This convinces me to get mud flaps, wheel arches, paint protection film, and these checkered protection things (all available after-market).

 

dj200, I've never seen those checkered things before. Those would certainly help but the area I'm seeing most of it is below that. I'm starting to wonder if the models that don't have this high gloss black finish (Dynamic-X and Model X's) aren't seeing it as much because the matte black plastic isn't chipping. Regardless, I'm seeing it on my actual door where those checkered things are so I'm definitely interested in purchasing.

 

You can find those on Amazon:


Paint Protection Film can be DIY or by a local shop.
I will be matte ”filming” the lower gloss body cladding and the doors on my future X-Dynamic.

 

I have not reached out to JLR. The dealer is about 150 miles away but I was thinking of sending them pics. And I agree with you by assuming the X models would have this issue due to the gloss trim.

 

iceisarock, I will let you know what my JLR dealership's position is as soon as I know

 

Would love to hear if many other people are seeing this issue?

If it was a widespread issue with everyone having their back door and wheel arch covered in mini paint chips i would think we would hear more people complaining about it? That is my hope at least.

 

One would think Ahparke, however, the only 2020 models with the gloss black finish were the X's and these 2021 X-Dynamics are just starting to show up.

 

Good point

 

a different question. Is the defender made of aluminum? If so, does it mean that any paint chips would not lead to corrosion?

 

Yes, the Defender is made of aluminum

While paint chips don't lead to rust, aluminum does still corrode when attacked by salt, acidified water, and other substances (it forms a powdery white residue of aluminum oxide and the part will eventually become weaker).

It's much less of an issue than with a steel body panel, but should still be addressed