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NicoFrance

Member Since: 21 May 2022
Location: Lille
Posts: 4

Precisely, we don’t know the cause. The fire started in the electrical block, as you can see in the photos. There were flames about 40 cm high, which I managed to extinguish quickly, but there had been overheating beforehand with a smell of burning plastic. The fire brigade intervened, but the entire vehicle didn’t catch fire thanks to the swift action.

The expert says the main wiring harness needs to be replaced, but I don’t really understand what that entails. In any case, my insurance will cover the repairs, but I’ll have to pay the deductible, and unfortunately, I don’t have a loaner vehicle. The customer service has been appalling. If this has happened to anyone else, I’d appreciate any insights into how the issue was resolved.

For context, the fire occurred on November 23, and the 3-year warranty expired on August 31… thank you.

7th Jan 2025 1:55pm

Tussun

Member Since: 06 Feb 2025
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 2

Out of interest, is the dc-dc converter only fitted on the mhev defenders? I assume the standard diesel defender won't have one?

6th Feb 2025 12:24pm

lightning

Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 3259

l don't think there is a "standard diesel" L663 Defender. They are all at least a MHEV.

7th Feb 2025 9:24am

Tussun

Member Since: 06 Feb 2025
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 2

I thought MHEV only related to hybrid vehicles, maybe all defenders are some sort hybrid then? The reason I was asking is because I was trying to find out if my 2L diesel has a DC-DC converter fitted, but everything I've read is implying it doesn't.

7th Feb 2025 9:46am

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2750

2l diesels were not MHEV, so i doubt they would have a DC-DC converter as there will be no 48V system.

7th Feb 2025 6:12pm

WizzardPrang

Member Since: 05 Nov 2020
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 177

lightning wrote:
l don't think there is a "standard diesel" L663 Defender. They are all at least a MHEV.

Mine isn't. Early Defenders were pre-MHEV. Current vehicle: 2020 Defender 110S
Gone: Defender 90 HT 200Tdi, Discovery Sport, Freelander 2

Insta: wizzardprang

7th Feb 2025 11:20pm

lightning

Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 3259

l didn't realise the 2 litre wasn't MHEV

ln the long run, when the vehicle gets older l think that will make them more desirable. Although the 3.0 is a superb unit.

l wonder if the MHEV system can be disabled if it fails so the vehicle is used without it.

8th Feb 2025 10:55am

WizzardPrang

Member Since: 05 Nov 2020
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 177

If only.

It all boils down to emissions, even my daughter's Suzuki has something similar.

The MHEV has a combined generator/starter instead of the old school starter motor and I think it's 48V. I reckon there'd be some aftermarket firms who could do some sort of retro-fit if there's a demand in years to come (he says vaguely

). Current vehicle: 2020 Defender 110S
Gone: Defender 90 HT 200Tdi, Discovery Sport, Freelander 2

Insta: wizzardprang

9th Feb 2025 12:05am

NicoFrance

Member Since: 21 May 2022
Location: Lille
Posts: 4

Hi everyone,
I’m based in France and own a Defender 110 (MY 2021) that caught fire while parked in November 2024 — the car had been locked and turned off for several hours.
A technical inspection (in the presence of Land Rover’s own expert) clearly identified an internal electrical fault: a burnt ground wire in the washer relay harness. No misuse, no third-party modifications, no external cause.
Still, Land Rover refuses to acknowledge any responsibility.

They now want to ship the dismantled vehicle to the UK for their own analysis — without any contradictory expertise — even though they could have sent a UK expert to attend one of the two joint inspections already held in France.
It’s been over eight months with no repair, no replacement car, no clear response — just a proposal to buy back the vehicle at market value, not full reimbursement.

I’m currently pursuing legal options, including a cancellation of the sale due to hidden defect, or a full replacement.
Has anyone here gone through something similar with Land Rover? How did it end for you?
Thanks a lot for your feedback.

27th Jul 2025 1:59pm

NicoFrance

Member Since: 21 May 2022
Location: Lille
Posts: 4

lightning wrote:
Sounds like they are just trying to see if there's any way to get out of paying for the repairs. When you say "fire" you mean just a localised burnt out wiring harness?

Any ideas as to what part of the wiring has failed, for instance the MHEV battery or charging circuit?

hi, yes the expert wrote: Cause of the malfunction
We observe the beginning of overheating at the level of connector C1BB03BA of junction box B, and a melting point on one of the ground wires of the power relay for the right and left windshield washer, located on connector C1BB03BA23,
resulting in the outbreak of a fire.
-> So solution proposed by LR so far... still waiting

27th Jul 2025 2:29pm

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