What are the most common Land Rover Defender problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2016 Land Rover Defender has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: MT82 Gearbox Rear Output-Shaft Spline Fretting (Loss of Drive), Rear Crossmember & Chassis Rot (Salt-Belt Corrosion), Brake Vacuum Pump Front Oil Seal Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Land Rover Defender reliable?
The 2016 Land Rover Defender has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: MT82 Gearbox Rear Output-Shaft Spline Fretting (Loss of Drive) and Rear Crossmember & Chassis Rot (Salt-Belt Corrosion). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Land Rover Defender problems?
Repair costs for known Land Rover Defender issues range from $120 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, MT82 Gearbox Rear Output-Shaft Spline Fretting (Loss of Drive), typically costs $600-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2016 Land Rover Defender MT82 Gearbox Rear Output-Shaft Spline Fretting (Loss of Drive)?
The Ford-sourced MT82 6-speed (fitted to every Puma) has a notorious dry spline where the rear output shaft mates into the LT230 transfer box. Because that spline runs effectively unlubricated, it 'frets' and wears away exactly like the earlier LT77/R380 mainshaft splines, eventu… Repairs typically run $600-$2,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2016 Land Rover Defender Rear Crossmember & Chassis Rot (Salt-Belt Corrosion)?
The Puma kept a painted (not galvanised) steel ladder chassis, and the rear crossmember is the first thing to rot — it boxes water and mud around the towing/rear-body mounts and rusts from the inside out, often hidden under undseal. The chassis outriggers, rear inner wings and fu… Repairs typically run $350-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2016 Land Rover Defender Brake Vacuum Pump Front Oil Seal Leak?
The camshaft-driven tandem vacuum/fuel pump that supplies the brake servo has a front oil seal that hardens and leaks. Dirt ingress past the pump pulley seal damages the lip, and engine oil then weeps out — owners chase a mystery oil leak/oil consumption down the left side of the… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2016 Land Rover Defender Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC) Clutch Hydraulic Failure?
The Puma's MT82 uses a concentric slave cylinder (CSC) — the hydraulic release bearing lives inside the bellhousing around the gearbox input shaft. Its internal seal fails progressively, leaking clutch fluid internally with no external puddle, so the biting point drops toward the… Repairs typically run $500-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2016 Land Rover Defender DPF / EGR / VNT Turbo Carbon-Choke (2.2 EU5 Emissions Trio)?
The Euro 5 2.2 added a DPF, and the EGR/DPF/variable-vane turbo behave as one interlinked system that clogs with soot on short-trip, low-speed use. A carboned EGR dumps extra soot into the DPF, the DPF blocks and forces failed regens (diesel washes into the sump and the oil level… Repairs typically run $300-$1,600. Severity: medium.
