Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016) Review
Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016) At A Glance
The Defender has been around for so long now that it’s something of an icon and its reputation as the ultimate offroader is richly deserved. The ladder chassis, mechanical all-wheel drive system and simple, strong panel design mean it can really cope well with the roughest terrain.
The Defender series Land Rover has been going since 1984, and it’s undergone constant upgrades and improvements over its lifetime, including improvements to drivetrain and equipment.
Unfortunately, despite the continual upgrades it does feel like an old design today – the dashboard and centre stack are flat, the windscreen and seats are upright and the driving position is cramped.
It’s also a fairly expensive vehicle to buy new and it isn’t the most efficient, with official fuel economy figures of below 30mpg across the board.
Nontheless, it feels solid and has a certain character and charm. It’s also a true workhorse, something any countryside dweller will attest to, given the sheer number of them seen ferrying farm equipment around rural areas.
Reviews for Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016)'s top 3 rivals
Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016) handling and engines
- Engines range from 110 SW to 90 Td5 SW
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 21–34 mpg
It’s fair to say the Defender is a little bit old fashioned in the way it tackles tarmac. Everything feels a little slow and lethargic, regardless of the model. The steering is low geared to give finer control off road, but on road it means you have to be conscious of your steering inputs when driving out of junctions and into roundabouts.
There’s also a fair bit of body roll, although it’s never enough to really cause any concern. Refinement is far from class-leading, with audible clunks from the gearbox and a loud diesel engine, which provides a decent shove in gear, but unremarkable fuel economy - no model in the range betters 30mpg.
On the plus side, there’s a commanding driving position that’s very high up, giving a good view over walls, hedges and parked cars. You can also see the extremities of the car very easily, making it easier to thread through tighter gaps.
But it’s not really at home in town, where the fairly awkward controls, cramped driving position and unwieldy size are problematic. Similarly it’s not refined, comfortable or efficient enough for regular long distance motorway drives.
That said, you can forgive any shortcomings when the weather gets treacherous or you need to cross tough terrain, because the Defender is a magnificent off-roader. Deep water, ruts, steep inclines, loose surfaces and wet grass are all easily taken care of, which is why those who rely on a strong, reliable and capable vehicle often pick the Defender.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
110 SW | 26–26 mpg | 15.8 s | 291–295 g/km |
110 Td5 SW | 27 mpg | - | 299 g/km |
90 SW | 28–29 mpg | 15.8 s | 266 g/km |
90 Td5 SW | 28 mpg | - | 282 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
103%
Real MPG
21–34 mpg
MPGs submitted
177
Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016) interior
- Boot space is 1510–2170 litres
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3883–4785 mm |
Width | 1790 mm |
Height | 1993–2182 mm |
Wheelbase | 2360–2794 mm |
Inside is where the age of the Defender’s design is betrayed by a cramped driving position, an upright windscreen and a shallow dashboard. Land Rover has done a good job of modernising the dashboard layout, though, and new Defenders are kitted out with enough mod-cons to make life bearable.
Air con, electric windows, audio connectivity, leather and even sat nav are available depending on the model you pick, and the aftermarket community offers scores of upgrades for every area of the vehicle. There’s space in the back for plenty of gear, too – whether that be a dog, a few bails of hay or, on some models, extra passengers.
But up front it doesn’t take long to get uncomfortable. There’s nowhere to put your right arm when driving unless you open the window and stick your elbow through the opening, for one. It’s a moot point, though. The Defender is enduringly popular because of its reputation as a competent and capable workhorse – a reputation it richly deserves.
Land Rover Defender (1984 – 2016) models and specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3883–4785 mm |
Width | 1790 mm |
Height | 1993–2182 mm |
Wheelbase | 2360–2794 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 1771–2055 kg |
Boot Space | 1510–2170 L |
Warranty | 3 years |
Servicing | 6000–15000 miles |
Spare Wheel | |||
---|---|---|---|
Standard | Full-size spare wheel |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £20,540–£33,005 |
Insurance Groups | 25–28 |
Road Tax Bands | M |
Official MPG | 25.5–28.8 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | - |
On sale until August 2014
SUV | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
110 County Station Wagon 4dr | £29,550 | 25.5 mpg | 15.8 s |
110 County Station Wagon 4dr | £29,545 | 25.5 mpg | 15.8 s |
110 Station Wagon 4dr | £26,615 | 25.5 mpg | 15.8 s |
110 Station Wagon 4dr | £27,620 | 25.5 mpg | 15.8 s |
110 XS Station Wagon 4dr | £33,005 | 25.5 mpg | 15.8 s |
110 XS Station Wagon 4dr | £33,000 | 25.5 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 County Station Wagon 2dr | £27,305 | 28.3 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 County Station Wagon 2dr | £27,300 | 28.3 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 Station Wagon 2dr | £25,265 | 28.3 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 Station Wagon 2dr | £24,260 | 28.3 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 XS Station Wagon 2dr | £30,100 | 28.3 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 XS Station Wagon 2dr | £30,105 | 28.3 mpg | 15.8 s |
On sale until October 2011
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
110 County Station Wagon 4dr | £27,570 | 25.7 mpg | 15.8 s |
110 Station Wagon 4dr | £25,330 | 25.7 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 County Station Wagon 2dr | £25,330 | 28.8 mpg | 15.8 s |
90 Station Wagon 2dr | £22,985 | 28.8 mpg | 15.8 s |
On sale until March 2006
4 X 4 | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
110 Td5 County Station Wagon | £24,540 | 26.9 mpg | - |
90 Td5 County Station Wagon | £22,040 | 28.2 mpg | - |
90 Td5 Station Wagon | £20,540 | 28.2 mpg | - |
Model History
- February 2002: Black edition Defender launched
- July 2005: Defender Silver announced
- May 2007: Enhanced Defender on sale
- April 2009
- January 2010: New 2011 Defender X-Tech Limited Edition launched
- August 2011: New 2.2-litre diesel introduced
- July 2012: Defender XTech special edition introduced
- September 2012: New colours added
- February 2014: Black Pack and Silver Pack introduced
- January 2018: Limited edition Defender launched
February 2002
Black edition Defender launched
Comes either as a 90 station wagon or 110 double cab for £24,995 and includes leather trim, single slot CD, air con, alloy wheels, chequer plate trim on wingtops and body sides (like Lara Croft Landy), "chrome detailing on the instrument bezels and alloy knobs for the gear transfer boxes", ABS and four wheel electronic traction control.
July 2005
Defender Silver announced
In 90, 110 Station Wagon and 110 Double Cab with range of options including A-Frame protection bar, driving lamp kit, hinged lamp guards, sump guard, black chequer plate styling kit and wing top protectors, half leather seats, CD player and tow bar with electrics.
Same 122PS 2.5 litre, 5 cylinder TD with 5 speed manual gearbox, two speed transfer box and permanent four-wheel drive. Three hundred limited editions for the UK on sale from 1 September 2005, with prices starting from £24,595 for the 90 Station Wagon, £26,995 for the 110” Station Wagon and £24,795 for the 110 Double Cab.
May 2007
Enhanced Defender on sale
Has new 2.4-litre common rail diesel engine, six-speed gearbox with wide ratio spread, a fully integrated facia, new seating configuration and high output heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system. Prices started at £18,645 for the Defender 90 Pick Up and rose to £26,605 for the XS Double Cab Defender 110, with an average price increase of £400. The Defender 130 starts from £22,655.
April 2009
Defender 110 Station Wagons featuring the Utility Pack gained a classification change from M1 passenger carrying to N1 Light Commercial Vehicle. With a payload capability in excess of 1,000kg, the Defender 110 Utility Wagon also meets requirements to be classified as a light goods vehicle for VAT purposes should the usage be commercial.
The Utility Pack, which is a no cost option available on all three trim levels – base, County and XS – replaces the rear side windows of the standard station wagon with panelled sides, providing a secure load space area whilst still maintaining seating for five people.
VAT registered buyers purchasing a Defender 110 Utility Wagon for commercial requirements can benefit from VAT reclaim, Benefit in Kind tax is capped at £3000 for light commercial vehicles and an LCV rate of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) – £185 from May 1, 2009. Prices for the Utility Wagon start from £23,970.00 OTR (£20,874.78 exc. 15% VAT but including VED and £55 registration fee).
January 2010
New 2011 Defender X-Tech Limited Edition launched
The Defender X-Tech offers raw and edgy style, with the class-leading all-terrain capability you would expect of this motoring icon. The exterior is available in Zermatt Silver, enhanced by a contrasting Santorini Black finish to the roof and wheel arches. And, for the first time, this Defender is fitted with unique gloss black 16 inch Saw Tooth alloy wheels, to create a sense of raw utilitarianism.
The interior is available in Ebony and the seats offer the addition of leather side bolsters, for a more refined finish. The Defender X-Tech is available in the 90 Hard Top Commercial derivative, with the full range of accessories also available to enhance capability and individuality. Powered by the 2.4 litre common-rail diesel engine, this Defender boasts fuel efficiency and performance with 360Nm torque for effortless towing and enhanced on-road performance. The Defender X-Tech Limited Edition will go on sale from March 2011 starting at £24,995.
August 2011
New 2.2-litre diesel introduced
A new EU5 2.2-litre chain cam diesel engine from the Ford Transit replaced the EU4 2.4-litre diesel for 2011, bringing greater levels of performance and refinement to the 2012 Defender. The smaller capacity engine delivers the same power, torque and economy as its outgoing unit but makes this the cleanest Land Rover Defender yet produced. In EU5 markets, the new engine comes with a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to ensure the lowest possible levels of regulated emissions.
Despite the smaller capacity and reduced emissions, the new engine produces the same 122PS with torque of 360Nm, as the outgoing 2.4-litre engine. Performance remains similar too, though the top speed has been raised to 90mph compared to 82mph for the previous version. CO2 emissions on the combined cycle are consistent at 266g/km for the 90 and 295g/km for the 110 and 130.
The GFT MT 82 six-speed gearbox has been retained for 2012 with its excellent ratio spread, high top gear for cruising and enhanced low-speed crawl capability. The lower first gear offers low crawl speed making towing on-road and off-road much easier. The low-down engine torque also helps in-gear acceleration and the tall sixth gear ensures excellent real-world cruising, refinement and fuel economy. Ground gears in both the gearbox and transfer box help contribute to the refinement of the transmission.
Two new option packs
- Comfort Pack - Air conditioning, CD Player with auxiliary input, electric windows and remote central locking. The Comfort Pack costs £1650.
- Off-Road Pack - ABS, heavy duty rim and MTR tyre, tow ball and under-ride protection bar. The Off-Road Pack costs £1500.
In response to customer feedback, a plain black Pick Up hood will now be available as an option whilst a plain beige hood will be introduced for the 110 Double Cab Pick Up. Both options are in addition to existing styles. A further enhancement for 2012 includes the addition of tinted glass on all models.
The Defender's facia is based on a single, large moulding supported on a robust steel rail to help eliminate squeaks and rattles. The instruments provide clear, concise information to the driver, and details like all-LED instrument illumination help ensure high standards of reliability. Versatile stowage shelves are conveniently located for both the driver and passenger and two console options are available: a practical open-tray design that keeps contents to hand and a large, lidded design that provides an impressive 14-litres of stowage.
A powerful heating and ventilation system is designed to cope with the most extreme climates and features aluminium plate and fin heat exchangers to deliver impressive performance.
Tall front seats are designed to improve maximum back support and head restraint ergonomics in the most demanding driving conditions and there are robust, supportive second row seats too. 110 Station Wagon and 130 Crew Cab models can comfortably accommodate three occupants on an asymmetrically-split second row seat. A spring-assisted fold mechanism helps when folding the seats for carrying large or awkward loads.
Defender 90 Station Wagon second row occupants benefit from a pair of individual, full-size, forward-facing rear seats. Providing excellent comfort levels, these seats are also available as a third row option on the 110 Station Wagon. Accessed either through the rear door or by folding the second row seats, they can be easily folded and stowed sideways in the loadspace.
Seat trims include durable all-vinyl and cloth specifications; a half-leather option is also included in the XS specification available on Station Wagon and 110 Double Cab Pick-Up derivatives to add a touch of luxury to the cabin. Three-point safety belts are specified for all seating positions.
Defender's unique vehicle architecture has been retained for 2012. The chassis frame is available in three different wheelbases. A total of 14 separate body styles – from pick-ups and soft-tops to crew cabs and station wagons – are produced on the mainstream production line.
The 2012 Defender is available from £20,995 on the road and will be on-sale in the UK from November 2011.
|
List Price |
CO 2 Offset |
VAT 20% |
Max Rec Retail Price |
P11D Price |
Road Fund Licence & 1st reg fee |
On the Road Price |
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hard Top |
£17,905.00 |
£120.00 |
£3,605.00 |
£21,630 |
£21,630 |
£265 |
£21,895.00 |
Pick Up |
£17,155.00 |
£120.00 |
£3,455.00 |
£20,730 |
£20,730 |
£265 |
£20,995.00 |
Station Wagon |
£19,488.33 |
£120.00 |
£3,921.67 |
£23,530 |
£23,530 |
£265 |
£23,795.00 |
County Station Wagon |
£21,321.67 |
£120.00 |
£4,288.33 |
£25,730 |
£25,730 |
£265 |
£25,995.00 |
XS Station Wagon |
£24,238.33 |
£120.00 |
£4,871.67 |
£29,230 |
£29,230 |
£265 |
£29,495.00 |
110 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chassis Cab |
£17,895.00 |
£130.00 |
£3,605.00 |
£21,630 |
£21,630 |
£265 |
£21,895.00 |
Hard Top |
£19,228.33 |
£130.00 |
£3,871.67 |
£23,230 |
£23,230 |
£265 |
£23,495.00 |
Pick Up |
£18,561.67 |
£130.00 |
£3,738.33 |
£22,430 |
£22,430 |
£265 |
£22,695.00 |
High Capacity Pick Up |
£19,145.00 |
£130.00 |
£3,855.00 |
£23,130 |
£23,130 |
£265 |
£23,395.00 |
Station Wagon |
£21,395.00 |
£130.00 |
£4,305.00 |
£25,830 |
£25,830 |
£265 |
£26,095.00 |
County Station Wagon |
£23,145.00 |
£130.00 |
£4,655.00 |
£27,930 |
£27,930 |
£265 |
£28,195.00 |
XS Station Wagon |
£26,561.67 |
£130.00 |
£5,338.33 |
£32,030 |
£32,030 |
£265 |
£32,295.00 |
Utility Wagon |
£21,395.00 |
£130.00 |
£4,305.00 |
£25,830 |
£25,830 |
£265 |
£26,095.00 |
County Utility Wagon |
£23,145.00 |
£130.00 |
£4,655.00 |
£27,930 |
£27,930 |
£265 |
£28,195.00 |
XS Utility Wagon |
£25,728.33 |
£130.00 |
£5,171.67 |
£31,030 |
£31,030 |
£265 |
£31,295.00 |
Double Cab |
£19,978.33 |
£130.00 |
£4,021.67 |
£24,130 |
£24,130 |
£265 |
£24,395.00 |
County Double Cab |
£21,478.33 |
£130.00 |
£4,321.67 |
£25,930 |
£25,930 |
£265 |
£26,195.00 |
XS Double Cab |
£24,228.33 |
£130.00 |
£4,871.67 |
£29,230 |
£29,230 |
£265 |
£29,495.00 |
130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chassis Cab |
£20,645.00 |
£130.00 |
£4,155.00 |
£24,930 |
£24,930 |
£265 |
£25,195.00 |
Double Cab Chassis Cab |
£22,395.00 |
£130.00 |
£4,505.00 |
£27,030 |
£27,030 |
£265 |
£27,295.00 |
Double Cab |
£24,061.67 |
£130.00 |
£4,838.33 |
£29,030 |
£29,030 |
£265 |
£29,295.00 |
July 2012
Defender XTech special edition introduced
It comes in Orkney Grey or Nara Bronze, which is unique to this special edition, with contrast Santorini Black roof and wheel arches and black chequer plate along the bumper and sills.
A special ‘DEFENDER’ decal sits above the rear LED lights whilst the front lights are enhanced with Santorini Black headlamp surrounds in contrast to the body colour. This distinctive front end design is complemented with a body colour grille and gloss black Land Rover lettering on the bonnet. A rear step bumper assembly aids entry, exit and loading. Gloss Black Saw Tooth 16-inch alloy wheels and MTR off-road tyres complete the look giving the Defender XTech a powerfully strong and purposeful stance.
A pure Ebony part leather interior complements both the Orkney Grey and Nara Bronze with contrast Lunar stitching. The Land Rover logo is embossed on front headrests whilst carpet mats have the Defender logo woven in. To harmonise with the exterior of this special edition, the central switch panel matches the body colour of the vehicle with the same paint finish.
The XTech Special Edition comes with a high level of standard equipment, including Air Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes with Electronic Traction Control, central locking with remote control and heated seats and windscreen. With a choice of the 90 Hard Top and 110 Utility Wagon, a range of standard options and accessories are available to add even more capability and character to this iconic four-wheel drive vehicle. The Defender XTech Special Edition is priced from £27,995.
September 2012
New colours added
Customers can now further enhance their Defender’s looks, comfort and versatility with a choice of three more options as well as the choice of two new exterior body colours, Barolo Black and Havana.
Smart new, contrast roof colours can now be chosen against the majority of the Defender paint palette. In addition to the standard Fuji White, customers can now opt for Santorini Black, Indus Silver, Orkney Grey or Firenze Red. The Firenze Red for example, can be chosen with the Santorini Black roof and the Baltic Blue with Indus Silver or simply retain their body colour.
Premium part leather seats which contour your body are available to the driver and front seat passenger, sporting the Land Rover logo on the backrest. The style of the seat naturally enhances driving support and comfort over the toughest of terrain. An integrated, centre stitch line on the headrest is also visible and adopted to the current standard seat in the Defender.
February 2014
Black Pack and Silver Pack introduced
Black Pack has a Santorini black finish, which is applied to the roof, grille, grille surround, headlamp surrounds, wheel arches, Defender badge and interior facia. Privacy glass and an ebony Alston headliner lend the vehicle added visual drama. The black pack will be available with two wheel variations – a gloss black Sawtooth alloy wheel and a new gloss black heavy duty wheel.
Silver Pack gets a bright Indus silver finish to the contrast roof (either body colour or contrast), which is complemented with the same finish to the grille surround, headlamp surrounds and facia. The vehicle also features the Dual Finish alloy wheels as standard and a bright light pack incorporating white tail and indicator lights.
Defender derivatives are now available with the option of privacy glass. The option – standard as part of the black pack adds darkened glass to second and third row windows on the Station Wagon and to the alpine light and rear quarter light windows on Hard Top XS. Due to visibility regulations the rear door retains its standard glass.
The new ebony Alston headliner on XS derivatives has a dramatic effect on the interior of the Defender, and complements the feel and style of the black pack option perfectly. More traditionally seen on the Range Rover, this headliner brings an element of elegance to this off-road icon.
January 2018
Limited edition Defender launched
Just 150 of the V8-powered examples have been 're-engineered' to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018.
The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50 th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.
Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is increased to 106mph.
The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 specially-selected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70 th Edition, complemented by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.
Eight standard body colours include two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel arches and front grille – finished with machined aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering. A comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps.
Full Windsor Leather interior trim covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats. Land Rover Classic’s own Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.
Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic, with prices starting from £150,000 for a 90 in the UK.
What to watch out for
Reports of crankshaft, gearbox and transfer case misalignment and failed wheel bearings.
TD5 Oil pump prone to sprocket failure and without oil pressurer engine self-destrects. More on this at www.amanet.co.uk/td5oilpumpfailure.htm
Useful site for information about V8 and for replacements: www.v8engine.com Check for oil in coolant or loss of coolant. By 2007 cracked cylinder heads were becoming a very common problem on TD5s. So much so that the supply of replacement heads became used up.
Military Land Rovers were fitted with leather gaiters over the chrome swivels at the ends of the front axle. This becomes impregnated with oil and helps to protect the ball. If they become badly pitted it is possible to buy a new ball and full repair kit for about £70 each side. These are available from www.paddockspares.com
On the 2.4TDCI Ford Transit engine fitted from 2007, sometimes EGR valves are problematic. Symptoms include loss of power and lots of black exhaust smoke. The engine management light may come on, but not always. Injectors can fail, and on older vehicles catalytic converters could get blocked.
29-04-2011:On 2011 models the battery protection system comes on frequently and when the engine is not running it results in a shut down of electrics. So if you want to use a system, for example the fuel burning heater before you get into the cabin, you can't because the system will shut it down to preserve the low battery.
21-01-2012:Stick to OEM (Girling) brake and clutch parts. 'Pattern' versions of these parts are often poor quality and frequently fail.
13-06-2012:Old 2.25 petrol engine needs hardened valve seats or a lead repalcement additive in the petrool. Later 2.5 engine does not, and many owners replace 2.25 with 2.5 engine.
28-12-2013:Rear of chassis contains water traps, is not internally rust proofed and is prone to rotting out as the vehicle gets old. Very important to inspect this area carefully before buying a used Defender, even one as young as 4 years old.
19-05-2015:Some recommendations by Graham Clifton: Mudstuff.co.uk Stainless steel bolts, screws and nuts. Replace the cheap, zinc-plated, rust-prone screws in Defender bonnets and doors – keep the “factory” look. Before-n-after.co.uk Serious chassis rust-proofing. Mr Parkinson is actually the best by far. Wrington.co.uk Stainless steel wheel nuts for alloy or steel wheels. Nkgroup.co.uk Clutch Claw security pedal lock to help prevent it from being stolen.
10-06-2015:Engine oil pump of 2012 Land Rover Defender failed 2 weeks before end of 3 year warranty, wrecking the engine. Land Rover dealer who supplied the car replaced the engine.
07-11-2015:Tips about TD5s from DCS: 1. Always have a spare cylinder head wiring harness and replace as soon as there is a misfire; BEFORE oil travels through the cable to the ECU. 2. Over 100k miles, fit a prominent repeater oil pressure warning light, before the bolt that is supposed to retain the chain sprocket on the front of the oil pump shaft comes loose and drills its way out through the sump. 3. Pre- 2001 the ECU relay (yellow) under the driver’s seat was not secured. Vibration will wear out the connectors. Check and if necessary, tighten the Lucar connectors. Otherwise the engine could switch off randomly anywhere and at any time of day or night.
25-02-2017:Report of 2007 Land Rover Defender Transit engine blowing out engine oil past the injector seals at 80,000 miles.
10-10-2017:All Land Rover Defenders with the 2.2 Transit diesel engine emit at least 266g/km CO2 so for the 2017/2018 tax year, if they are classified as a car, the VED is £535.
25-03-2018:Question in Ask about DPFs in Land Rover Defenders: "Every diesel engined vehicle had to have a DPF from January 2011. Before that, many needed it to meet even EU4 and LandRovers were such vehicles. The old 300TDI 4 cylinder from 1994 to 2006 did not meet EU3, so no DPFs on that. The corresponding and subsequent TD5 from 1998 to 2007 was EU3; not sure if it was EU4; don't think it was fitted with a DPF. I would guess that the succeeding 4-cylinder Ford Transit 2.4 Duratorq engine did have a DPF to meet EU4. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_engines and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_Rover_Defender) The 2.4 did not meet EU5 so was replaced by the 2.2 Transit engine for 2011 and that definitely had a DPF. I'd be happy to be corrected over any of this and will then put it into our carbycar entry."
28-03-2018:Report of output shaft failure on July 2012 Land Rover Defender 110 2.2 litre diesel Utility DPF XS Manusl with overdrive at 23,000 miles. Vehicle ad previosly been recalled for oil pump failure.
08-05-2018:Report of 2.2 litre diesel engine of 2013 Ford Ranger (same engine as Transit and Defender) seizing due to oil pump failure.
11-06-2018:Report of approved used 2016 Land Rover Defender leaking into the rear 29 days after purchase. Car returned to dealer and fixed. 14 days later the car leakes again. Dealer found various leaks at the front as well as more leaks at the rear. Could not offer a remedy.
21-10-2018:Report of immobiliser of 2012 LandRover Defender failing at 31,000 miles and requiring replacement at cost of £880. Owner reported exactly the same happeneing to a neighbour's 2012 Defender.
06-11-2018:Complaint of crankshaft failure in 2001 LandRover Defender at 69,481 miles. Snapped at big end journal for cylinder no 1. Despite the fault not manifesting itself for 17 years owner firmly believes it is a manufacturing fault. Photos show clear flaw in the casting. Cost £3,000 to fix.
10-01-2019:Hole in piston reported in 2.2 TDCI Ford engine in 2013 Land Rover Defender 110 at 40,750 miles. Land Rover initially refused any liability.
27-01-2022:Report of bodywork paint bubbling on 2015 Defender. Owner tried to make a claim under JLR's six year bodywork warranty but the claim has been rejected.