Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2022 Land Rover Defender 90Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 79 owner complaints for the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90. Most complaints involve electrical system (29) and exterior lighting (16). The EPA rates it 16–19 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16–19mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
79
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
79 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2021 – Nov 2026
- Electrical system29
- Exterior lighting16
- Visibility/wiper13
- Engine7
- Power train4
- Steering4
- Air bags3
- Structure3
- Service brakes3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
29 reports2 crashes
“On Sunday, [XXX], in the morning, I was driving my 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 (VIN [XXX], about 33,600 miles) southbound on [XXX] at about 30 mph, with my minor nephew in the car. Multiple warning lights came on and the vehicle shut down while moving, losing drive power. We nearly crashed. The vehicle has not started reliably since. An independent repair shop replaced the alternator and battery and the problem continued; they traced it to an electrical fault draining the 12-volt system and identified the open DC-DC converter recall (NHTSA 26V248 / 26V599, Land Rover D126/H575 and E008). My Land Rover dealer (JLR Los Angeles) confirmed in writing that the recall is open on my vehicle but said no remedy exists yet. On [XXX], Land Rover customer service (800-637-6837) declined to open a case or commit to any repair, tow, or interim fix. The vehicle cannot be driven safely and I have no remedy available.”
Exterior lighting
16 reports
“My driver's side Daytime Running Lights has failed prematurely (~4 years since new vehicle purchase) and the Land Rover dealer claims it is normal and expected. This is after my passenger DRL has already failed and was replaced with assistance from JLR North America. This is a known issue (Land Rover Special Service Message 75479).”
Visibility/wiper
13 reports
“The windshield on my Land Rover Defender cracked from a tiny pebble. I sealed the crack but I'm just waiting for it to crack again. My friend [XXX] has the same car and he's on his fourth windshield. When I purchased the car, the sales person recommended the extended warranty because "the windshield is $3000 and you'll use it".”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo supercharged hybrid · 5.0L 8-cyl supercharged
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8)
- Drive
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defender 90 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 21 | 19 | $4,050 | 466 |
| Defender 90 MHEV Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,050 | 462 |
| Defender 90 Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 545 |
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 16978
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2022 Defender 90 questions
How many recalls does the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 problems?
Owners filed 79 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (29), exterior lighting (16), visibility/wiper (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 get?
The EPA rates the 2022 Land Rover Defender 90 at 16–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026