2020 Land Rover Defender 110

The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 marked the highly anticipated return of the iconic Defender to the North American market. This modern iteration boasts off-road prowess, luxurious features, and a distinctive design. Engine options included a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged MHEV producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Defender’s off-road capabilities, its blend of ruggedness and luxury, and its distinctive styling. Common dislikes include reported reliability issues, the complexity of the infotainment system, and high running costs.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Coolant Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may occur from the coolant reservoir or hoses due to cracks or loose connections. Symptoms include low coolant level, overheating, and a visible coolant puddle.
  • Solution: Replace the cracked reservoir or leaking hoses. Ensure connections are secure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Inline-6 Turbocharged MHEV

• Mild Hybrid System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the mild hybrid system. The 48V system can sometimes fail or generate error messages. This can lead to a reduction in power or even a no-start condition.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified Land Rover technician is necessary. The repair may involve replacing the 48V battery, the integrated starter generator (ISG), or related control modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Supercharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported unusual noises coming from the supercharger. In more extreme cases, there may be a reduction in power.
  • Solution: Diagnosis by a qualified Land Rover technician is necessary. Repairs may involve replacing the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Harsh Shifting/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh shifting, particularly between lower gears or when downshifting. Jerking or lurching during gear changes can also occur.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) can resolve the issue. In other cases, replacement of valve body components or, in more extreme cases, the entire transmission may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $6,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Faults
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience faults, leading to the vehicle sitting unevenly, failing to raise or lower, or displaying warning messages. Issues can stem from leaks in the air struts, a faulty air compressor, or malfunctioning sensors.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific component causing the issue. Replace faulty air struts, air compressor, or sensors as needed. Check for and repair any air leaks in the system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The Pivi Pro infotainment system can be prone to glitches, freezes, and lag. Connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as well as navigation malfunctions, have also been reported.
  • Solution: Software updates are often released to address these issues. Performing a system reset may temporarily resolve the problem. In some cases, hardware replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (infotainment unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, including those for the parking assist system, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, can malfunction. This can lead to inaccurate readings or the system not functioning correctly.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Alignment Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the tailgate not aligning properly, leading to difficulty closing or gaps around the edges.
  • Solution: Adjustment of the tailgate hinges and latch mechanism. In some cases, replacement of damaged components may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaks around the sunroof are a recurring issue. This can lead to water stains on the headliner and dampness inside the cabin.
  • Solution: Check and clean the sunroof drain tubes to ensure they are not clogged. Resealing the sunroof may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Trim Pieces Coming Loose
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of interior trim pieces, particularly around the dashboard and door panels, becoming loose or detaching.
  • Solution: Reattaching the trim pieces using adhesive or replacing damaged clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 has some known issues, including issues with the mild hybrid system, harsh shifting, air suspension faults, infotainment problems, and leaks. Some of these issues can be minor annoyances, while others can be more serious and expensive to repair. The most common issues relate to the vehicle’s electrical system, followed by suspension problems. While some issues can be addressed with software updates, others may require component replacement, leading to potentially high repair costs.