LAND-ROVER DEFENDER (1983–2026)
LAND-ROVER DEFENDER (1983–2026): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 1983–2026 · all production years covered on this single page
5.0 V8 P500 (500 Hp) AWD Automatic • Petrol (Gasoline)
2026
🚗 Land-Rover DEFENDER 2026
Every figure on this Land-Rover Defender (1983–2026) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Land-Rover Defender (1983–2026) is powered by a 5.0 V8 P500 (500 Hp) AWD Automatic engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (19)
NHTSA R/2022/236
Front Axle Casing May Fail Causing The Suspension To Collapse
Date: 31-08-2023
Front axle casing may fail causing the suspension to collapse.
NHTSA R/2026/115
Date: 31-03-2026
On affected vehicles a concern has been identified where the third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket may contain a weld stud of insufficient ISO strength due to material contamination at the supplier. An insufficiently strong weld stud in this position could result in the…
NHTSA R/2003/180
Possible Loss Of Service Brake
Date: 31-03-2004
A potential fluid leak from the brake modulator may result in a reduction in the efficiency of the service brake or in the worst case complete failure of the service brake system.
NHTSA R/2014/092
Front Wheel May Detach
Date: 28-11-2014
It has been established that in extreme cases the front axle tube could fracture over a period of time. If not identified this could result in the detachment of the wheel and hub assembly.
NHTSA R/2001/017
Insecurity Of Front Seat Backrest.
Date: 22-10-2001
The front seats may not latch positively following operation of the seat tip lever. In consequence the seat squab (backrest) could attempt to fold forward if the vehicle should be brought to a very rapid stop.
NHTSA R/2001/171
Left Hand Front Brake Flexible Hose Concern
Date: 22-04-2002
Land Rover has received a small number of reports that detail a potential abrasion condition between the front left hand flexible brake hose and tyre. In extreme circumstances dependant upon the position of the hose the front left hand tyre can contact the hose and cause abrasion…
NHTSA R/2022/222
Damaged Front Seat Belt Pre Tensioner Tube May Have Been Installed On The Seat Belt Retractor
Date: 19-08-2022
Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
NHTSA R/2023/044
Date: 18-05-2023
For certain 2023 Model Year 3.0L AJ20-P6 Land Rover Range Rover Range Rover Sport Range Rover Velar Discovery and Defender vehicles a small number of engines the cam carrier oil gallery hasn�t been fully drilled. As a result the oil channel could be blocked leading to accumulat…
NHTSA R/2024/201
Date: 17-05-2024
On affected vehicles converted by JLR Classic Works the brake pipes may have been incorrectly assembled to the brake modulator.
NHTSA R/2024/145
Date: 15-03-2024
For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
NHTSA R/2024/255
Date: 14-06-2024
On affected vehicles the incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may r…
NHTSA R/2024/147
Date: 14-03-2024
For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
NHTSA R/2024/390
Date: 10-03-2025
The manufacturer has determined on affected vehicles the routing of low-pressure fuel pipes may clash with the rear right-hand damper. There is a risk that the fuel pipe could abrade and cause a fuel leak.
NHTSA R/2023/087
Date: 09-05-2023
On affected vehicles there is a risk where the water pump pully drive belt can become damaged leading to detachment or destruction. Where water pump pully drive is lost this leads to a loss coolant flow in the engine.
NHTSA R/2012/069
Seat Belt Mounting Bracket May Fail
Date: 08-08-2012
Some seat belt mounting bracket bolt/studs may be out of specification as they may have suffered Hydrogen Embrittlement during production. Occupants will normally notice the failure by the looseness or detachment of seat belt brackets. If the issue is not rectified occupants may …
NHTSA R/2000/038
Engine Flywheel May Fragment
Date: 05-06-2000
As a consequence of the manufacturing process the engine flywheel may develop surface cracks which under certain high load conditions can propagate resulting in disintegration of the flywheel.
NHTSA R/2009/091
Parking Brake May Become Ineffective
Date: 04-12-2009
Parking brake efficiency can be impaired as a result of an incorrectly assembled oil seal at the transfer box output shaft allowing oil to contaminate the brake linings.
NHTSA R/2010/232
Parking Brake Efficiency Can Be Affected
Date: 04-04-2011
It is possible that the transfer box output shaft may not be to specification. This can allow oil to leak between the output shaft and the drive flange. This can result in oil entering the parking brake drum and contaminating the brake linings which can affect the parking brake e…
NHTSA R/2025/065
Date: 04-03-2025
Affected vehicles have had an incorrect set of settings in Dynamic Mode. Dynamic Mode therefore does not provide adequate stability suspension stiffness nor provide adequate stability control system operation thereby increasing the risk of loss of vehicle control.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
Frequently Asked Questions
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Land-Rover Defender (1983–2026)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Land-Rover Defender (1983–2026) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Land-Rover Defender (1983–2026) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Found what you were looking for? Explore other Land-Rover models in our database, compare tyre offers in your size, or search a specific fault code in the TroubleAtlas OBD2 database.