There’s an active thread on Reddit with many V8 owners reporting the last two days that they are getting a gear box fault error message and can’t get above 2nd gear after the most recent OTA update, which includes some supposed shifting optimization for V8s. Everyone who’s had it has had their vehicle picked up by a flatbed. Based on anecdotal reports so far it MAY be affecting 2024 and newer only. I’ve got a 2023 but trying to hold the update off if I can.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NewDefender/s/K4nWUqBspz


Edit: I'm also gathering data points on if this is happening on 2023 and older here in this thread. Only one 2023/older owner has reported running the update and they did not have the problem. I have a 2023 so hoping (somewhat irrationally) that this is only impacting newer models.

 

I can conform this with my vehicle (2024 Defender V8). Updated on Thurs night and error for gearbox fault on first start Friday. Need to contact JLR and dealership I guess now.

Flatbed to dealer today ….. service writer has other V8 P500 waiting inline for same issue.

 

Geez! that is not good. I hope they fix it soon.

 

Land Rover is going to get sued if this stuff is happening on out of warranty vehicles.

I would certainly raise bloody hell. (Mine is out of warranty now ...)

 

Currently away but will let you know when I get home if this affects the OCTA V8 as well.

 

Have you tried disconnecting the battery for a few minutes to reboot the truck?

 

I'm not yet having the issue (have not run update) but someone on that thread reported they did the negative terminal disconnect and it did not work.

 

Just as another date point, 2023 110 V8 here, did the update on 1/8/26 and no issues driving. May be true that it is only affecting 2024/2025.

 

I guess I could show the picture of them flat towing my wife's V8 this AM. I did the update Thursday night and when going to leave the next morning I got the gearbox fault and a CEL. Trying driving and it would not upshift.

Just got a call from the service manager and it seems this is happening all over the world on V8's after the update. Supposedly they are working overtime to rectify - supposedly only on the V8's....

My wife's is a 2024.

 

It amazes me they didn't catch this glitch before releasing it worldwide. Don't they have some 24/25 V8s at the factory to test these updates in a controlled environment?... I wonder if the '26 models out there had to call for flat beds as well. Not good for the low reliability picture JLR is so hard trying to reverse. My '25 Range Rover P530 SE with the beamer engine has been flawless.