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EnginePart report

2022 Land Rover Defender Engine Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
9%of 76 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2022 Land Rover Defender, 9% of the 76 complaints for this model year.

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.

“Safety Complaint – DC-to-DC Converter Failure Causing Vehicle Shutdown I am submitting this complaint to report a DC-to-DC converter failure that rendered my vehicle inoperable. The authorized Land Rover service department diagnosed a failed DC-to-DC converter. This component is part of the vehicle’s electrical system and its failure caused a loss of vehicle functionality. I was informed the replacement part is on national back order, with an estimated repair time of up to two months. …”

NHTSA complaint #11713757, filed 2026-01

“There were two separate issues. First was the battery dying once 4 months after purchase and again about 12 months after purchase. Both times we were lucky we were not out and about 4 wheeling like we normally do. Second is very recent about 18 months after purchase. Both the coolant feed and return lines to the turbo were leaking bad. O2 sensor came up faulty, as well as PCV diaphragm. This about the 4th serious issue we’ve had with this car. I expected this upon purchasing but got one anyways to try it out for off-roading. More to come soon!”

NHTSA complaint #11533865, filed 2023-07

“This is a serious concern and safety condition. In several occasions while driving at a range from 45-70mph the engine loses power. To the point where it has felt like it will shut off. The inside lighting of the dash dims while the vehicle is in loss of engine power.”

NHTSA complaint #11768195, filed 2026-09

“1) Exhaust Manifold Studs are loosening and/or breaking on I6 engine causing potential CO2 exposure to passengers in the cabin and/or engine bay fire risk. 2) Potentailly yes via CO2. 3) Yes - out of factory warranty therefore had independent service center replace all studs 4) No 5) Not in my case but others on JLR Automotive Forums have heard rattling noises and found broken bolts that fell onto the skid plate directly below engine. *) In attached images below the final picture is of the repaired studs”

NHTSA complaint #11756476, filed 2026-08

“Several times while waiting at a red light, the engine just died, feels like it's connected to the hybrid engine not functioning properly. service said it had to do with battery and they fixed it. It still happened 2 more times after they serviced. Also now car is not drivable, because the steering wheel does not budge/move. Waiting for service to return my call. Is this something that could happen whilst driving? It is very scary when the brand new car keeps failing unexpectedly.”

NHTSA complaint #11451195, filed 2022-02

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026117%
202518%
2024519%
20231315%
202279%
202112%
2020916%

Other parts of the 2022 Land Rover Defender

Electrical system
28 complaints
Exterior lighting
14 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaints
Other or unknown
9 complaints
Steering
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Brakes
3 complaints
Lane departure
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
Equipment
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2022 Land Rover Defender

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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