Headlight failure (led ring/DRL)
TReK
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,767
Likes: 1,979
From: Pacific NW
@AVLDefender Ha! Not my private garage -- it's a warehouse / car guy setup in Portland where about 20-25 guys park the fun stuff to keep it out of sight from the significant others, etc. Usually there's a Land Rover or two in there (usually mine but 2 others have Defenders or oldies they've rotated in).
Overlanding
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 24
Likes: 19
Both of mine went out last year, within a couple of months of each other. The first - driver side - failed at 49K miles so was still replaced under warranty,, the passenger side was on my dime, though. Dealer gave me a $4k quote to replace it, even though my warranty has expired just weeks before. Typical Land Rover dealer goodwill that we all love. I found a used one in excellent conditions on eBay for about $800 and replaced it myself in 15 minutes, still a lot of dough for a single headlamp but it felt like a gift by comparison, and luckily it's a plug and play part, no coding or programming required if it comes from another vehicle. Been over a year and so far both of then are still working, but I am not hopeful for the long term based on my experience.
If anyone wants to match the burned out halo on their driver's side headlamp, I have an otherwise perfectly functional passenger side with burned out halo still in my garage, free of charge (only the half-moon headlamp halo is out by the way, somehow the two turn signal "square halos" are still working.) 😉
If anyone wants to match the burned out halo on their driver's side headlamp, I have an otherwise perfectly functional passenger side with burned out halo still in my garage, free of charge (only the half-moon headlamp halo is out by the way, somehow the two turn signal "square halos" are still working.) 😉
So, it appears you have the matching headlight for my current situation!
Mudding
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 151
Likes: 63
I bought my 2020 from a local used car dealer specializing in foreign cars. Two weeks after purchase I realized that neither DRL worked. I let the dealer know and they ordered the replacement module circuit board that costs $25 (https://www.antparts.com/products/la...ht-drl-module/).
After researching the process of opening the headlight to replace the faulty module, I was not sure they knew what they were getting into. However, they were confident they could fix it. They knocked it out without any issues. I was out the door with two working DRLs in just under 5hrs at no charge.
This aftermarket chip is not supposed to get as hot, making it last longer. I’ll keep this thread updated on the longevity.
After researching the process of opening the headlight to replace the faulty module, I was not sure they knew what they were getting into. However, they were confident they could fix it. They knocked it out without any issues. I was out the door with two working DRLs in just under 5hrs at no charge.
This aftermarket chip is not supposed to get as hot, making it last longer. I’ll keep this thread updated on the longevity.
Three Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 17
Our passenger side ring went out last April, took about 5 months to get another head light under warranty. Really annoying.
Our drivers side ring went out Thursday, stopped by LR yesterday. They said they'd let us know when they could get one. So my surprise, they just called and have one. Appointment is set for this Wednesday to replace. I don't know how they got it so fast, don't really care. Very happy... Hopefully it's new.
Our 4 year warranty runs out in September, not looking forward to the possibility of it happening after it expires. Hard to believe we've had our Defender almost 4 years already. Really the only issue we've had with it.
Our drivers side ring went out Thursday, stopped by LR yesterday. They said they'd let us know when they could get one. So my surprise, they just called and have one. Appointment is set for this Wednesday to replace. I don't know how they got it so fast, don't really care. Very happy... Hopefully it's new.
Our 4 year warranty runs out in September, not looking forward to the possibility of it happening after it expires. Hard to believe we've had our Defender almost 4 years already. Really the only issue we've had with it.
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
UK 2020 defender with same issue
l've asked the question on the U.K. forum and nobody has responded to say their "halo" DRL has failed.
l have to say, l've not heard of these failures over here in the U.K.
l will report back if anyone responds. l wonder if it only happens on the LHD version although l can't see how that could be the case as it's only the headlamp beam pattern that's different.
The Halo LED's are the same.
l have to say, l've not heard of these failures over here in the U.K.
l will report back if anyone responds. l wonder if it only happens on the LHD version although l can't see how that could be the case as it's only the headlamp beam pattern that's different.
The Halo LED's are the same.
my 2020 Defender has same problem Passenger side (RHD) halo and squares not working. Main headlamp is fine and 2 small squares come on when I unlock then go off after a few seconds.
no OEM on market and LR dealer cost for new head light sealed unit is £1600…very expensive now arguing about whether it’s covered in extended warranty!
I just got my car back yesterday after a second headlight replacement for the LED DRL. Now both headlights are new and hopefully they won't be problematic. My dealer hasn't had any replacement headlight failures.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I am dealing with the same issue right now. I have a 2021 Defender 110. The right halo went out at 30,000 miles and was replaced under warranty. The left is now out (60,000 miles and out of warranty). They have quoted me over $5,000 to fix it. This so outrageous, despite loving the car, I am now going to sell it and go with another brand. I can't imagine charging that much for a headlight.