In this paper, the nonlinear resonance characteristics of a dual-rotor system are investigated with the consideration of a local defect on the inter-shaft bearing of the system. A simplified model of the dual-rotor system is proposed by considering that there is a local defect on the inner ring of inter-shaft bearing. The local defect is modelled as an inverted isosceles trapezoidal groove, which can make great influence on the inter-shaft bearing force due to the change of radial clearance of the inter-shaft bearing. The motion equations of the dual-rotor system are formulated by using the Lagrange equation. The Runge-Kutta method is employed to solve the motion equation. The amplitude-frequency response curve of the dual-rotor system is obtained, the abnormal resonance characteristics are analyzed. In addition, the influence of defect parameters, rotors and support parameters and inter-shaft bearing parameters on the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the system are discussed. The results show that there are two main resonance peaks and four abnormal resonance peaks on the amplitude-frequency response curve of the dual-rotor with a local defect on the inner ring of the inter-shaft bearing. Through analyzing the vibration response of the abnormal resonance peaks, it is found that the first two abnormal resonances are caused by the combined resonance, which are related to the inner ring fault and the rotational speed of high or low pressure rotors, and the last two resonances are caused by the induced resonance of the inner ring fault. At the same time, when the parameters of defect, rotors and support and inter-shaft bearing change, the resonance of the system also shows the corresponding change law.