2021 Land Rover Defender: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Lights · MA

The signature halo LED ring on the front headlight stopped working and has now failed completely, impairing headlight performance. Land Rover previously replaced one of these units when under warranty, but now refuse to fix the second one unless privately paid for (I am now out of warranty). This is a known and common issue and is clearly a safety concern and a consequence of a Land Rover design flaw. In my opinion, this should be a safety recall.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Lights · IL

On my 2021 Land Rover Defender 110, the front Daytime Running Light (DRL) halo unit experienced a complete illumination failure due to an internal component defect. Because the LED DRL system is permanently sealed inside the headlamp assembly, replacing the failed light required a complete headlamp replacement costing nearly $3,000 out of pocket. Shortly after this initial repair, the DRL halo unit on the remaining original headlamp assembly experienced the exact same total failure. This is a known pattern defect across 2020–2023 Land Rover Defender models caused by internal heat degradation of the LED components (referenced in JLR Special Service Message SSM 75479). The failure of exterior daytime running lights significantly reduces daytime vehicle visibility to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, creating an unexpected safety hazard. Jaguar Land Rover designed an integrated lighting system where a minor internal LED failure renders the primary safety lighting inoperable and requires a nearly $3,000 unit replacement per side. Given the immediate back-to-back failure of both factory headlamps, this is a dangerous systemic component defect rather than standard wear and tear.

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Lights · ME

I am reporting a severe and known thermal design defect regarding the factory LED headlight assemblies on the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110.The integrated Daytime Running Light (DRL) LED module has completely failed and burned out prematurely on my vehicle (Current mileage: 66,800). This is a well-documented engineering failure across the L663 Defender community, tracked internally by Land Rover under Special Service Message SSM 75479. The internal LED driver chip consistently overheats and destroys itself within the sealed headlight unit.Because this is a sealed component, Land Rover does not offer a replacement bulb or individual electronic module repair. Instead, consumers are forced to replace the entire headlight assembly at a cost of thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, as the vehicle is past its standard factory warranty.This is a critical safety issue. The loss of the daytime running light significantly reduces vehicle visibility to other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists during daytime hours and adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the complete unexpected failure of safety-critical exterior lighting elements creates an unnecessary hazard on public roads.Land Rover is fully aware of this thermal design flaw but has failed to issue a safety recall to update the defective cooling or electrical components within these headlamp assemblies. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this systemic lighting failure and mandate a manufacturer recall to replace these defective units before visibility-related accidents occur.

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Lights · TX

The left headlight daytime running light has died due to a defective chip in the light itself. It may cause a higher chance of a daytime wreck because of reduced visibility. Also, more chance of me getting pulled over for my headlight not working. Apparently it’s a common issue that JLR know about, but won’t do anything. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Special Service Message (SSM) 75479 relates to the premature failure or dimming of the Daytime Running Light (DRL) halo on premium LED headlights, most notably affecting vehicles like the 2020-2023 Land Rover Defender. SSM 75479 acknowledges the internal awareness of this condition for technicians, though it is designated as an informational service message rather than a formal recall.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Lights · GA

Headlight DRL Failure - it's safety issue. this is known issue with defenders but when I contacted local dealer in Atlanta area, they refused to replace it without me paying $3200.

Filed Nov 26, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · PA

The daytime running lights (DRL) have failed in the passenger side. After some quick research, it's apparent that this is a widespread issue with the "Signature" halo lights in the Defender headlamp assembly. Reddit discussion: [XXX] ) Here is a Youtube video showing the issue and "fix". So many people have had this same issue that this guy figured out the problem: [XXX] ) The original warranty would have covered it but my warranty just expired earlier this year and the extended warranty will not cover it. The dealership is telling me that the entire headlamp assembly will need trashed and replaced all because this small "chip" within the unit has failed. The cost to repair is close to $3,000. Seeing that the issue causes the DRL's to fail which could lead to a failed vehicle inspection, the issue should be reported more widely and a recall should be issued. Thank you for your time! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Lights · TX

The halo headlight went out, and I have an extended warranty that supposedly doesn't cover it. After researching, this seems to be a national event. The headlights need to be recalled and the manufacturer needs to be held accountable.

Filed Jun 19, 2025 · Lights · AZ

1. The driver side DAYTIME Running Light has failed as of 1/20/25. 2. Some states require the DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS to be operating. (So, I need to replace this headlamp.) 3. Three auto repair companies have confirmed the DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS are not operating and the entire headlight will need to be replaced. 4. No warning lights are available for the Daytime Running Lights. I found the issue while observing the front headlights of the Defender. 5. The issue is that I have been told by 3 different auto repair companies that numerous Defenders have the same issue. The Daytime Running Lights have failed and the entire Head Lamp has to be replaced. 6. The auto techs say this seems to be a BAD SUPPLY CHAIN and the issue should be addressed by Land Rover. This is due to so many Defenders having the same issue. 7. In addition, I was told by every auto company that the passenger side DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT would be going bad anyday because these headlamps are a problem on Defenders. 8. Land Rover has told me I will have to pay around $4,000 and up to $5,000 to have Land Rover replace the entire HEAD LAMP that has failed on many 2021, 2022, and 2023 Defenders. 9. This is WRONG when Land Rover Defenders have so many Daytime Running Lights Head Lamps going out. There is a BAD SUPPLY CHAIN problem I believe just like the auto techs have told me. 10. I firmly believe some Defenders owners don't even know their Daytime Running Lights are out. It takes you actually checking out the front of your vehicle and noticing the head lamps. (Also, some owners just have the head lamp replaced and write the check.) Please help me with Land Rover replacing this headlamp with a headlamp that doesn't have issues. Land Rover North America should be held responsible for this common Daytime Running Light problem.

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Lights · NM

The passenger side headlight is malfunctioning. The halo and outer bulbs do not come on which disables the daylight running lights and reduces the effectiveness of the headlight at night. There is no warning light or message indicating the failure. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer’s dealer and they confirmed that the headlight is faulty. I feel like this issue should be repaired by the manufacturer and at their expense. My research has shown that this is a common issue in this vehicle and is reason for a recall.

Filed Nov 5, 2023 · Lights · ME

Headlamps are faulty. Replaced the drivers side at almost the end of the 49k miles and after about another 900 miles, the passenger side went out. There is a defect with these lights and they’re back ordered through the UK. Police have told me that I have a headlight out and there is nothing I can do about this.

Filed Sep 22, 2023 · Lights · NM

This vehicle has been at the dealership for six weeks waiting on both headlamp replacements. Daytime running lights do not function. Intermittent headlamp function.