Recall 23V789 covers 121 2023 Land Rover Defender TRek-modified vehicles with improperly reinstalled brake calipers. Repair is free at franchised Land Rover dealers.
Land Rover is recalling 121 2023 Defender vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition because brake calipers can detach after improper reinstallation. Detached calipers can reduce braking ability and damage a wheel structure, increasing crash risk; Land Rover dealers will inspect and repair the brakes free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The brake caliper on the 2023 Land Rover Defender is the metal clamp that presses the brake pads against the brake rotor. The brake caliper bolts are critical fasteners that hold that clamp in the correct position at the wheel. When the caliper is mounted correctly, it stays fixed while hydraulic pressure moves the pads to slow the vehicle.
On Defender 130 vehicles modified for the JLR North America 2023 TReK event, the brake calipers were removed and reinstalled during the modification work. The recall says the reinstallation did not follow the published repair procedure. If the bolts are not secured as required, the caliper can loosen and detach from its mounting point instead of staying aligned with the rotor.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver should not count on noise, pedal feel, or a dashboard light to appear before a loose caliper creates a braking problem.
Who's affected?
| 2023 Land Rover Defender | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 121 |
| 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 detached brake caliper can reduce braking ability and damage the wheel structure, increasing the risk of a crash. If braking feels abnormal, stop in a safe place and call a Land Rover dealer before continuing. Schedule the repair soon. 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 brake-caliper reinstallation that secures the calipers so they do not detach.
- Bring the recall notice if Land Rover mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V789 and Land Rover recall N848 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking until the repair is complete, and leave extra stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Land Rover technician reinstalls the brake calipers so they are secured correctly to the vehicle. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket brake caliper work already paid is handled through Land Rover's new vehicle warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because 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
| November 22, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 6, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| December 6, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 18, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 19, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 19, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V789?
Recall 23V789 covers 121 2023 Land Rover Defender vehicles modified for the TRek Off-Road Competition. The brake calipers were not reinstalled properly and can detach, reducing braking ability, damaging the wheel structure, and increasing crash risk. Land Rover dealers will reinstall the brake calipers 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 23V789. If it is, contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the brake-caliper reinstallation. Reference recall 23V789 or Land Rover recall number N848 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Land Rover's remedy says dealers will reinstall the brake calipers free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Land Rover dealer.
Is it safe to drive my Defender before the recall repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect affects braking. Detached brake calipers can reduce braking ability and damage the wheel structure, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN and arrange the free dealer repair before putting more miles on the vehicle.
When were owners notified about recall 23V789?
Land Rover mailed owner letters on January 18, 2024. If you bought the Defender used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the free recall repair applies. You can also call Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837 and reference recall N848.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V789000 |
|---|---|
| Land Rover customer service | 1-800-637-6837 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V789 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V789000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →