The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word IMPEDIMENTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
I
M
P
E
D
I
M
E
N
T
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "defects" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case defects = impediments.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does IMPEDIMENTS mean?
IMPEDIMENTS noun- A hindrance; that which impedes or obstructs progress.
- A disability, especially one affecting the hearing or speech.
- (chiefly in the plural) Baggage, especially that of an army; impedimenta.