Is the 2024 Land Rover Defender a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
B4.5/10
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a strong choice if you prioritize off-road performance and luxury in a robust package. However, be prepared for potential maintenance and repair costs, as electronics can be finicky.
Pros
- Exceptional off-road capability
- Luxurious and spacious interior
- Iconic and rugged design
Cons
- High maintenance and repair costs
- Fuel economy less efficient than competitors
- Occasional electronic reliability issues
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
18 mpg
Maintenance cost
$3,000/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Infotainment system glitches
- Occasional electronic failures
- Some suspension component wear
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (6)
The 2024 Land Rover Defender has 6 NHTSA recalls on record. Most recent: Air Bags — Frontal (campaign 26V389000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- Equipment — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543. The raised…
- Back Over Prevention — Software — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023 Discovery Sport, 2023-2024 Defender, and 2023 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The touchscreen in the center console may go blank at vehicle startu…
- Electrical System — Propulsion System — Dc/Dc Converter — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 202…
- Air Bags — Frontal — Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.