How much does a Land Rover Defender D240 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned Defender D240 (204DTD) engine typically costs £3,500–£5,800 supply only. Fitting adds £650–£1,300 at independent specialist rates. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your vehicle.

Is the Land Rover Defender D240 engine reliable?

The 204DTD in the D240 is the single-turbo Ingenium diesel, a 2020–2021 short-run engine. It shares the pre-2019 timing chain tensioner risk profile that has defined the Ingenium D's reputation. Post-2019 revisions reduced failure rates but did not eliminate the risk entirely - buy on chain history.

What are the common problems with the Defender D240?

Timing chain tensioner wear (the defining failure mode), oil dilution from DPF regeneration (urban-use risk), and EGR cooler failure (coolant leaks into the exhaust system). All three are well-documented across the 204DTD family.

Is it worth replacing a Defender D240 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Against a well-kept £25,000 Defender D240, a £4,500 recon is 18% of the car's value - worth it. Against a higher-mileage example, the Land Rover scrap threshold of 60% means replacement remains viable across most D240 values, given the L663's strong residual values.

How do I find my Defender D240 engine code?

The engine code 204DTD is listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. The D240 badge was only available 2020–2021 in the L663 Defender, so if your vehicle is a 2020 or early 2021 L663 diesel, it's almost certainly a 204DTD. Tell us your registration and we'll confirm for free.

Can I repair the 204DTD timing chain, or does it need replacement?

Yes - if caught early. A preventative chain replacement (£1,200–£2,500) is far cheaper than a catastrophic chain snap (£3,500–£5,800 engine replacement). At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately.

Land Rover Defender D2402020–2021204DTD 2.0 Diesel

Land Rover Defender D240 Engine Replacement - Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Land Rover Defender D240 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: LandRoverEngine.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK Land Rover Defender D240 specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used 204DTD 2.0 diesel engines - supply & fit available nationwide.

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Defender D240 Engines - from £2,000 to £7,000Engine code: 204DTD (2020–2021)

Defender D240 Engines - from £2,000 to £7,000· Engine code: 204DTD (2020–2021)

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

ERA MAP

The DEFENDER D240 THROUGH TIME - Era Map

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

L663

2020–2021204DTD (single-turbo)★★★☆☆ [PROVISIONAL - see Data Note]£3,500–£5,800 [EM-QUOTE]Short-run single-turbo Ingenium diesel - replaced by AJ20D6 in 2021

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

REPLACEMENT COSTS

Land Rover Defender D240 Engine Replacement Costs

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£2,000–£3,500£2,650–£4,4101–6 monthsBudget priority; short-term ownership

Reconditioned Engine£3,500–£5,800£4,500–£7,10012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£4,800–£7,000£5,900–£8,30012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£7,500–£11,000£9,000–£13,00024–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect the current L663 Defender D240 204DTD generation. This badge was only available 2020–2021, so no older-generation variance applies.

Labour estimate: Fitting a Defender D240 engine typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). [EM-QUOTE]

→ Compare Defender D240 engine prices from UK specialists

COMMON PROBLEMS

Common Problems

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure (Pre-2019 Ingenium D)

Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, engine warning light, loss of power, metallic noises from the front of the engine.

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles

Repair cost: £1,200–£2,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Replacement cost: £3,500–£5,800 (catastrophic failure) [EM-QUOTE]

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The Ingenium D timing chain tensioner is the single biggest reliability concern on the 204DTD. While the L663 Defender's 2020–2021 production run benefited from post-2019 revisions, this risk is not eliminated - it is merely reduced. Any cold-start rattle from a D240 must be investigated immediately. A £1,200–£2,500 preventative chain replacement is dramatically cheaper than a £3,500+ engine replacement.

Learn more

2. Oil Dilution From DPF Regeneration

Symptoms: Rising oil level on dipstick, diesel smell in oil, DPF warning light, reduced fuel economy.

Typical mileage: Any mileage - urban-use pattern dependent

Repair cost: £150–£350 (oil change + forced regeneration) [EM-QUOTE]

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently if oil level is rising

Our recommendation:

The 204DTD's DPF regeneration cycle can push unburnt fuel past the piston rings into the sump, diluting the engine oil and reducing its lubricating properties. This is a particular risk on vehicles used primarily for short urban journeys. Regular oil changes (6,000-mile intervals rather than JLR's extended schedule) and occasional motorway runs are the most effective prevention. If the oil level is rising on the dipstick, book an oil change and DPF inspection immediately.

Learn more

3. EGR Cooler Failure

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, white exhaust smoke, occasional burning smell, engine warning light.

Typical mileage: Any mileage

Repair cost: £500–£1,200 [EM-QUOTE]

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently if coolant is disappearing

Our recommendation:

EGR cooler failure is a known issue across the Ingenium diesel family, including the 204DTD in the L663 Defender. Coolant leaks into the exhaust system can lead to overheating and, if ignored, cylinder head damage. The EGR cooler itself is a replaceable component (£500–£1,200), and there have been JLR service actions covering certain VIN ranges. Check your vehicle's service history for any recall or goodwill work.

Learn more

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REPAIR OR REPLACE

Defender D240 - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every engine has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

REPAIR OR REPLACE

Defender D240 - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every engine has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseCold-start timing chain rattle (204DTD)✅ Yes£1,200–£2,500Preventative - catches the fault before it becomes catastrophicOil dilution from DPF regeneration✅ Yes£150–£350Routine maintenance; oil change + forced regenEGR cooler coolant leak✅ Yes£500–£1,200Straightforward fix if caught before overheatingSnapped timing chain❌ Usually NoEngine replacementPiston-valve contact means little is left to repairInjector failure⚠️ Sometimes£300–£800 per injectorViable on individual injectors; all-four failure often prompts replacement evaluation

Buying This Defender D240? Check These First

Buy If

Documented timing chain history (proof of tensioner inspection or replacement)
Confirmed oil change intervals at 6,000 miles or less (not JLR's extended schedule)
Full service history with specialist attention, not just main dealer stamps
Urban-use history with regular motorway runs to clear the DPF

Avoid If

Cold-start rattle with no chain history - this is the defining failure mode
No proof of regular oil changes (oil dilution risk)
Service history gaps or long intervals (12,000+ miles between oil changes)
Engine warning light with no diagnosis - the 204DTD can hide expensive faults

Closing Verdict

The Defender D240's 204DTD is a capable, torquey engine that suits the L663 platform well - but it belongs to the pre-2019 Ingenium family that earned a reputation for timing chain tensioner failures. Post-2019 revisions reduced but did not eliminate the risk. This badge's 2020–2021 production window means every D240 is affected by the same design era; buy on chain history, not on low mileage alone.

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BUYING CHECKLIST

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Land Rover Defender D240 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start

Listen for rattle lasting 1–30 seconds (timing chain warning, 204DTD)

Service History

Including oil change intervals (6,000 miles recommended, not 12,000+)

Smoke Check

White smoke on startup can indicate EGR coolant leak

Turbo/Boost Check

Test acceleration; any lag, hesitation, or whistling?

DPF Regeneration

Check history; short journeys accelerate wear on all diesel Ingenium units

Oil Consumption

Does it use more than 1L per 1,000 miles? Rising oil level is equally concerning

Engine Warning Light

Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?

MOT History

Check for emissions-related failures (DPF, EGR, NOx sensors)

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common pitfalls.

ENGINE CODES

Engine Codes

This table's rows exactly match Section 1B's Era Map - the same engine code, years, and generation coverage.

204DTD (D240)

Years2020–2021

Power240 bhp

2025 Enquiries1,150 (all 204DTD variants - JLR-wide) [EM-VERIFIED]

Avg. Recon Cost£3,500–£5,800 [EM-QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

204DTD (D240)2020–2021240 bhp1,150 (all 204DTD variants - JLR-wide) [EM-VERIFIED]£3,500–£5,800 [EM-QUOTE]

Technical Specs

204DTD

Displacement1,999cc

Cylinders4-cylinder inline

Compression Ratio15.5:1

Fuel SystemCommon-rail direct injection

TurbochargerSingle-turbo with variable geometry (VGT)

→ Compare Defender D240 engine prices for your Land Rover

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MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Timing chain tensioner wear

45%

of 204DTD/D240 enquiries cite chain concerns

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

68,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£4,500

reconditioned, supply only

[EM-QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

204DTD (D240 variant)

1,150

JLR-wide

[EM-VERIFIED]

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter

cold starts expose timing chain wear on Ingenium diesels

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East21%

London19%

North West14%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

19%London

21%South East

FAQ

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty - always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

TRUST & PROOF

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Trusted D240 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Defender owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across every engine variant from the 204DTD to the latest D350 and P530.
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see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. Our independent comparison service gives you the full market picture in minutes.
UK Engine Replacement Services for D240
supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering the L663 Defender D240 2020–2021 204DTD, with 12 vetted Land Rover specialists at your fingertips.

Find the best Land Rover Defender D240 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence - from £2,000 for a used engine to £7,000 for a rebuilt unit, we have options for every budget.

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No hidden fees

No Obligation

Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available