There are 8 owner-reported electrical system complaints for the 2024 Land Rover Defenderin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
While driving my 2024 Land Rover Defender 130 on Route 114 in Massachusetts at approximately 8:30–9:00 PM in dark and rainy conditions, the vehicle suddenly and completely shut off while in motion. The vehicle lost all power: • Engine shut off • No gears functioned • Vehicle would not restart • Lights and hazard lights were not functioning The vehicle was stranded in the middle of an active roadway with no warning and no visibility. Because of this, I had to exit the vehicle into traffic, stop oncoming vehicles, and remove my child from the car. We crossed a live lane of traffic to get to safety while leaving the vehicle in the roadway. I called 911. Police responded and controlled traffic at the scene. In the presence of the responding officer, I attempted to restart the vehicle multiple times. It remained completely unresponsive for an extended period before eventually starting again without explanation. This vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power while in motion on an active roadway. This is a serious safety concern. I do not feel it is safe to transport my child or family in this vehicle. I am seeking a clear and definitive diagnosis and resolution. If this issue cannot be conclusively identified and repaired, the vehicle should not remain in service. • RSelect systems: • Engine • Electrical • Powertrain
While operating the vehicle within normal constraints, at or below the speed limit, a electrical fault warning alterted me to multiple issues. Begining with ABS failure warnings, and adaptable cruise failure the vehicle continued for the next 30 minutes to show multiple system failures. Finally the vehicle lost complete power in the middle of a street with the brakes locking and no ability to steer. Attempts to jumpstart the vehicle failed to remedy the situation. When the vehicle was taken to the dealer the problem was diagnosed to be a failure of the DC/DC converter.
The component that failed appears to be the DC-DC converter and/or related charging system within the vehicle’s electrical system, which resulted in complete failure of the 12-volt battery system. The vehicle displayed a dashboard warning stating: “Electrical fault detected. Please find a safe place to stop.” Shortly after this warning appeared, the vehicle lost electrical stability and the 12-volt battery completely discharged. The battery would not hold a charge even after attempted recharging. The vehicle became inoperable and required towing to an authorized Land Rover dealership. The vehicle is currently in the possession of an authorized Land Rover dealer and is available for inspection upon request. It has not yet been repaired. Safety Risk This failure created a significant safety risk because: The warning appeared while the vehicle was being driven. The electrical system is critical to power steering, braking assist, stability systems, lighting, and other safety components. A sudden loss of electrical power while driving at highway speeds or in traffic could result in loss of critical vehicle control systems. The vehicle became fully inoperable after the fault, creating the potential for stranding in unsafe conditions. If this failure had occurred at higher speed or in heavy traffic, it could have placed the driver, passengers, and surrounding motorists at risk. Reproduction / Dealer Confirmation The vehicle is currently at an authorized Land Rover dealership. The dealer has indicated that they have a significant number of other Land Rover and Range Rover vehicles in queue with similar DC-DC converter / electrical system failures. However: The vehicle has not yet been formally diagnosed. It has not yet entered the service bay. There is no estimated time for inspection or repair due to part shortages. The dealer has acknowledged that this appears to be a known and recurring issue. Inspection by Manufacturer or Others The vehicle has been in
Car has had 2 separate, distinct failures of the DC/DC converter which result in electrical faults rendering all systems unusable (gearbox, steering, etc.) and making the care immobile. I have had it replaced once in September 2025 following a failure, and then the replacement failed in January 2026. This is incredibly dangerous while driving. Dealer and Land Rover are aware of widespread failures, parts are backordered with no timeline. Warning light starts with 'Electric Fault Detected' and continues to function for an indeterminate amount of time before failing completely.
Repeated failures of the 48v to 12v DC to DC converter. Failure to charge the 12v system results in an complete drain of the 12v battery in under 30 mins while operating the vehicle. The result is an immediate shut down of the vehicle. In my case, while in the middle of a travel lane. Without 12v power the vehicle cannot be shifted into neutral and cannot be moved creating a very unsafe situation. My vehicle has been in an authorized land rover service dealership five time on this issue. The converter was replaced only to occur again. The vehicle displays and warning message on the dash that an electrical failure has occurred and to stop the vehicle. As the voltage of the 12v battery drops, multiple systems begin to fail in fast progression while trying to get to a safe pullover. Multiple engine fault codes occur, including electrical generator failure. Current mileage on the vehicle 13800.
Turned the car on and the display screen was black and would not work. This is after we did the software update several months ago.
Near dusk, the driver display (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge , etc.) automatically dimes to night mode and becomes unreadable. Turning the rheostat controlling display brightness does nothing. Very dangerous. Display should only go to night mode when conditions are actually dark.
We were driving at highway speeds on paved, dry road. The vehicle threw a electrical fault error. As I drove to a safe location to pull over, the vehicle switched into Neutral, every warning light on the dash lit up and my power steering failed. We barely coasted to a safe spot on the shoulder of the highway we were on in the mountains. The parking brake also would not work. The vehicle then completely died and we were stuck in an area with no cell phone service. The rear hatch also would not open
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026