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I recently had the LED ring and squares on the passenger side fail. The dealership ordered a replacement headlight and replaced it (took a month). It was replaced on Tuesday. Now 2 days later the driver's side has had the same thing happen. I'm hoping this is just a software issue rather than it actually being the headlight. Seems to coincidental. Only saving grace is this has happened under warranty.
This thread along with the 2 PowerfulUK videos (grille removal and headlight disassembly) helped me greatly. It took almost no time to remove the front grille & trim and the entire headlight. Where it took time was separating the actual headlight from the lens. That took me about 2 hours. I was determined not to break anything or warp the lens by yanking on it, so I took my sweet time cutting the adhesive and eventually used pry tools to help me separate it. Also, cleaning out all the adhesive took time but a major cheatcode is to use linoleum tools like in the photo attached which worked very well.
Here are some thoughts:
- You don't have to remove the large heatsink on the back of the headlight. Functionally that does nothing for access. If you want to get it out of the way while you remove the lens it's easy to put back on.
- If you have the washer jets, you can easily detach the hose. Either clamp it or keep it pointed up or it will just continue to pour out washer fluid.
- Rubberized work gloves are good for when you're working on the lens separation.
- Separating the harness to the front grille is all about the grey notch on the back of the harness. You have to retract it, then push down to get the harness to separate.
My main observation after getting it all back together is the LED chip I got from PowerfulIK seems *slightly* dimmer than the one that comes in the Defender headlight. Nothing to worry about though and you'll eventually forget. I used the caulk strip in the photo below and will report back in a couple months if vapor appears or not.
Last edited by exit1200; Aug 30, 2025 at 09:57 PM.
Yup. I have an appointment on the 25th for replacement. The dealer questioned it initially asking are you sure nothing hit it? If you did it's an insurance claim not a warranty claim... maybe it's cracked or broken as these things don't typically just stop working. I said no nothing hit this, this is almost surely electronics. I said I've already had rear tail lights stop working on this vehicle like six months ago that you fixed and said it was a controller not the physical lights.
I'm thinking to myself you're kidding with me right? this is a Land Rover. lol Umm, yes things that typically don't stop working for no apparent reason actually do just stop working. So when I brought it in (keep in mind it's several weeks to get a service appointment) they took a look while I waited, dropped the bumper, chased wires and finally said it needs a new headlight which will take probably a month or more to get. Ok. A week later I get a call and they have the part which is cool of course but the closest service appointment when I can leave it is you guessed it a few more weeks away. So we'll see how that goes.
What I worry about now is they ordered the light but perhaps aren't really sure what's wrong and if this 'controller' piece isn't built-into it (maybe it is) then replacement might not even fix it. In the grand scheme of things it's covered under warranty but it's like how many times do you want to go back and forth for various issues? Half the issues I've had they haven't been able to pin down and fix yet , there's other ones like the a-pillar crackle that I'd have to be retired or a masochist to have enough time on my hands to bring back and forth to the dealership while they guess at how to fix it over the course of months not weeks. I didn't pay this much money so I can start working a 'third' job. I have enough crap on my schedule as it is. The other thing I worry about now after reading your post is after they replace the one side even if that works then the other side might start acting up. Ugh I do hope I've traded it in by then.
One good thing about the issue is the halo and the signature DRL are out but the center light inside the halo does work at night so I probably won't get pulled over but if I do then I have the appointment confirmation email printed up to hopefully avoid a ticket. fwiw
I recently had the LED ring and squares on the passenger side fail. The dealership ordered a replacement headlight and replaced it (took a month). It was replaced on Tuesday. Now 2 days later the driver's side has had the same thing happen. I'm hoping this is just a software issue rather than it actually being the headlight. Seems to coincidental. Only saving grace is this has happened under warranty.
Has anyone else had this issue.
Having the same problem, just a week after the dealership had the truck in w/ some "sensors" recall and software issues. waiting to have it looked at. hopefully is just another software issue.
Dealer replaced my headlight assembly under warranty last week and it has been good so far. I went two months with the DRL and Halo off in total which was a real drag but these are the times we live in, parts are tough to get, service appointments take several weeks to get (one to figure out what's wrong and another appointment to replace it) plus a loaner if you need one also factors in.
Dealer replaced my headlight assembly under warranty last week and it has been good so far. I went two months with the DRL and Halo off in total which was a real drag but these are the times we live in, parts are tough to get, service appointments take several weeks to get (one to figure out what's wrong and another appointment to replace it) plus a loaner if you need one also factors in.
indeed. Let’s wait and see... as for now i have a scheduled an appointment for next week . 🤞🏽 Thank you.
Did you get this solved? His is it holding up? Just noticed my headlight on the driver side have the same issue.
Hello there. It has unfortunately taken since Sept when the part was ordered by the Land Rover dealership until now ( Jan ) for the part to arrive. I finally have a scheduled appointment next week for the installation. I Have noticed more models w/ the same issue. Fortunately it was just the “Halo” which went out . I was still able to use the headlight.
Hello there. It has unfortunately taken since Sept when the part was ordered by the Land Rover dealership until now ( Jan ) for the part to arrive. I finally have a scheduled appointment next week for the installation. I Have noticed more models w/ the same issue. Fortunately it was just the “Halo” which went out . I was still able to use the headlight.
Wow. That’s a long time. Hope my dealer can get it sooner. I will bring it in on Tuesday. I can too use the headlight but just wished there was a way to turn off the drl, instead of driving a one-eyed defender. That’s embarrassing.
Wow. That’s a long time. Hope my dealer can get it sooner. I will bring it in on Tuesday. I can too use the headlight but just wished there was a way to turn off the drl, instead of driving a one-eyed defender. That’s embarrassing.
yeah I felt the same way initially , but since I have noticed so many vehicles on the roads w/ just one headlight , it didnt feel so weird after all. Good luck hopefully you dont have to wait so long.
Headlight failure (led ring/DRL)
