I took mine back to the dealer, and I was able to replicate the problem. I handed them the key and made them try it. They had the same problem we all do, and even set off the alarm a few times trying to show me I was wrong. Finally they just shrugged and handed me the key back. "Oh well, nothing we can do". SOOOOO frustrating! I wish there was a way to escalate the issue.

 

Could it be due to lack of or slow connection to battery power when our Defender is in a sleep state or powered down for some time between drives. It certainly does not have the same issue when we exit the car after a drive. Strange issue indeed. Hope an OTA update fixes it.

 

I sell Defenders and 7 out of 10 have this problem and in addition quite a few customers tell me that after they manage to get in to there Defender there Key is not recognized and the message comes up on there display asking them to place the key near the steering column just to start it as well. This will most likely be a recall as it should be. I think what ever module sends the unlock signal is the problem , because you can see the light on the passenger door light up every time you push the unlock button, however, the door does not unlock. So the vehicle is getting its input , but not responding correctly.

 

I am having the same issue. The first trip to the dealer they replaced the battery. The second trip they could not replicate the problem. Given the size of the remote you would think it would be powerful to recognize me pushing the button regardless of how close I was to the door.....frustrating. Compounded by not one software update since we got the car in October. Just venting again. I appreciate the opportunity to vent.

 

You are describing the exact issues that I'm having. Do you think the recall will require a trip to the dealership or just a software update?

 

On the general subject of keyless entry I mentioned I would try to order a new Activity Key. I had reasoned if it was on my wrist I would never see unlock issues. My dealer checked it out with the technical folks from the UK . The information my dealer received stated that 2020 model defenders even with the wireless remote ARE NOT capable of using the new activity key. They are missing a module of some sort. So once again saved from myself.

‘My keyless entry performance is quite acceptable but there are times when I need to squarely face the car. Most times the key fob is in my upper jacket pocket or pants pocket. There doesn’t seem to be any difference in performance. I had not previously noticed it until reading through this thread but yes the car locks always even if facing away. As a side note my last vehicle was a RAM 1500 and the touch sensitive door handle interfered with the push button locking on the handle. I for one am happy with the plain old button on the handle but I get the irritation at it not working when one is standing there.

I might try an experiment with using the key fob to unlock to test its consistency.

 

I'm having the same problem...the drivers door will lock when pushing the button, but it will not unlock using the button.

Has this issue been solved yet?

 

I had the same problem. On my 3rd trip to the dealer they were able to replicate the problem. They reached out to Land Rover HQ were told to relocate the keyless entry receiver to left side B pillar from its location on the right side of the vehicle. It appears to have solved the problem. I hope this helps

 

seems like a pretty extreme change. Can’t imagine it’s wired for that.

I can reliably unlock with the door button, IF I HAVE THE KEY IN MY HAND THAT IS UNLOCKING THE DOOR, which pretty much makes the whole “keyless entry” a farce.

 

this just doesn’t make sense for a solution...the driver door will lock, but it won’t unlock...with the receiver in the same position. There has to be another solution