This is just the way of dealers generally. Much like others have experienced with fixable engine issues, the dealers first preference is to just replace the whole thing then dive into meticulous troubleshooting. This is why it's important as any long term LR owner to find a good trusted Indy whom will do the dirty work

 

So I heard back from the dealer that the switch failed so they've ordered a new one -- I'll make sure to have the heating element itself tested, as well. More to come!

 

Unfortunately I just jumped in the same boat.
My AC went out 3 months ago, Just got my MY23.5 back last week, due to parts on backorder, to find out my heated steering wheel no longer functions, a mysterious torx screw left in my cup holder and a nice, very noticeable rattle under my dash on the left side.

 

My 2023 130 has been in the shop for 2 weeks after the transmission overheated. They’re supposed to replace the thermostatic valve and another related part, but it’s waiting for backordered parts as well. Currently paying out of pocket for a rental car.

I believe if it’s out of service for 30 cumulative days I can lemon law it.

 

I had the same issue 6 months into the new ownership of my 2021 p400 110. In the heat of summer the engine would start to rev really high and then warning lights to pull over immediately and contact dealer would flash. The thermostatic valve was replaced within 2 days, luckily my dearship provides rental cars for warranty work. I strongly feel this is a known defect with the defender.

 

Could you get the part from a vehicle breakers (or parting as l think it's called in the USA)

ln the U.K. there's several recycling companies breaking/parting Defenders.

 

Dropped mine off this morning to get it fixed. My service advisor told me that it is most likely the heating element and that they'll have to order a new steering wheel, which might take a while. At least I got a nicely-specced D5 to drive around instead of an Evoque.

 

My steering wheel heater get super hot, super quick. I've never had a real reason to use it yet. I've accidently turned it on twice, which is how I know it gets hot. I'm assuming quick because I really don't know when it was turned it but once I notice it's getting warmer it quickly gets hot.

 

I just got my 2020 110S back. After trying to change the switch, they ended up replacing the entire steering wheel after going through a series of checks and tests for open circuits, error etc, thankfully under warranty, as the cost was about $4,000 between parts and labor. It heats up nicely now. It is not as hot as my previous Range Rovers, but I suspect the temperature profile (for lack of a better term) has been lowered. They gave me a 2024 Discovery as a loaner, and the temperature was the same in both cars.

Would I have paid $4,000 out of pocket to repair this? No, it's not worth that to me. I'm grateful I found it weeks before the original warranty ran out.

 

The Defender is fairly new to the Canadian market and most cars haven't been trashed yet so used parts that actually still function are almost nonexistent. I suspect the majority of cars driven here are leased and returned to dealerships hence, the lack of aftermarket services.