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Defender problems

71K views 18 replies 13 participants last post by  AZMiner  
#1 ·
I have drove a defender xt Cab HD 10 for the last year. It has a lot of cool features to it. The bad thing is it didn't make it a full year. I've had nothing but problems. I've had to rebuild the motor replaced the clutches. Plus tons of other stuff. I paid 25k for the machine in 1 year I had to put over 6k into it. I would say it lacks on power, the dust coming into the cab is horrible. Worst purchase I've ever made. I'm just being honest please don't ban me.
 
#2 ·
Do you have any pictures and receipts of repairs in this machine? All you do is get on here, whine then say, "please don't ban me." I'm really starting to wonder if you are just a polaris troll.

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#3 ·
No I don't whine. This machine is not a good investment. I bought one. I know a dozen other guys that bought them all of us have had nothing but problems, and can am will do nothing. I'm just simply letting people know my experience with the one I bought. I'll post receipts tomorrow
 

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#4 ·
Curious why you rebuilt the motor. Was it the top end or bottom (bearings, rings/pistons, rotating assembly?). Also, what was wrong with the clutch. Details..
 
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#5 · (Edited)
How about mileage pics? Also didn't you say that it had 8000 miles? How is your exhaust still shiny? He said on a different post that it sucked in dirt.

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#9 ·
They won't recognize that it's a faulty system. Even though most all other machines and companies have changed from this type of system. The placement of the air intake clutch intake are both in horrible places
 
#10 ·
Update. I took my defender out for a little ride 2 days ago, my motor started cutting out. Its acting just like before. When I took it in and the motor was bad I haven't put 300 miles on the rebuilt motor. As soon as I get the info from the dealer I will update you.
 
#12 ·
I'm new here, I am looking now to buy A 2020 DEFENDER PRO XT10 MAINLY CUZ OF THE HUGE BOX ON IT FOR RANCH PURPOSES BUT READING THE problems about the dust scares me. I hav dust mammy! Anyway I hav a 2012 4500 mile RZR Xp900 That I'm having terrible problems with Polaris rebuilding engine and bearing codes that impossible to remedy, want to make a change from that brand. I thought Can Am sure had good rep so why not try them. I know of no other brand with big a box as that except Mahindra and that scares me. Any thoughts???
 
#15 ·
I'm new here, I am looking now to buy A 2020 DEFENDER PRO XT10 MAINLY CUZ OF THE HUGE BOX ON IT FOR RANCH PURPOSES BUT READING THE problems about the dust scares me. I hav dust mammy! Anyway I hav a 2012 4500 mile RZR Xp900 That I'm having terrible problems with Polaris rebuilding engine and bearing codes that impossible to remedy, want to make a change from that brand. I thought Can Am sure had good rep so why not try them. I know of no other brand with big a box as that except Mahindra and that scares me. Any thoughts???
I have a 2017 can am defender that I use for guiding and on my farm, as of today I have 11,789 miles on it. its been a great machine, all I do is keep the oil changed. I had a Polaris ranger before this one, was descent but started giving me problems. Dealer wasn’t worth a ****. Which cost me a lot of money. I feel the can am is a much supior machine!
 
#13 ·
Don’t listen to this Guy, these machines are built on the name of ruggedness and Quaility. There is a guy on this site that has put on 20,000 miles and says it’s still running strong. Maybe buddy has a lemon. But you hardly ever hear of issues.
 
#16 ·
Looks like you have had a lot of problems with your defender. I had a 2019 xt hd 10 and now a 2021 limited. I havent put 8000 miles and either of them and I haven't had problems either . The 2019 does let more heat and dust in. The 2021 rides cool even with the ac off and no dust comes in. The 2021 is also quieter. No doubt they will all break down if you push them hard over rough terain
 
#19 ·
If you are going to ride in a dusty area and run the machine hard, I recommend a High Lifter snorkel with pre-filter and a double (and oiled) main filter. I run a 2019 HD10 Max XT and it is used at high altitude at a mine operation in Arizona. The clutch and belts and engine will suffer from dust ingestion quickly. The air filters (all of them) are very poorly located and suitable for a boulevard queen at best. The machines are strong but keep the air clean. I rebuilt my engine for more power using a big bore 1040 cc kit from MrRPM in N. Carolina - phenomenal shop and gobs of experience. Was worth shipping the motor. Also installed Maverick heads and cams then had Airdam Clutches of Vicksburg, MS rebuild the clutch to match the conditions and environment where this machine is used - altitude, steep dusty rock terrain and heavy loads of people, gear, transfer tank fuel and trailers. Both shops are to my experience, infinitely more capable, affordable and knowledgable about these machines and how to make them work better and longer and do so still be less expensive than my local dealer that is best suited as a drive through oil-change outfit. Mine mostly lives in the low gear range so speed is not a concern but these shops can tailer the build (motor & clutch) for high performance or low end sustained heavy work. I highly recommend at least filter cleaning before every outing if it is a recreationally used machine and if in a dusty environment, especially silica rock dust vs. mud dust, a snorkel and pre-filter with a OEM main box filter to get the intake away from what is churned-up by the wheels under the bed. The clutch, in such environments/usage, should best be removed, cleaned and inspected every 4K - 5K miles paying attention to the bushings on the weights and flat-spot wear on the primary rollers. Can Am must surely be able to design, even as an option, better air filtration for the motor, tranny and clutch - will keep the belt cooler as well.
 
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