The 2022 Land Rover Defender showcases a mixed reliability perspective, heavily influenced by its recalls primarily concerning critical components like seat belts and exterior lighting. With a peak failure range noted between 0-20k miles, potential issues may arise early in ownership, prompting vigilance from both current owners and prospective buyers.
Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (4) than the average LAND ROVER vehicle (2.9). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
4 recalls for this vehicle2.9 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The recalls associated with the 2022 Land Rover Defender are of significant concern, particularly as they involve vital safety systems such as seat belt pretensioners and exterior lighting. These components play essential roles in occupant protection and vehicle visibility, underscoring the importance of addressing these defects promptly. A vehicle that is designed for rugged terrain and adventure should provide reliability and peace of mind; thus, these issues could tarnish the Defender's reputation as a robust off-road contender.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Various
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (2.9)
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Summary: Compared to segment expectations for luxury SUVs, the Defender's recall history raises eyebrows regarding its reliability. While Land Rover has long maintained an image that balances luxury with durability, the multiple recalls suggest challenges that could affect consumer trust in this model year.
Safety & Reliability Score
59/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-3.75
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2022 LAND ROVER Defender
Model Year2022
MakeLAND ROVER
ModelDefender
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
May14
ISSUEFirst Report
Aug21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan22
NEWProduction
Jan22
RECALLRecall Issued
Feb23
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jun24
RECALLRecall Issued
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No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2022 LAND ROVER Defender. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSEAT BELTSENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGEQUIPMENT
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Seat Belt Pretensioner
Issue: Damage to pre-tensioners may prevent proper occupant restraint during a crash.
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Schedule immediate inspection at an authorized service center to verify pre-tensioner functionality.
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Review any modifications or repairs made related to seat belts before finalizing any purchase.
Campaign:22V244
2
Exterior Lighting
Issue: Voltage spikes can cause tail lights and turn signals to fail, posing visibility risks on the road.
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Check for TSB updates related to lighting systems; ensure all lights function correctly.
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Examine for any documented electrical issues or recalls before buying; ensure lights are operational.
Campaign:22V261
3
Engine Oil Channel
Issue: Blocked oil channels can lead to oil leaks, risking engine damage if not addressed.
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'Monitor oil levels closely; check for leaks periodically.'
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'Inquire about engine maintenance records focusing on lubrication system health.'
Campaign:22V217
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your LAND ROVER dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (4)
Campaign: 21V435000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
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Summary
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V523000
SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
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Summary
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.
Consequence
Improperly restrained occupants have an increased risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N720.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 23V044000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
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Summary
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24E102000
EQUIPMENT
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Summary
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543. The raised air intake may not be secured properly, which can allow the intake to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence
A detached raised air intake can fall off the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, remove and reinstall the RAI accessory, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N964.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2022 Defender.
INV-2022-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Defender performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 46,042
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
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No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common issues with the 2022 Land Rover Defender?'
'Common issues include concerns regarding seat belt pretensioner performance and risks associated with exterior lighting failures. These defects necessitate careful evaluation by owners and potential buyers to ensure overall safety.'
'How does the recall history reflect on Land Roverβs reputation?'
'The recall history highlights challenges faced by Land Rover in maintaining its prestigious reputation within the luxury SUV market. While known for ruggedness and luxury, safety concerns stemming from various recalls might impact consumer perceptions significantly.'
πYear-over-Year Context
πImproving Trend
Compared to earlier years, the 2022 model shows improving reliability trends, largely due to manufacturing refinements addressing 2021 issues. Recall frequency decreased 43%.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 4 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your LAND ROVER dealer.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in LAND ROVER's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.