Status
SafeGood track record, minimal issues
Status Safe — no safety recalls recorded; minor complaints only.
Specifications
Engine Size2.0 L
Fuel TypePremium Gasoline
Transmission8 speed automatic
Drivetrain4-Wheel Drive
Combined MPG16 MPG
Land Rover Defender 90 Comparison with Similar Vehicles
| Price | $56,400 | $23,000–$31,000 | — | — | — | $27,900 |
| Engine Capacity | 2.0 L | 2L | 2L | 3L | 3L | 1.3L |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline | Regular | Regular | Diesel | Diesel | Regular |
| Transmission | 8 speed automatic | Automatic (AV-S1) | Automatic (AV-S10) | Automatic 10-spd | Automatic 10-spd | Automatic 9-spd |
| Body Type | SUV | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
About
The 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 is a capable 4-wheel drive SUV built for adventure. With a powerful 2.0 L petrol engine, it delivers 296 hp and a robust 400 Nm of torque, ready to tackle diverse terrains. Its impressive ground clearance of 291 mm ensures it can handle off-road challenges with confidence.
Pros
- No recalls on record
- Impressive ground clearance
- Powerful engine performance
- 4-Wheel Drive capability
Cons
- Below-average fuel economy
- Higher fuel costs
- 76 complaints on record
Complaints76 total
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2023 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
highThe Halo/daylight running light has burned out. I have found on the internet that this is a know issue. Mine burned out at 57,000 miles. The dealer wants over $3000 to fix it.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2023 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
highThe contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Defender. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System) however the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was a hazard and unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced any failure regarding the unrepaired recall repair.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2023 VISIBILITY/WIPER
mediumFront windshield is extremely fragile. The smallest rock will create a chip which will spider across the windshield within a couple days. I have an older Land Rover and there have been more rocks with only a few small chips and no spider. Cheap glass installed on the new Land Rovers.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2023 ENGINE
mediumThe DC/DC converter failed and caused the vehicle to immediately lose all power at a main intersection. My wife was driving the vehicle when this happened with out two children in the vehicle as well (ages [XXX] and [XXX]. Luckily, she was able to somewhat get out of intersection of a very busy road. The vehicle had to be towed to the Land Rover dealership. The part was covered by a factory extended warranty. There is an active recall for this part; however, this vehicle does not show to be in the recall. Since this part did fail, I wanted to file a complaint since it is not in the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 2023 EXTERIOR LIGHTING
mediumDaytime running lights have both failed within the last 79 days. Passenger side failed at ~32660 miles o/a 05 Mar 26. It was replaced under warranty. Driver side failed around 36234 miles on 22 May 26 (5-days out of warranty). It is pending a shop appointment for replacement. This is not a âwear and tearâ issue, it is a product quality control issue. It is not a simple plug and play repair. It is a costly repair due to the design of the headlamp assembly. I have owned vehicles since 1988 and last changed a headlamp or taillight bulb in the early 2000âs and that was on a MY93 vehicle. I have also owned two other Land Rovers MY07 LR3 from 2008-2011 and MY14 LR4 from 2014-2022 and did not have to replace a single bulb in the vehicle. Point is that technology and quality have improved over the years and these headlamp/DRL assemblies should not fail with less than 36500 miles on the vehicle. This is a known issue that warrants further investigation. Jaguar Land Rover has issued a Special Service Message 75479 concerning the known issue with the Defender DRL. My DRLs failed in similar fashion described in the SSM. Inoperable DRL reduces safety due to lower visibility since they should operate during normal driving conditions. This issue is dangerous since there is no indication on the dashboard or other warning unless the headlights are manually inspected while the vehicle is operating. Additionally, inoperable DRL leads to a failed State vehicle safety inspections.
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Status history
Certified→Safe31 May 2026
Lemon Score: 86. 21 data points. v3 scoring.
Uncertain→Certified27 May 2026
Lemon Score: 100. 0 data points. v3 scoring.