Recall 23V137 affects 812 2023 Land Rover Defender SUVs for a rear seatback latch defect. Repair is free at any franchised Land Rover dealer.
Land Rover is recalling 812 2023 Defender 130 SUVs equipped with third-row seats because the third-row seatback latch can fail to latch properly. That reduces the strength of a child seat attached to the top tether and increases injury risk in a crash; Land Rover dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The third-row seatback latch in the 2023 Land Rover Defender is the hardware that locks the rear seatback in place. When that seat is used with a child seat, the top tether depends on the seatback structure staying locked so the child seat stays properly supported.
On affected Defender vehicles with third-row seats, the latch does not always catch as designed. If the latch is not fully engaged, the seatback has less strength for a child seat attached to the top tether. That reduces how firmly the child seat is held during a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The concern is with latch engagement, so an owner should not rely on noise, movement, or a visible change to know whether the third-row seatback latch is secure.
Who's affected?
Both listed components trace to the rear seat base in the third row, where the child-seat tether anchor is part of the scope.
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | Vehicle tether anchor |
|---|---|
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 812 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 Land Rover Defender is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A weakened child seat frame can keep the seat from restraining an occupant properly during a crash, increasing injury risk. If your VIN is included, avoid using the third row child seat position until inspection and repair are complete. Repair is free at any franchised Land Rover dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 Land Rover Defender is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the free third-row seat inspection and seat-frame repair that addresses the child-seat tether concern.
- Bring the recall notice if Land Rover mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V137 and Land Rover recall N768 when you call.
- Avoid using the third-row top tether for a child seat until the dealer completes the inspection and any needed repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Land Rover technician checks the third-row seat back latch operation. If the latch works correctly, no further action is needed. If it does not latch properly, the technician replaces the seat frame and associated components. The inspection, parts, and labor are free under recall 23V137. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through Jaguar Land Rover's new vehicle warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, since the affected vehicles are still under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 2, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 16, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 16, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 24, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 28, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 28, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V137?
Recall 23V137 covers 812 2023 Land Rover Defender 130 vehicles with third-row seats. The third-row seatback latch can fail to latch properly, reducing the strength of a child seat attached to the top tether. Land Rover dealers will inspect and replace the seat frame and components for free.
What should I do if my 2023 Land Rover Defender is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Defender is included in recall 23V137. If it is, contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the third-row seat inspection and any needed seat-frame or component replacement. Reference recall number 23V137 or Land Rover recall N768 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Land Rover dealers will inspect and replace the affected third-row seat frame and components free of charge. The repair applies even if you bought the vehicle used.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to child-seat restraint strength in the third row. If the seatback latch is not properly latched, a child seat attached to the top tether can have reduced strength during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the child-seat occupant.
When were owners notified about recall 23V137?
Land Rover mailed owner notification letters on April 24, 2023. If you never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Land Rover dealer with recall number 23V137 or Land Rover recall N768.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V137000 |
|---|---|
| Land Rover customer service | 1-800-637-6837 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V137 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V137000 |
Source documents
-
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 Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →