Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2023 Land Rover Defender 90Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 93 owner complaints for the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90. Most complaints involve electrical system (44) and engine (14). The EPA rates it 16–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
93
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
93 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2022 – Nov 2026
- Electrical system44
- Engine14
- Visibility/wiper14
- Exterior lighting11
- Power train7
- Steering7
- Lane departure6
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Forward collision avoidance2
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 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
44 reports
“The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Defender. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for additional investigation. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was filed by email.”
Engine
14 reports
“The contact owns a 2023 Land Rover Defender. The contact stated that while driving 67 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, and all electrical features shut off. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was towed to another dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,000.”
Visibility/wiper
14 reports
“Front windshield is extremely fragile. The smallest rock will create a chip which will spider across the windshield within a couple days. I have an older Land Rover and there have been more rocks with only a few small chips and no spider. Cheap glass installed on the new Land Rovers.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo supercharged hybrid · 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 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 10, 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 MHEV Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo, Sup Charg · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,850 | 444 |
| Defender 90 Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 21 | 19 | $4,050 | 465 |
| Defender 90 Auto (S8), 8 cyl, 5.0 L, Sup Charg · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 545 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 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 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 18948
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.
2023 Defender 90 questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 problems?
Owners filed 93 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (44), engine (14), visibility/wiper (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Land Rover Defender 90 at 16–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026