9 documented faults
Engine & fuel system
3 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Hissing noise from front of vehicle when driving above 25mph (40kph).
All models with 2.2 Diesel engine, 2013-14.
What you'd notice
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P0101-17.
The repair
Poor manufacture of turbocharger (TC) intercooler.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified turbocharger (TC) intercooler.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Turbocharger (TC) intercooler | LR078851 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated.
All models with 2.2 Diesel engine, 2012-15.
What you'd notice
Lack of power.
The repair
Unsatisfactory design of elbow hose between TC intercooler pipe and throttle body allowing air ingress.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified elbow hose.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow hose | LR067644 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.
Poor engine performance.
All models with 2.2 Diesel engine.
What you'd notice
Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Possible trouble code: P0404.
The repair
Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve seized.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Fit new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.
- Access ECM fault memory and erase trouble code.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.
Electrical & ignition
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Unable to turn ignition switch with key.
All models.
What you'd notice
Stiff, jerky ignition switch operation.
The repair
Premature wear of ignition switch.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit new ignition switch.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Ignition switch | LR035359 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.
Alarm/immobilizer will not disarm when using remote control.
All models, VIN 446832-490328.
What you'd notice
Unable to unlock vehicle with remote control.
The repair
Alarm system control module faulty.
Workshop instructions & parts2 parts
Workshop procedure
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Fit new alarm system control module.
- Obtain and reprogram all remote controls using manufacturer's or equivalent diagnostic equipment.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm system control module - models with central locking | LR084666 | 1 |
| Alarm system control module - models without central locking | LR084667 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.
Brakes
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Squeal from rear brakes when braking lightly at 30-50mph (48-80kph).
All models with rear disc brakes, 2005→.
Rear brakes vibrating when brakes applied.
Workshop instructions & parts1 part
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified rear brake pads. Note: When fitting brake pads ensure large chamfer is facing downwards.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Rear brake pad kit | LR032954 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 7.
Clutch & gearbox
2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Hesitation when accelerating after gear changes.
All models with 2.2 Diesel engine, 2012-14.
Engine control module (ECM) software fault.
Workshop instructions
Workshop procedure
- Carry out electrical, mechanical and component tests (as applicable) to eliminate any other possible cause(s).
- If no fault(s) found: Re-program engine control module (ECM) with upgraded software.
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.
Heavy clutch pedal action.
All models with manual transmission, 1999→.
Clutch pedal return spring weak.
Workshop instructions & parts4 parts
Workshop procedure
- Remove and discard clutch pedal return spring.
- Fit modified clutch pedal return spring and bushes.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Clutch pedal return spring | EDP7510L | 1 |
| Bush | DCP3212L | 2 |
| Bush | CLP3180 | 1 |
| Gasket | ANR6332 | 1 |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 8.
Body & trim
1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.
Excessive movement between exterior door handle and door.
All models, 2006→.
Exterior door handle retaining bolts loose.
Workshop instructions & parts2 parts
Workshop procedure
- Fit modified exterior door handle retaining bolts and washers: Remove door trim panel. Fit modified retaining bolts and washers. Tightening torque: 2.5 Nm. Note: Only remove/replace bolts one at a time. Refit door trim panel.
- Repeat procedure for opposite side.
| Part | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Retaining bolt | LR024165 | As required |
| Washer | WC105002 | As required |
Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 9.
Take it with you
Before you view one
Land Rover Defender 2.2 TD4 (2011–2016)
Each documented fault as a quick check for a viewing or test drive — tick them off as you go.
A little workshop vocabulary
Workshop terms used on this page
Definitions for the technical language used in these bulletins.
- MIL
- Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
- ECM
- Engine control module — the car's engine computer
- VIN
- Vehicle identification number — 17 characters, found at the base of the windscreen and on the V5C logbook
- Nm
- Newton-metres — the standard unit for how tightly a bolt is done up
- EGR
- Exhaust gas recirculation — feeds some exhaust gas back into the intake to cut emissions
- TC
- Turbocharger — the exhaust-driven compressor that boosts engine power
- Control Module
- A computer that runs one of the car's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
- Fault Memory
- The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
- Intercooler
- A radiator that cools the air coming out of the turbocharger before it enters the engine
- Re-Program
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- Reprogram
- Update the software on a control module using the manufacturer's diagnostic tool
- Trouble Code
- A standardised fault code stored by a control module, read with a diagnostic tool
- Bushes
- Rubber mountings that let a suspension or body joint move without metal-to-metal contact
- Recirculation
- Air-conditioning mode that recirculates cabin air instead of drawing in outside air
Common questions
Using this guide.
What are the common faults with the Land Rover Defender 2.2 TD4?
Garages and workshops regularly encounter nine documented faults on the Land Rover Defender 2.2 TD4 — three concern the engine and fuel system and two the electrical and ignition. Each fault above lists the symptoms, cause, fix and any parts needed.
Does every Land Rover Defender 2.2 TD4 have these faults?
No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual car. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.
Can I check for Land Rover Defender 2.2 TD4 faults when viewing one?
Many of them, yes — the documented symptoms are things you can see, hear or feel on a viewing or test drive. The 'Before you view one' checklist above turns each documented fault into a quick check you can tick off as you go.