AI Damage2025 Land Rover Defender: common problems
The maker issued 190 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 190
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2 L · petrol · turbo · 4 cyl
- 5 L · petrol · turbo · 8 cyl
- 3 L · hybrid · turbo · 6 cyl
- 4.4 L · hybrid · turbo · 8 cyl
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: 4WD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Powertrain | 0 | 0 | 21 |
| Engine | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Service brakes | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Structure | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| Suspension | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Steering | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Visibility | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Other | 0 | 0 | 102 |
Comparison
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- Jump Start Information Label Missing
- Accessory Wheel Arch Protection - Gaps Present Between Protection And Vehicle Body
- TCU Activation Failure And InControl App Inoperative After Software Update
- Air Conditioning Inoperative / Intermittent Operation
- Vehicles on display e.g
in a showroom whilst being supported by a showroom 12v support unit, these vehicles require an additional fuse to be removed to prevent the MHEV (48v) battery draining and causing the cells to drop to a non recoverable…
- Blanking Connector - Install
- Intermittent Passive Entry Operation 24MY Or With New Service Smart Key Fob
- Unable to select Navigation when pressing the navigation Tile on theTouchscreen
- Wireless Device Charger Inoperative Post Software Update
- A low-speed ‘clonk’ type noise from the rear driveline, audible during low speed throttle inputs, often…
A low-speed ‘clonk’ type noise from the rear driveline, audible during low speed throttle inputs, often coupled with up/down gear changes. The noise is audible during normal road driving conditions.
- A printed circuit board fault within the smart key may be present
The printed circuit board fault can cause a smart key battery drain which affects the functionality of the smart key.
- A junction box blanking connector is missing
NHTSA lists 190 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Land Rover Defender?
There are no owner complaints in the NHTSA data for this year; the data comes from 190 manufacturer service bulletins.
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2025 Land Rover Defender?
NHTSA lists 190 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2025 Land Rover Defender from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2025 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.