Owners have filed 18 complaints
about the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2015 compares with every other Land Rover Discovery Sport
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
844.4%
Median failure at 62,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
316.7%
Other & Unspecified
211.1%
Median failure at 43,009 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
211.1%
Median failure at 59,000 miles
Seat Belts
15.6%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
15.6%
Brakes
15.6%
Median failure at 40,040 miles
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2018peak 2May 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20181808,104 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in areas of heavy road salt usage during winter months (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador), the bolts that attach the power steering gear assist motor to the gear housing may corrode and fracture. This could allow the power steering gear assist motor to move, causing the belt to slip which could result in a loss of power steering assist. A loss of power steering assist would require additional steering effort which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the aluminum mounting bolts with coated steel bolts and will apply a corrosion-preventative sealer around the gear housing and connecting bolts. If a bolt is found to be broken or breaks during the course of the repair, a replacement steering gear will be installed.
Recall 20164071,551 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the transmission wire harness connections may have been improperly crimped. This could cause an unexpected shift to neutral which could result in a loss of motive power, which in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions may increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the transmission serial number and, if required, update vehicle software to initiate "limp home mode" where the condition is detected.
Recall 20162002,575 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The rear license plate lamp housing may fall out and fail to illuminate the license plate properly as required by the standard. Correction: Dealers will replace both rear license plate lamp housings with an updated version.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Springfield, IL
ENGINE
sudden engine death while driving, no warning, timing chain failure, engine destruction
NHTSA complaint #11735375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansing, MI
ENGINE
I see the NHTSA has issued a recall against Ford 2.0L Ecoboost engines for sudden loss of power. This model of Land Rover Discovery Sport also has the same engine in it. I experience this problem with my vehicle, at low speed and when cresting hills at highway speed of 45-55mph. is there anyway this recall can be expanded to include Land Rover? I can be reached at [XXX] if you have any questions regarding the validity of my statement. My name is [XXX] . Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11725406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westmoreland, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Difficulties will filling tank with gas spewing back out. I have to constantly check and fill take extremely slow taking 15-20 minutes to fill vehicle up.
NHTSA complaint #11598812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Lake, IL
ENGINE
Turbo failure
NHTSA complaint #11569675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Lake, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Turbo failure
NHTSA complaint #11569675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ENGINE
I received my vehicle back from a technician at Pep Boys following a test drive aimed at further evaluating the need for an alignment while in operation. The technician subsequently advised me that my vehicle required new tires and an alignment. However, my vehicle entered a reduced-power mode after driving approximately two miles. Consequently, the vehicle was subsequently towed back to Pep Boys. Despite the efforts of multiple Pep Boys technicians, the root cause of the issue remained elusive. In recognition of their initial involvement, Pep Boys arranged for the vehicle to be transported to the nearest Land Rover service center. Approximately twenty days later, Land Rover's assessment revealed that the timing chain had fractured. Land Rover confirmed that the timing chain was the sole component that had suffered damage. In response, I elected to have my vehicle towed to a more highly-rated automotive facility accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where a thorough inspection determined that the vehicle necessitated a new engine. This assessment also raised concerns that the timing chain had prematurely failed or that Land Rover technicians may have deliberately manipulated the timing chain to inflate repair costs. It is noteworthy that no engine warning lights were illuminated throughout this ordeal, the vehicle received punctual and high-grade oil changes, and there were no discernible knocking sounds. It is imperative to underscore that the vehicle was returned to me in a running condition following the service performed by the Pep Boys technician. Given these circumstances, it is evident that the timing chain issue remains unresolved, and I believe that Land Rover should assume full responsibility for the necessary repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11549569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bountiful, UT
ENGINE
Intake Camshaft Variable Cam Timing Actuator failed while driving. Vehicle engine stopped running, I had to make an emergency stop on the freeway. Vehicle had a check engine light on when stopped. Vehicle was inspected at an independent shop and it was determined that the Intake Camshaft Variable Cam Timing Actuator failed and needed to be replaced along with the associated cam drive components.
NHTSA complaint #11469265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allen, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
So I was driving down after getting gas and all of a sudden the check engine light came up. I went to the nearby auto shop and they told me that it was a P0299 Turbo/Super Charger Underboost error and that this was a very common occurrence on my 2015 model.
NHTSA complaint #11461902 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, MI
POWER TRAIN
I (for the first time) have experienced a broken timing chain on a 80000 km (49000 mile) well maintained engine. I think that there was a recall on Land Rover timing chains for the 2011 to 2014 models; however, I have a 2015 Discovery Sport. After calling the Land Rover dealership here in Windsor, Ontario, they had told me that “things happen” and it's not covered. If a customer does their part (ie. changes oil), and a relatively new engine falls apart internally (out of the customers control), this is a reliability issue. If I maintain my brakes by changing pads and rotors but the hydraulics fail and I kill someone or die “things happen”? Fortunately, I had the timing chain snap just after making a left turn across 2 oncoming lanes of traffic. If it had broken during the turn, maybe I wouldn't be around/able to bring attention to this. No dash lights had come on to indicate there was an issue with the car prior to the breakdown. There are hundreds of posts about these timing chains online where I and several others were put at potential risk...then left to pay out of pocket to fix an issue that is most likely not ours. Hopefully this gets to as many people as possible and avoids a future accident.
NHTSA complaint #11437376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Windsor, MI
ENGINE
I (for the first time) have experienced a broken timing chain on a 80000 km (49000 mile) well maintained engine. I think that there was a recall on Land Rover timing chains for the 2011 to 2014 models; however, I have a 2015 Discovery Sport. After calling the Land Rover dealership here in Windsor, Ontario, they had told me that “things happen” and it's not covered. If a customer does their part (ie. changes oil), and a relatively new engine falls apart internally (out of the customers control), this is a reliability issue. If I maintain my brakes by changing pads and rotors but the hydraulics fail and I kill someone or die “things happen”? Fortunately, I had the timing chain snap just after making a left turn across 2 oncoming lanes of traffic. If it had broken during the turn, maybe I wouldn't be around/able to bring attention to this. No dash lights had come on to indicate there was an issue with the car prior to the breakdown. There are hundreds of posts about these timing chains online where I and several others were put at potential risk...then left to pay out of pocket to fix an issue that is most likely not ours. Hopefully this gets to as many people as possible and avoids a future accident.
NHTSA complaint #11437376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,040 milesMiami, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE LINE (RIGHT FRONT) EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING, CAR ALMOST LOST ALL BRAKING CAPABILITY (OTHER THAN E BRAKE)
NHTSA complaint #11377064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesRosedale, MD
ENGINE
I NEED ASSISTANCE IN GETTING MY VEHICLE RECALLED. BACK IN MARCH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER SAID THEY RESET THE CODE AND MADE A REPAIR TO THE ENGINE. LAST MONTH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I COULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH COST $11,000.00. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. ATTACHED IS THE REPORT THE DEALER WROTE UP ALSO IT LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS STILL LIKE A NEW CAR OTHER THAN THIS LIGHT ON. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME IF I DRIVE IT THE TRANSMISSION CAN GO UP AT ANY TIME. I PAID $56,000.00 FOR THIS VEHICLE BACK IN 2015. THE DEALER GAVE ME AN APPRAISED AMOUNT OF THE CAR THIS WEEK AND TELLING ME THEY CAN ONLY OFFER ME $17,000.00. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 65,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE GOOGLED TO SEE IF THERE WERE OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE A LOT OF OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO GET ME TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR. I WORKED EXTREMELY HARD TO PAY THIS CAR OFF. I AM IN NO POSITION TO OBTAIN A NEW MONTHLY PAYMENT. I NEED MY VEHICLE FOR WORK. MY JOB REQUIRES ME TO TRAVEL AND WITHOUT MY CAR I COULD POSSIBLY LOOSE MY JOB. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AT YOUR EARLIEST. I WILL ALSO BE SENDING THIS COMPLIANT TO CONGRESS AND EVERY TELEVISION TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
NHTSA complaint #11219985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,009 milesPawcatuck, CT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AS I LEFT THE STORE, I GET TO MY 2015 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT AND USE THE KEYLESS ENTRY AS I USUALLY DO. I GET IN AND CLOSE THE DOOR. I PRESS THE PUSH START BUTTON AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, THREE DIFFERENT WARNING ALARMS ARE GOING OFF. I LOOK AT MY DASH BOARD AND SEE THAT THERE'S A WARNING THE THE CAR ISN'T IN PARK, THEN THAT THE PARKING BRAKE IS NOT ON, THEN I TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON. AFTER THAT IT SEEMED FINE. I REVERSE AND BACK OUT OF MY SPOT. AS I'M TURNING, MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SWINGS OPEN, CAUSING ME TO REACH OUT AND SHUT IT AND IT WOULD NOT SHUT. AFTER PARKING AGAIN, I CONTINUED FOR OVER AN HOUR TO TRY TO GET THE DOOR TO SHUT. THE LATCH WAS NOT RETURNING TO ITS NORMAL POSITION.
NHTSA complaint #11131985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
SEAT BELTS
I HAVE CHANGED 3 DEFERENT WIPERS BUT NO MATTER WHAT TIME I INSTALL IT WILL SKIP IN THE CENTER OF DRIVER SIDE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT MAKE BUZZING NOISE, DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR MAKE BUZZING AND CLICKING NOISE. MAKE CAR HAS ONLY 26000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11099070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raleigh, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I HAVE CHANGED 3 DEFERENT WIPERS BUT NO MATTER WHAT TIME I INSTALL IT WILL SKIP IN THE CENTER OF DRIVER SIDE, DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEAT BELT MAKE BUZZING NOISE, DRIVER DOOR AND PASSENGER DOOR MAKE BUZZING AND CLICKING NOISE. MAKE CAR HAS ONLY 26000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11099070 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel Valley, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON INTERMITTANTLY DESPITE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR BY DEALERSHIP AND ADDRESS ERROR CODES OVER A PERIOD OF OVER 2 YEARS AND OVER 20,000 MILES (MANY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN 10K AND 31K MILES). DEALER MANAGER INDICATED HE WOULD FILE CLAIM WITH DOCUMENTATION TO LAND ROVER, BUT HE HAS NOT RETURNED CALLS THE PAST 3 WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #11090252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carmel Valley, CA
ENGINE
ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON INTERMITTANTLY DESPITE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR BY DEALERSHIP AND ADDRESS ERROR CODES OVER A PERIOD OF OVER 2 YEARS AND OVER 20,000 MILES (MANY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN 10K AND 31K MILES). DEALER MANAGER INDICATED HE WOULD FILE CLAIM WITH DOCUMENTATION TO LAND ROVER, BUT HE HAS NOT RETURNED CALLS THE PAST 3 WEEKS.
NHTSA complaint #11090252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesHoover, AL
POWER TRAIN
CAR SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL UNEXPECTEDLY. WILL BE DRIVING AND CAR WILL SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND FLASH TELLING ME TO SELECT GEAR. CANNOT SELECT GEAR UNTIL I TURN THE CAR OFF AND RE-CRANK IT. HAS HAPPENED TO ME TWICE WHILE DRIVING. THANKFULLY WHEN SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WAITING TO GO. I GIVE THE CAR GAS THEN IT JUST SHIFTS INTO NEUTRAL.
NHTSA complaint #11074321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.