My Land Rover Defender Broke Down Again...SURPRISE!

Today I go over what broke on my wife's Land Rover Defender!
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[@ezrider5331]

I do not understand why these vehicles, as beautiful and capable as they are, can be so unreliable. In my book, being capable and reliable go hand in hand.

[@439530]

I’m surprised people keep buying them and why they haven’t gone out of business yet

[@ahmadahmal2942]

@@439530 Most people use them as status symbol that signifies its owners' high social and economic standing. Mechanically they don't know what they are buying.

[@ahmadahmal2942]

Most who buy them is for their social status.

[@juststuff5216]

Brand loyalty plays a big part .... literally drain someone's bank account and knowing they'll be back for more. So where's the incentive to build reliable cars? Why not drain even more money, quicker, by adding more faults! My mechanic said to me; "Whatever you do, don't sell your car (2004 Toyota) because I'm seeing far too many new Toyota's coming through the shop."

[@Dgiaco1991]

I've been waiting, hoping that the Defender quality would improve a few years after release, doesn't sound that way. I could see them losing a lot of customers to the new Lexus GX. I know I want to drive one when it comes out.

[@crushbaseball4270]

The KZbinr TRD John said that the media drive is next week, but who knows when the embargo for the driving reviews would lift

[@georgelin8498]

Toyotas new twin turbo v6 has been recalled twice already

[@michaelli3944]

lexus gx the new one looks just as good in my opinion. better tech in the lexus as well (I own a 23 rx) as it has steering assist. The defender though has nicer cameras, but i find the lexus one fine as well.

[@Zepyhp]

YES! NEW GX!

[@VWkid4life]

2 years with my Defender. No problems. Love it. My Bronco lasted 29 days.

[@mikemayers8672]

They all can’t be losers 😂

[@Davek111]

Even a broken clock is accurate twice a day.

[@jmax850]

Same here, P300? I feel like I’ve seen more issues with the P400, haven’t seen a lot of issues on either but the P300 seems more reliable.

[@VWkid4life]

Yup P300 90. Love it@@jmax850

[@VWkid4life]

@@jmax850 Yep p300 D90

[@chuckmoore5382]

My 2022 Defender 110 SE is over two years old, 30K miles. No issues. Is there something wrong with it? If it doesn't break down does that mean it isn't behaving like a proper Land Rover? I could have gotten a Toyota but then I would have to drive a Toyota. The Defender is way better to drive.

[@georgetidd8972]

Some Defenders tend to be lemons I guess? I have a 2023 with 23K miles and no issues either, knock on wood!

[@sledheadmcgee]

My 90 p400 has been solid

[@OldbayRaven]

Try a Lexus buddy and don't look back.

[@justicejjy]

This is exactly what Land Rover does!! 😂

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Now don't pick on Ben! 😥

[@OverlandOrange]

Ben - try this: Move the passenger seat forward, disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. Wait about 10 minutes, reconnect and you should be good to go.

[@Joe-kx7bl]

Thanks man

[@OverlandOrange]

@@Joe-kx7bl Did it work?

[@sledheadmcgee]

@@OverlandOrange yup I disconnected it for about ten seconds and all fixed.

[@DiaperSNiFFER]

@@OverlandOrangeyes but I had to get a tool 🔧 to get it removed…

[@raychen2900]

Well it's a Defender, it'll do well sitting on your driveway defending your garage.

[@booster222jc]

I love this Defender. The look, the features the history but unfortunately it will never be reliable. Could you imagine if you took it off road regularly? The new Lexus GX 550 would be the best replacement. While it doesn't look quite as good or unique it still looks pretty darn good and is just as capable off road. Put a set of custom wheels and tires on it to help with the looks and rest assure your family is in a safe, capable and reliable vehicle.

[@DenisDamulira23]

So sad. I wanted one so bad as well since my dad had one back in the 90's. Too bad they're unreliable while expensive vs say the Ford Bronco etc.

[@nimlil]

The ratios with power steering is quicker then when vehicles didn’t have power steering, so it was much easier to turn the wheel back in the day, but you had to turn the wheel almost twice as much for the same turn. So it wasn’t as hard to turn the wheel as what you are experiencing. Having to take a new vehicle in 3 times in 10,000 miles for major issues is crazy.

[@robertdevoy3119]

Plus, back then the steering wheel was much larger for more leverage.

[@alexk7286]

my girlfriend at the time thought a new 19 evoque would be a good daily after 3 times in the shop in 8 months (one major transmission). I told her time to trade in. the 19 acura rdx is still around! but the Range Rover and Girlfriend are long gone😂

[@valz2167]

😂😂😂 👍

[@thadlm2698]

😂😅

[@MisterMikeTexas]

Which do you miss?

[@alexk7286]

@@MisterMikeTexas neither 🤣

[@souly25life]

Same thing happened to me in the first 3,000 miles. I disconnected the battery for a few minutes and it fixed it hasn’t happened again yet.

[@vincentlee9954]

Scotty: That's a endless money pit car 😂

[@gideonighodalo3476]

Hahaha 😂

[@volvo_3877]

If you can afford the repairs why not

[@vincentlee9954]

@volvo_3877 why waste money every 2000 miles lol

[@volvo_3877]

@@vincentlee9954Because if you're rich you don't care

[@vincentlee9954]

@volvo_3877 I think your rich so u don't care lol.

[@lakeishaturner9847]

As a car guy, im surprised you own these unreliable cars.

[@jjhforever]

he bought it for his wife. I bet he just doesn't care or have too much money laying around

[@yeahman1975]

It creates some great KZbin content

[@Belfran]

@@jjhforeveryou're right, I can't see someone having these issues and laughing about it, not only downtime, money wasted but, the angst of not knowing what's next

[@Dr.Moshiur]

its just a way to make more content

[@benniewalker312]

I literally traded in my Range Rover Evoque for a Subaru Ascent. Had the Range Rover for 5 years and a half years. In and out of service center at least 6 times a year. The repairs kept going up the depreciation kept going down. Had the Subaru for 5 years. Nothing but regular oil changes and tire rotations and I can still get a good chunk of the purchase price back in a trade in or sell. I can’t ever see myself going back to a JLR product.

[@cwazyeurodrivr]

There is a new software update out for this issue; updates are for the body control module, power control module, and ECU for this issue...This is NOT a LR issue. This VF issue, that makes the electric-assisted steering rack for Land Rover and other manufacturers....

[@BertShackleford]

Every Land Rover sale should come with a two year supply of your preferred coffee. You may be asking yourself. _Why?_ Simple. You will be spending a lot of time sitting in the dealership lobby while waiting for repairs. Might as well be coherent while they attempt to address these failures. Lest you doze off and miss some vital information. Sadly, and as much as this pains me to say it, but any manufacturer currently owned by Tata Motors is a hard pass in my book. Such a shame too because I always liked the Jaguar F-Type. A Front Engine, RWD roadster with a V8. What's not to love..? I say ditch the Land Rover and swing by ACELA over in Bozeman, MT. You could easily satisfy several necessities with such a unique vehicle. Think of the homesteading potential Benjamin! Nevertheless, I wish you good luck in your endeavor. Stay classy my friend.

[@immers2410]

Nothing to do with Tata. LR has a decades old reputation for making junk cars

[@wizeguiz]

If that was my only vehicle, I would be pissed! I would be getting get rid of it ASAP! Good luck! Cheers!

[@ahaka2022]

without powersteering. just turn it when the car is moving (go forward or reverse first before turning). if it is stationary, it will be hard to turn.

[@johnrichards3666]

You're the last person I would have ever thought would waste their money on a Land Rover. It makes me question everything you've ever said about cars.

[@RRLV434]

It’s his wife’s car not his

[@bantizzle79]

I would sell that car right before the warranty is going to expire

[@sledheadmcgee]

That goes without saying. Most of us are covered for 8-10 years

[@mustang9549]

I’ve had my 2013 Chevy Malibu since 2015 and I’ve had to tow it once….get rid of that brick bro.

[@OleKr.Ytterhaug]

Hi Ben, when i was in the army here in Norway in the late ‘70 s,they had purchased a lot of Land Rovers. They kept braking down all the time when used in snow or offroad,diffs,transfer cases,trannys and so. The Units that where supposed to use these then got the Dodge 3/4 ton army trucks from WW2 ( 1944) They never broke down,you had to shoot them to stop these.😊 Good Luck ! Ole

[@chrisberry1502]

Hi, I got one of your dodge trucks (WC62) after you sold them on, complete with a supply of condoms (all out of date) and some norwegian tobacco hidden in a false panel in the under seat boxes..... ! It seems you had a good time in them.

[@scottshelley7668]

I was reading up on this after watching your most recent video and people on the forums are saying it has to do with an update not loading because of poor cell service etc. As people have mentioned here, disconnecting the battery and reconnecting seems to solve the problem Being the owner of a bunch of older analog cars, I am prepping myself for this tech problem solving.

[@johnyota131]

Owning a 2023 Tundra all I hear is how old gen was more reliable. *Knocks on wood* but I have 17k miles on my current one and have yet to have any issues. I've had recalls, but none that have given me problems. I stand by Toyota!

[@johnkirbymobileautoelectri4321]

I have always had land rovers. Now running a 2008 l322 with 263,000 miles. In the last three years I have changed the two front air bags, both MAF and on third battery Batteries don't last long with me because of the jump starts I do. If you maintain these vehicles they will look after you. I started working on these when I was 15 years old. I'm now 58. Not doing the maths lol

[@richardsimms251]

My father drove Land Rovers in the 1950’s and 1960’s and they were in the garage all the time. RS. Canada

[@jake05sti]

So after my 2011 LR4 had a catastrophic water pump failure on the highway at 58k miles, I obviously had to be towed to the dealership. The car shut down as I was coasting down the off ramp. I was given a disco sport with 120 miles on as a loaner, the power steering failed as I was leaving the dealership… in the loaner car. That is the true Land Rover owner experience.

[@johnwebb2232]

that is a beautiful vehicle, no doubt , but that damb reliability issue is a pain in the ass. makes me love my 2016 4runner trail even more.

[@damham5689]

What was the outside temp when coolant was low ? Years ago I drove to work a 1972 Ford Maverick ( the car ) v8 auto trans for 3 months during the winter without a radiator.

[@sworks7124]

Hey Ben does the snorkel and roof rack cause alot of wind noise?

[@waynegallo7002]

Get rid of it Land Rover are not dependable at all.

[@rafaeloreirorodriguez5278]

That is why I keep my old Defender 300tdi. Well maintained is reliable as a toyota well 99,9%. Since 2004 had only 2 problems, a loosen inter cooler hoose and a loosen oil hoose due to clamps. Not any mechanical nightmare. Almost forgot that vehicle on the vid shouldn’t be called a defender instead nutellender.

[@PKDesigns2011]

doesn't matter what badge is on the vehicle for ya to have headaches within such low miles it's just messed up ... fun to watch ya get a second workout lol but messed up ...

[@autonomous9031]

I have owned 2 of them. I will 100% honest, they were absolutely the 2 worst most unreliable vehicles I have ever had. Purchased brand new and one of them lost a large piece of trim on the highway in the way home straight from the dealer showroom. They are beautiful and makes you feel prestigious, but Never again.

[@jonwilson8178]

Was seriously considering one of these. Gutted hoped the reliability had improved

[@michaelbowie9593]

Never had a problem driving vehicles with or without power steering. However, I have a deeper question for you. Are the defenders built in other countries as unreliable as the defenders in the U.S.? Thanks for any comments you may have.

[@rickrice8102]

Sorry to hear that man. I'm surprised that with all the vehicle reviews you do and how you stay on top of auto industry trends you seem to acquire some of the least reliable vehicles ;)

[@BenHardyCars]

It’s too much fun

[@MichihiroHonda]

​@@BenHardyCars how can anyone trust your reviews if you actually thought that purchasing this piece of crap was a good idea. 🤔

[@MercOne]

Do you not understand that a simple car review doesn’t have anything to do with reliability? A road test or drive around the block is really all he does. He can’t tell you anything about reliability unless he owns it, like here.

[@MichihiroHonda]

@@MercOne these cars have a terrible reputation for reliability and build quality though. He should've known better. And reliability should be part of a car review.

[@MercOne]

@@MichihiroHonda Nonsensical. You can’t assess reliability is a test drive. No magazine, outlet or publication does this. You have to keep a car long term to know anything concerning reliability. He drives around the block, it isn’t even a review. Do you understand what CR or Car and Driver does when they actually keep or buy a car? His “reviews” are not that. He did know this about Land Rover products. It’s his choice.

[@oldcargeezer]

Well, l've had my Defender 90 for 14 months and it's used all day every day in my business. l've had no issues whatsoever with it. Either l got a good one or you got a bad one. l feel your pain though, l would have got rid of mine by now if it had let me down like yours has.

[@willito1211]

Ben, you have a baby and wife driving this car. Come on, get them a reliable car that assures you that you will not get a call from your wife that something is wrong

[@omardevonlittle3817]

The new Lexus SUVs are out Ben.... Get her a boughee version of the 4runner she loved.

[@wallbangerzsports]

2008 Honda Odyssey will never let you down

[@ejohnson3131]

@@wallbangerzsportsThose things are solid tanks! I watched a video of a stolen Honda Odyssey being chased by the cops. They crashed it, drove it on bare wheels and that thing kept going!

[@mandog4966]

land rover *fart noise*

[@elizabethwonders]

I agree! Please get your wife and child a reliable vehicle. I know the Defender is cool, but not reliable at all. 😢 There are soo many computers in it, soo there is bound to be lots of errors, codes and loaner vehicles in your future. The Honda Odyssey, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sienna, etc…are much better options. ❤😊

[@beavisbutthead2058]

Trade this in for sequoia trd pro in solar octane color but I do like color on that defender :)

[@timothypatenaude2350]

Best off road right? Keeping the tow truck drivers busy!

[@kylechellino2579]

The exploder package! What do ya know!

[@Eliehbk]

I'm sorry for you, Ben. But you should know better than all of us, you review cars daily, that's what you get when you buy Land Rover!

[@illinoistiger8694]

We've been thinking about a Defender for several months. Videos like this and the TFL video is what scares us away from Land Rover. We are 20 miles from a dealership, and we occasionally take our vehicles to hunting camps that are probably an hour or more from the nearest LR dealer (not to mention where a standard tow truck would really struggle).

[@BocaAtractivo82]

My first time driving (learning) a car was when power steering was not standard - it was a late 90's Toyota Corolla and positively gave my arms/shoulders a workout

[@VinylTherapy]

Too bad, it’s a beautiful vehicle. My 4Runner is 3+ years old and the only time it sees the dealership is for oil changes.

[@jimhill3546]

"If it ain't leakin', it ain't runnin'"...Land Rover Discovery😵‍💫

[@jeromerusselldemusicologist]

In the voice of Scott Kilmer "Get A Toyota"___ Should have kept the 4Runner

[@BillYT27]

You’re not super concerned because you own numerous cars. Funny how Land Rover owners are so willing to forgive an overrated manufacturer. Why? Because you love the prestige of saying you own a Land Rover?

[@mdcollins3806]

You know better than this…You are in the car industry. The reliability of these vehicles are way worse then the even bad reliability problems of all the other manufacturers. I hope you don’t plan on keeping this after the warranty expires…

[@gilbertferguson1685]

Dump it Ben. Not worth the hassle. You have other vehicles to drive. Take care.

[@selebalotsiu7139]

I once drove about 100km due to leakage of power steering oil. At first I called a breakdown truck to carry the vehicle but later realized I could refill the resevoir at intervals until I complete my journey. On straight road it was fine

[@geocam007]

For me, Defender has an awesome look for its category. It looks rugged but in reality it fails in reliability. I really wanted this one as my future off road vehicle but I will definitely need a vehicle that can bring me back home after an off road adventure. GX550 is next on the list.

[@d3m1g0d4]

Could your fan belt be torn?

[@renekoesler4704]

I love LR, but they are often in failure mode! You can't trust the stupid thing to get you there or back!

[@loriengle3197]

It’s just the beginning and won’t stop. We turned in our 2017 Land Rover Sport 4 months early. The engineer couldn’t figure it out. Mine was engine, auto stop start, struts, molding on driver door and on and on. I loved the vehicle if it wasn’t at the dealership more than normal. I’d have them buy it back.

[@leonana11]

This is a known issue on LR forum. They should start a recall on it ASAP. What an irresponsible brand.

[@guillermoislas8122]

You are doing wrong mate, I have a 2020 P400 X, I have it on 33” tires and 45K miles, I drive it from Houston to Colorado ski resorts every winter, went to many off-road events and it has been absolutely fantastic with “0” issues, never had anything wrong with it, with the only exception been the windnoice on the passenger side windshield post, it was replaced under warranty.

[@cnawinston]

Being one of those "old guys" who has driven lots of vehicles without power steering, I don't think I'd have the kind of issue that you had. Regular steering, while harder, was definitely something that you get used to. If all of the other vehicle functions were working, driving w/o power steering wouldn't bother me at all.

[@JS-xn3dq]

It is a big deal even if it is covered under warranty - it takes time and is inconvenient!

[@mzimm460]

Please show me how you get your leg up to that first step on the side. I’ll pay to see

[@jamesray3920]

Did you check your serpentine belt that powers everything 😮

[@Joe-kx7bl]

Thank you for these comments as I just had same problem. Just disconnected battery for five seconds and alls good.

[@dieterwolf9549]

No it was not but don't forget the steering wheels where much larger and the amount of turns from lock to lock was much much higher. So it was never a struggle, however, it was always virtually impossible to turn the wheel while the car was not moving.

[@Davek111]

It baffled me to watch him try and turn the wheels while sitting still. The ignorance is amazing when hearing him talk about how that was so difficult.

[@ejohnson3131]

If this were any other car, I would say you’re slandering for views and subscribers, but because it’s a Land Rover, I’ll give you a pass!

[@KenKahan-n2m]

All you have to do is type in Toyota Highlander or Ford or Honda and the same kind of complaints exist. Ther are model years of all cars that you can look up that are more trouble prone. I'm on my second Land Rover. The first 89 Range Rover I bought used had 100000 miles on it and I sold it at 300000 miles with virtually no problems. I then bought a 2008 sport SC certified that had a few problems under warranty like most cars but since virtually no problems at 111000 miles. Talk to people with Jeep Wranglers, Wow! Anyway, get the car you love and just take care of it without abuse.

[@jeffreyscott4564]

I love Land Rovers but the inevitable breakdown is unacceptable On my 2023 90, the power steering failed, took it to the LR shop, they did a software update, (2hours in the shop) then a few weeks later the power steering went out again. I traded the car.

[@jackhglass]

I think its just bad luck because my mom has a 2023 land rover defender 130 first edition with the p400 engine with around 7,000 miles and its great, the build quality is super solid and hasn't had any issues what-so-ever.

[@gonzlaw72]

My new Defender had this exact same issue 3 times in the first 3,000 mikes. I’ve never called for roadside assistance. Instead, just disconnect the negative battery terminal for a few minutes, then reconnect it. Problem solved. No, we shouldn’t have to deal with this. But I’d rather do a quick fix on-scene and then have the dealer take a look at my next scheduled service. Plus, I love the truck overall. So capable, good looking, and great to drive.

[@truth959]

I'm surprised you bought one. This is what Landrover is famous for.

[@Tahvyy]

😌 aahhh the mountains 🏔, if this happens a 3rd time I’d get a different Land Rover.🤔

[@dalefrolander3583]

Cars are all about 1000 lbs heavier than they were back in the day. My 1988 Chevy beretta medium sized car weighed between a current Fiat 500 and a mini cooper.

[@anthony.m.lamotta2337]

All Land Rovers should come with a 5yr full coverage warranty, no questions asked. Also with 5 yr tow coverage.

[@landl190372]

Surrounded by ice and snow, gives Land Rover thanks that it was able to get home on low coolant due to broken coolant lines? If that had happened to you in the Australian wilderness between towns, it could have killed you. This is a vehicle that is supposed to deal with extremes. Any fault in day-to-day operation in normal conditions should be unacceptable. This is supposedly what the high price is guaranteeing.

[@kildare1773]

Lovely vehicle. Unfortunate it gives problems

[@brianwinkler8183]

Good news, the new Land Cruiser should be out soon. Half joking aside, I want to like the Defender as it's a looker and has a functional, minimalist interior in a tasteful way. I hope you all the best in the meantime.

[@hollywood1340]

Anyone else see Clarkson trying to justify a car in a cheap car challenge?

[@mareugellen]

First the Bronco and now the Land rover. Bro, just go with Toyota

[@charlesharrell3643]

Land Rover does “simple” fairly well (think early Series Land Rovers and Defenders). Where they struggle is with “complicated” like your new Defender.

[@thereviewer571]

They are awesome looking and yet I won’t buy one cause they are all in the shop all the time. You could never really take this off road. It would leave you stranded.

[@George-cp2eh]

i love the view in front of your house lol

[@p47rr]

The most reliable part on a Land Rover is the check engine light. It’s all most all ways on.

[@Ken-h9r]

😂😂😂

[@lealak613]

That is junk, I’m not paying and planning to get one, it annoying for new suv

[@jodensmith5093]

Power steering wasn’t a thing back in the day and this there was no power steering mechanics or gears or pump to work against. It’s harder pushing against the wheels plus the gears for the power steering than just the wheels.

[@gt8674]

I wanted to purchase this exact 1 same color as well .. i see they say disconnect neg battery terminals.. also i wanted a atlas cross sport but i didn’t.. wow man we like same cars .. SMH did u trade it

[@andrewbaker7854]

I have just looked at a reliability survey and Audi and Mercedes were ranked as more unreliable than Land Rover...

[@videomdify]

The steering is easier to turn while the car is moving and gets stiff when turning when the car is stationary.

[@Dorkbike]

I would love to own a 110, but multiple power steering failures around 10k miles? What is this, 1980's? Thanks for sharing these ownership issues. Under warranty or not, this is a big red flag and cause of mass Defender recall if prevalent. This thing looks great with unique styling and with great interior, unfortunately that's not worth the price tag. I think there's a good reason I've been seeing a decent amount of these on the used market.

[@richarddickinson7788]

All vehicles can have a bad run with some, I bought a 200 series Landcruiser new and in 12 months it nearly fell to bits, cracked chassis, stuffed transmission, stuffed turbo just to name a few of the issues. Got rid of it and driving a Nissan at present but thinking of getting a new Defender, I’ve been following them for awhile and 99% of owners have had no problems and love them. The thing with any vehicle is that if something goes wrong owners get pissed off and post negative comments about them, but owners rarely post positive comments when they are happy, this gives everyone the false idea that a vehicle is a lemon.

[@conorforbes3642]

All car brands can be unreliable...I wonder what the real statistics are...is it the brand or is it related to where the components come from and where it is assembled...is there a reliability index related to avtual country of manufactur...lots of brands outsource to other countries

[@Reko_89]

Sigh, so sad. I love my Defender and I’ve had to get the coolant topped off once and a few speakers replaced which was my fault. I have had odd issues with my power steering leaning towards one side with I park it with the wheel all the way turned and leaving it like that overnight it’ll pull to one side a bit until it’s shut off and re started but yes, the computers are an issue with these vehicles…..

[@jell551]

Only when I see other videos do they talk about the defects of the Rover as the worst SUVs, if you are happy with that car it is because you have money, at first I thought it was your Bronco, I don't know if it's the resemblance.

[@lordrayden3045]

“I’m not upset” Well that’s the problem, for a new car, this is just unacceptable.

[@ronaldbryant7710]

The Land Rover has the best looking luxury SUV’s on the market inside and outside, however they are a mechanical nightmare and piece of junk. I would buy one ever, I see to many where I live broke down and in the shop.

[@SuperTipsLLCs35]

I don't think land rovers and range rover aren't that reliable

[@geektarded]

“It’s not that bad” 😂 I just ordered a new x-dynamic 110 but I’ve owned jaguars and land rovers for the last 15 years so my expectations are level set 😎

[@timdehoogh8441]

my grandpa drove trucks without power steering and pretty sure we all are spoiled by power steering this should humble you

[@HekimaNash]

Ben, this was a different reveiw honest and real I was impressed. The Land Rover/Range Rover Defender needs repair.

[@Wichard1969]

how about you get that failure in the middle of the dessert or jungle. Instead of your home garage? would you be pissed?

[@utahagentz]

I have a 2006 LR3 210k miles, no issues