Is the 2022 Land Rover Defender reliable?

Reliability is mixed: many owners have solid day-to-day performance, but the Defender’s complex electronics and available air suspension can lead to intermittent faults or software-related issues that may require dealer updates.

What are the most common 2022 Land Rover Defender problems?

Common issues include infotainment freezing or rebooting, random sensor/warning light messages, occasional air suspension fault alerts (when equipped), and sporadic wind noise or water leak complaints around seals.

Are maintenance costs high on a 2022 Defender?

Maintenance typically costs more than mainstream SUVs due to premium parts, specialized diagnostics, and higher labor rates, especially if you service at a dealership and use the vehicle for towing or off-road driving.

What are the best years of the Defender to buy?

Later production years in the current generation tend to benefit from software refinements and updated parts, so newer examples with documented service history and completed updates are often the safest picks.

What should I check before buying a used 2022 Land Rover Defender?

Verify all recalls and software updates are completed, test every camera and driver-assist feature, scan for stored fault codes, check for wind noise or signs of water intrusion, and confirm smooth operation of the air suspension and 4WD system if equipped. For the full picture, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim breakdowns, and the recommended maintenance schedules for the 2022 Land Rover Defender.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2022 Land Rover Defender Reliability ReportC grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

75/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C

A highly capable and desirable SUV, but its advanced technology introduces moderate reliability risks and higher ownership costs.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2022 Land Rover Defender

The system most likely to surface first: electrical & infotainment (moderate severity).
Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting:tail lights.
Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2020 Land Rover Defender earns a 78.

Is the 2022 Land Rover Defender Worth Buying?

The 2022 Land Rover Defender is a highly desirable and capable vehicle, but it's not without its quirks. While the core mechanicals are generally robust, owners should anticipate potential frustrations with its complex electrical systems and sophisticated air suspension, demanding a proactive maintenance approach and a tolerance for occasional issues.

Biggest Strengths

Rugged off-road capability
Robust chassis and body structure
Generally strong core engines (Ingenium series)

What Tends to Fail First on the 2022 Land Rover Defender

The systems that break first on the 2022 Land Rover Defender. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Electrical & Infotainmentmoderate

Air Suspension Systemmajor

Driveline & Differentialmoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2022 Land Rover Defender Recall History

5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.

SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.

What breaks on the 2022 Land Rover Defender?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Land Rover Defender Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Land Rover Defender. Click any year for its full report.

All Land Rover Defender years ranked →Land Rover Defender years to avoid →Land Rover Defender common problems →

2022 Land Rover Defender Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

2020 ChryslerPacifica

72/100

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