2020-2022 Land Rover Defender Vehicles Plagued by Windshield ‘Defect,’ Class Action Says

New to ClassAction.org? Read our Newswire Disclaimer

A proposed class action alleges 2020-2022 Land Rover Defender models suffer from a defect that can cause a vehicle’s windshield to crack, chip and/or fracture. 

The 46-page complaint says that Defender drivers have reported that their windshields have failed for seemingly no reason at all, while others have reported that their windshield failed or cracked due to circumstances that “would not cause a non-defective windshield to fail,” such as a very slight impact. Accordingly, the case states, the Defender windshields, due to the defect, are “not strong or durable enough to handle normal driving conditions.” 

According to the lawsuit, defendant Jaguar Land Rover North America has refused to repair or replace the windshields under warranty, leaving drivers to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars out of pocket to fix the problem, even if it occurs shortly after they take possession of the vehicle. 

The filing stresses that the apparent Land Rover windshield defect poses an extreme safety hazard to drivers, passengers and pedestrians, especially because having an intact windshield is critical in the event of an accident. From the suit: 

“Moreover, in the event a vehicle is involved in a collision, an intact windshield assists in transferring the force of a front-end impact down to the chassis, which reduces the effect of the impact felt inside the vehicle and helps protect the passengers. However, where a vehicle’s windshield is cracked and then subsequently shatters during a collision, the vehicle occupants are at greater risk of sustaining injuries.  

In addition, the windshield is a vital component of a vehicle’s safety restraint system, which also includes airbags and seatbelts. These safety features, including the windshield, are all part of a safety network. Each individual component of this network is dependent on the others functioning properly.” 

Despite being put on notice about the windshield issue, Jaguar Land Rover North America, the case says, has not recalled affected Defender models, issued bulletins to dealerships about the apparent defect, or offered drivers a suitable repair, much less reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs. 

The lawsuit alleges Land Rover “knew of and concealed” the windshield problem, along with the attendant safety risks and repair costs, from drivers.

The case looks to cover all persons or entities who bought or leased any 2020-2022 Land Rover Defender in the United States. 

Get class action lawsuit news sent to your inbox – sign up for ClassAction.org’s free weekly newsletter here.