Land Rover Defender problems, reliability and years to avoid

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

• Engine · January 2019A 2013 Defender 110 with a 2.2 TDCI engine suffered a hole in its piston at 40,750 miles; Land Rover initially denied responsibility.
• Engine · November 2018A 2001 Land Rover Defender experienced crankshaft failure at 69,481 miles, snapping at the big end journal for cylinder one, costing £3,000 to repair.
• Electrics · October 2018The immobiliser on a 2012 Land Rover Defender failed at 31,000 miles, requiring an £880 replacement.
• Bodywork · June 2018An approved used 2016 Land Rover Defender leaked into the rear after 29 days, and again 14 days later with additional leaks found at the front.
• Engine · May 2018A 2.2 litre diesel engine, shared with the Transit and Defender, seized due to oil pump failure.
• Gearbox and clutch · March 2018A 2012 Land Rover Defender 2.2 litre diesel experienced output shaft failure at 23,000 miles, following an earlier oil pump recall.
• Engine · February 2017A 2007 Land Rover Defender with a Transit engine expelled engine oil past its injector seals at 80,000 miles.
• Engine · June 2015The engine oil pump of a 2012 Land Rover Defender failed two weeks before the warranty expired, leading to engine replacement by the dealer.
• Electrics · April 2011On 2011 models, the battery protection system frequently activates, shutting down electrics when the engine is off to preserve a low battery.