Ianh wrote:

I too would be very reticent in knowingly purchasing a defender that is subject to the recall notice, even if the catch brackets had been fitted. Noting the brackets don’t prevent the axle snapping, just endeavour to reduce the severity of the repercussions of the failure.

However if a failure did occur at speed during a lane change etc on a motorway then their is a risk that a major incident will happen. I doubt if LR have tested that scenario.

It’s one thing to risk your own health, but knowing putting loved ones I.e children etc at risk, even if you deem it a small risk is a big call. Imagine having a conversation with your wife re how much you want a defender, however this one has a known safety issue and you and the children could get injured or die, but there is only a small chance that will happen. So I decided to buy it!!!

Hence I resonate with the decision to look for a defender not subject to the recall, or buying one and replacing with a friction welded axle. Noting even if outside the recall I would (have) fitted catch brackets to a mig welded axle.