Recall 21V424 covers 163 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles with 6-cylinder engines for PCM shutdown and engine stall. Free Land Rover dealer repair.
Land Rover is recalling 163 2020-2021 Defender vehicles with 6-cylinder engines because the powertrain control module can switch off while the vehicle is moving, causing an engine stall with no warning. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash, and Land Rover dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The powertrain control module on 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles with 6-cylinder engines is the computer that manages engine and transmission operation. It reads sensor data, controls engine behavior, and helps keep the drivetrain responding when you press the accelerator or shift. On these Defenders, the recalled component is software inside that control system.
The defect allows the powertrain control module to switch off unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. When that computer shuts down, the engine stalls because the system stops managing the powertrain. The recall filing ties the issue to vehicles where Land Rover software logs showed the condition, not to a separate part an owner can inspect in the driveway.
There is no warning sign before failure. The engine stall happens with no advance warning, so a driver is not given a light, sound, or drivability clue before the powertrain control module switches off.
Who's affected?
The same software part appears across both model years and both listed systems: electrical system software and automatic transmission control.
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | automatic transmission |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | electrical system software |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 163 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash because the vehicle can lose power while underway. There is no warning sign before the stall, so schedule the recall repair soon and treat any unexpected stalling as a reason to stop in a safe place and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Land Rover dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the free software remedy that disables Connected Diagnostic Services and OTA diagnostics to address the PCM shutoff and engine-stall risk.
- Accept the OTA update if Land Rover sends it, or have the dealer complete the software remedy at no charge.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 21V424 and Land Rover recall N599 when you call.
- Call Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Land Rover technician disables Connected Diagnostic Services and the over the air diagnostics function, or Land Rover completes the same disablement through an OTA update. The recall work is free at the dealer now, and parts and labor are covered. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through Land Rover's new vehicle warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the affected vehicles are still under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if prior repair paperwork exists.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 3, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| June 17, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| June 17, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V424?
Recall 21V424 covers 163 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles with 6-cylinder engines. The Powertrain Control Module can unexpectedly switch off while the vehicle is moving, causing an engine stall with no warning. Land Rover will disable Connected Diagnostic Services and OTA diagnostic functions for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Defender is included in recall 21V424. If it is, contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the free repair, or ask whether the OTA update applies to your vehicle. Reference recall number N599 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Land Rover will disable the Connected Diagnostic Services and OTA diagnostic functions free of charge. A franchised Land Rover dealer can complete the repair path if the OTA update does not apply.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine stall while the Defender is in motion. Land Rover reported that the Powertrain Control Module can switch off without warning, and an engine stall can increase crash risk. Confirm the VIN, then arrange the free repair with a Land Rover dealer.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the stall in recall 21V424. Land Rover reported that the Powertrain Control Module can switch off unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving. If your VIN is included, schedule the free repair and call Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837 with questions.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V424000 |
|---|---|
| Land Rover customer service | 1-800-637-6837 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V424 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V424000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →