2026 Land Rover Defender: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2026 Land Rover Defender: 3 recalls, 6 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
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Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #26V163000 · 2026 · 582 vehicles
What's wrong: The third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket May have an insufficient weld stud.
Why it matters: A seat belt assembly with an insufficient weld May not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the third-row lower seat belt anchorage bracket or the weld-stud on the bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2026.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #26V263000 · 2026 · 6 vehicles
What's wrong: The fuel tank was improperly manufactured with walls that are too thin.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, an improperly manufactured fuel tank May leak fuel, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed June 19, 2026.
Airbags Vehicle recall #26V389000 · 2026 · 250,857 vehicles
What's wrong: The driverâs air bag clockspring connector May corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driverâs air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Transmission & drivetrain (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2026 Land Rover Defender has 6 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 16 Defender model years for complaints (well below the 19 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old. Neighboring years: 2025 (13 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 21 | 19 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 19 | 18 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo hybrid | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | Premium |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S8) | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2026 Land Rover Defender.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2026 Land Rover Defender have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2026 Land Rover Defender. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2026 Land Rover Defender problems?
Owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (2), electrical (2), engine (1).
What gas mileage does the 2026 Land Rover Defender get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S8)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2026 Land Rover Defender repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.