State | PA |
| Description | I started my vehicle as usual, everything looked ok except “lane assist not available!†was showing on the driver's screen, and when I wanted to drive away, the steering wheel was unresponsive, but I could drive the vehicle forward and in reverse. Also, the main interactive display was slightly dimmed. I tried a couple of restarts (engine off, lock and leave for 30mins) to no avail. I called recovery and they delivered the car to the dealership who undertook several tests but couldn't locate the problem; rebooting some of the connections worked (see attached detail photo from their report). I asked if this could happen at high speed, and the service manager's response was "I'm gonna say no". To your guidelines: • what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? [do not know] • how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? [it wasn't] • has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? [no] • has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [no] • were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? [only the "lane assist not available"] |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Dec 13, 2021 |
| State | WA |
| Description | My windshield spontaneously cracked. No impact, just a sudden cracking noise and the crack appeared shortly thereafter. I was in the car at the time. No impact with anything was noted. (I have had chips many times and this was not that sound). The crack starts at the lower midline of the windshield, extends up about 9" before arcing horizontally. This crack is near identical to at least three other owners of the same car. All had their windshield spontaneously crack in the same manner I describe. No impact noted. The pattern of crack and location is always lower border to the midline of the windshield. One fellow owner is a friend who joked about when I'd have to replace my windshield in my brand new defender. He experienced the same thing. I believe it may relate to use of the defogger. Heat in the car with colder temps outside. I'm in wa so no extreme temps here. Was about 35f outside when the defogger was used. That is the only thing I can think of. Pictures can be provided upon request. The cracks are too similar in location and dimension and too spontaneous (no strike noted) to be anything other that an integral design flaw. Part: windshield safety issue: windshield integrity contributes to the strength of the vehicle in a rollover/accident so I believe this flaw has a direct safety impact for owners of the new land rover defender. Dealer: as this is glass, dealer will not entertain warranty issues but it appears to be just that. I won't waste time contacting dealership. Others have on this matter. No point. No warning signs it has not been inspected by anyone |
| Category | Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Service Brakes |
| Date | Nov 14, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My vehicle had been at the land rover south bay service department from 11/3/21 to 11/10/21 because the suspension fault indicator had come on the prior week and the air suspension had temporarily failed. In addition, it occasionally does not start when I press the start button with my foot depressing the brake pedal and the key is in the car. It is a brand new vehicle with about 1,750 miles. On 11/11/21 I was driving the vehicle down a hill at approximately 40-45 mph when the automatic emergency braking system self activated for no reason. The vehicle came to a rapid, abrupt stop and the closest vehicle in front of us was at least 20 yards ahead. There were no obstacles in the road. Luckily, there was no vehicle following me or we would have been rear-ended. There was a red hazard signal with a red exclamation mark that appeared on the display near the speedometer and an audible alarm sounded. I immediately brought the vehicle back to the land rover service department and they did a "scan". They informed me that they did not detect any faults or any history of a problem. I love this vehicle but I am now obviously concerned about driving it. I informed the dealership that if this happens again I will return the vehicle and request a refund. |
| Category | Exterior Lighting |
| Date | Nov 04, 2021 |
| State | NC |
| Description | 1. Both rear taillights extinguish when a bright light if flashed at them. The taillights will not come back on until you power cycle the vehicle. I am able to replicate this issue with a handheld flashlight. 2. At night if my taillights are not visible, then this can be hazardous to the safety of others on the road and myself. 3. I have not had an authorized repair facility inspect the issue but have read that this is an issue with other defender models and that a recall has been issued for the clear taillights that come on the defender x trim 4. There is nothing to alert you of the issue. I saw people report this issue in a defender forum and decided to try it on my personal vehicle. I was able to replicate the issue |
| Category | Unknown Or Other |
| Date | Nov 03, 2021 |
| State | CA |
| Description | My windshield broke in only owning this car 30 days I hear from other people that this is there 3 time replacement. I think this is a design issues and should be looked into. |
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About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
I bought a Defender 110 from Stratstone in Stockton U.K. After owening it for just under a year the windscreen has cracked from the bottom edge, I’ve contacted Stratstone via their chat line and I’ve been been told they don’t fit new windscreens and they don’t know who does and have totally ignored the fact that the screen has cracked without impact!!!!! “How about that for Land Rover after sales” also when I picked this vehicle up I was kept in the show room buy a young “so called salesman” for two and a half hours! After eventually being given the keys and driving part of the way home I opened the sun roof to find there’s a squeak on the opening device. I also ordered side steps which they said they’d ran out of but said I would be contacted when the steps came in, also before I left the garage I showed the so called sales person that one of the out plastic door panels was not fitted quite right but we agreed that when the side steps were getting fitted that they’d see to the door panel also.
I’ve now had the vehicle almost fifteen months and I’m still waiting to be contacted!!!! Wished I’d never parted with my twenty two year old Landcruiser. Thanks Jaguar Land Rover.