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Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)Part report

2021 Land Rover Defender Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems

Complaints
13about this part
Share
31%of 42 total for the year
Median mileage
1,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Land Rover Defender, 31% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Bought a used 2021 defender with 5k miles and at 12k miles my windshield while driving makes a huge popping sound and i look to see that it cracked right down the middle, startling me while driving at night. There was ABSOLUTELY nothing that hit the windshield. It was a clear night driving with no other drivers on the road nor anything above me that could have fallen out of the sky. Land rover wouldn't take responsibility had to pay 2k out of pocket to fix this at 12k miles only having the car 2 months.”

NHTSA complaint #11508583, filed 2023-02

“The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that the windshield cracked without impact, causing electrical issues. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.”

NHTSA complaint #11438618, filed 2021-10, 1,500 miles

“2 complete windshield replacements needed since taking delivery June 2021. This incident was a small chip from a rock on the road that then spread across bottom half of drivers side windshield. These incidents are not isolated, seems other owners are reporting the same thing on this vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #11478479, filed 2022-08

“Problem statement: Windshield Issue: The windshield developed a sudden crack while the vehicle was stationary, with no external impact or action Conditions: stationary, outside temp: 97 deg Impacting: visibility and safety features such as cameras, sensor, and lane departure assist”

NHTSA complaint #11433619, filed 2021-09

“The windshield of the vehicle had a crack form from the upper passenger corner down to the middle of the glass then turning towards the middle of the glass. It is about 16 inches long and the temperature was a modest 85 degrees F.”

NHTSA complaint #11585649, filed 2024-04

Related service bulletins

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025754%
202414%
20231416%
20221418%
20211331%
2020712%

Other parts of the 2021 Land Rover Defender

Exterior lighting
16 complaints
Electrical system
5 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Lane departure
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Land Rover Defender

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology