Land Rover

Defender 90

Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · model years 1994 to 2026

See all 15 Defender 90 trims All Land Rover cars

The verdict

Best year: 2024. complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 1995. complaints: 3, this model typically has none on file; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Land Rover Defender 90
Year	Trims	MPG	HP	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	Top complaints
1994	1Gas	13	no data	$5,950	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
1995	1Gas	13	no data	$5,950	0	3	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 33%, POWER TRAIN 33%
complaints: 3, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 40 of 100, where higher is better.
1997	1Gas	13	no data	$5,950	0	3	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33%, EXTERIOR LIGHTING 33%, STRUCTURE 33%
complaints: 3, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 40 of 100, where higher is better.
2020	1Gas	19	300	$4,050	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2021	1Gas	19	300	$4,050	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2022	2Gas	17.5	413	$4,425	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2023	2Gas	17.5	413	$4,425	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2024	2Gas	17.5	413	$4,425	0	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2025	2Gas	17.5	413	$4,750	2	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 2, this model typically has none on file Score: 65 of 100, where higher is better.
2026	2Gas	17.5	no data	$4,750	3	0	no data
complaints: 0, this model typically has none on file recalls: 3, this model typically has none on file Score: 55 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median1994: 13 to 2026: 17.5

Owner complaints1994: 0 to 2026: 0

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Land Rover Defender 90 to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.