2021 Land Rover Defender 90

The 2021 Land Rover Defender 90 is a highly capable and stylish off-road SUV that pays homage to its iconic predecessor while offering modern technology and comfort. Available engine options include a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 producing 296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 Mild-Hybrid producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.0L Supercharged V8 producing 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, all paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. People often praise the Defender for its ruggedness, off-road prowess, distinctive design, and luxurious interior. However, common complaints include electrical gremlins, reliability issues, and a relatively high price tag.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, unusual noises from the engine bay (whining, whistling), check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 Mild-Hybrid

• Mild Hybrid System Faults
  • Description/Symptoms: Error messages related to the mild-hybrid system, reduced engine power, failure to start.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of faulty mild-hybrid components (e.g., starter/generator, battery).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the component
  • Recalls: None Found
• Belt Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Belt failure, reduced engine power, failure to start.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair or replacement of faulty belt drive system components (e.g., belt, tensioner).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the component
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L Supercharged V8

• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, low coolant levels, engine overheating. Often from the supercharger coolant lines or water pump.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking coolant lines or water pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky gear changes, especially between lower gears. Hesitation when shifting.
  • Solution: Software update to the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (Valve Body)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, failure to raise or lower, “Suspension Fault” warning light.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace faulty air struts, air compressor, ride height sensors, or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the component
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, crashing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
  • Solution: Software updates. Replacement of the infotainment unit in more severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $2,000+ (Unit Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Multiple sensor failures (parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc.) due to software issues or sensor malfunction.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity, difficulty starting the vehicle. Often caused by a module staying awake or a parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic draw and repair of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Water Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water entering the cabin, particularly around the sunroof, door seals, or rear cargo area.
  • Solution: Resealing the sunroof, replacing door seals, or addressing leak points in the body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on severity
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting, clicking noises from the seat mechanism.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty seat motor or seat adjustment mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2021 Land Rover Defender 90, while offering impressive off-road capabilities and a distinctive design, does suffer from reliability issues, particularly with the electrical system and air suspension. Engine problems are more dependent on the selected engine. Interior fit and finish issues, while not universal, can be a source of frustration. The cost of repairs can vary significantly, but the potential for expensive repairs, particularly with the air suspension and electrical systems, should be considered when purchasing this vehicle.