Owners have filed 23 complaints
about the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 28
Against the median year of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 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 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
626.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 81,000 mi
Electrical System
313.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
313.0%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Other & Unspecified
28.7%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control
28.7%
Median failure at 81,000 miles
Body & Structure
28.7%
Median failure at 22,504 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
14.3%
Tires
14.3%
Suspension
14.3%
Median failure at 22,504 miles
Brakes
14.3%
Median failure at 22,504 miles
Steering
14.3%
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.
Jun 2021peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2020 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 202619614,542 units in Canada
High Voltage
Issue: On certain vehicles, the DC/DC converter could fail. As a result, the 12 V battery would not charge and a red "Stop Safely Electrical Fault Detected" warning message would be displayed. If this happens, and you continue to drive the vehicle, there could be a loss of power to the wheels and/or the vehicle's lights could turn off. Note: This recall only affects certain mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEV). Safety Risk: A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Exterior lights that don't work may make the vehicle less visible to others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail. The corrective actions for this recall are under development.
Recall 20215334,056 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the passenger seat belt assemblies may contain defective automatic locking retractors (ALR). As a result, the seat belts may not properly lock to secure a child seat. Note: The vehicle's lower universal anchorage system (UAS) is not affected by this defect and may still be used to secure a child seat. Safety Risk: A seat belt that is used to secure a child restraint but is not properly locked could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the seat belts. They will be replaced, if necessary.
Recall 2020529505 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, an electrical overload could cause the voltage converter to short circuit. If this happens, the battery warning light will turn on in the instrument cluster. Safety Risk: A short circuit could cause overheating, smoke and create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update vehicle software. The update will prevent an electrical overload failure in the DCDC converter. Land Rover recommends that all occupants, including pets, should exit the vehicle when it is parked. Additionally, you should park your vehicle outdoors, and away from other vehicles or buildings until the recall repairs are completed.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Morristown, TNFire
POWER TRAIN
I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
NHTSA complaint #11512480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
NHTSA complaint #11512480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TNFire
ENGINE
I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
NHTSA complaint #11512480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirtland, INCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
when our car got rear ended at 50 mph the PLASTIC rear bumper did nothing to help us as it shattered and became a projectile in a crash please tell land rover to replace it with a metal bumper
NHTSA complaint #11471157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Emmaus, PA
POWER TRAIN
The engine timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and chain guides failed/stretched prematurely at 54,715 miles. The parts are currently installed in the vehicle / available for inspection upon request. Premature failure or slipping of the timing chain tensioner can cause the engine to misfire, skip timing, or fail catastrophically without warning while driving. A sudden loss of engine power or sudden engine stall at highway speeds creates an immediate crash hazard and leaves the vehicle disabled in active traffic. Yes, the issue was diagnosed and confirmed by Land Rover Allentown (service visit on 07/17/2026 at 54,715 miles), which confirmed engine noise/timing chain wear requiring full assembly replacement. It was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized dealership service department (Land Rover Allentown). No police or insurance inspection was involved as there was no crash. Loud metallic rattling noises from the engine bay upon startup and acceleration, engine misfires, and rough idling. Symptoms began shortly before the July 2026 service visit at around 54,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11753480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tolleson, AZ
STEERING
I feel unsafe in vehicle at times when driving. the vehicle stalls sometime when taking off after you have stopped at a light and press on gas it sort of hesitates then goes. I had someone else test it out and they say the same thing, also purchased vehicle from Carvana and dont think they inspected this car because the first day it was delivered I had smelled gas or burning inside the car cabin which burned my eyes like fumes. Took it to shop and it was there the entire time during the time when you can return vehicle to carvana if you change your mind. I sent work to Carvana this happened which they should have known anyway that if at Landrover during the time I was suppose to check car out I didnt get to. They just said it was to late, but recently feels like steering is off and I just feel so stupid I traded my vehicle in for a vehicle that could be potentially dangerous and Ive been stressed out.; I looked underneath where the steering wheel column I think that is what is called is and notice its exposed you can see the metal steering column visibly and it seem rusted or like it has been tampered with which could be due to the way the car drives. I sent word to carvana via message and I contacted silverrock the warranty people to see if I could get approved to take vehicle to landrover and they cover the expenses and it was a few days before the warrantly expired and I couldnt even get an appt that quick not sure what to do at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11708724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tolleson, AZ
ENGINE
I feel unsafe in vehicle at times when driving. the vehicle stalls sometime when taking off after you have stopped at a light and press on gas it sort of hesitates then goes. I had someone else test it out and they say the same thing, also purchased vehicle from Carvana and dont think they inspected this car because the first day it was delivered I had smelled gas or burning inside the car cabin which burned my eyes like fumes. Took it to shop and it was there the entire time during the time when you can return vehicle to carvana if you change your mind. I sent work to Carvana this happened which they should have known anyway that if at Landrover during the time I was suppose to check car out I didnt get to. They just said it was to late, but recently feels like steering is off and I just feel so stupid I traded my vehicle in for a vehicle that could be potentially dangerous and Ive been stressed out.; I looked underneath where the steering wheel column I think that is what is called is and notice its exposed you can see the metal steering column visibly and it seem rusted or like it has been tampered with which could be due to the way the car drives. I sent word to carvana via message and I contacted silverrock the warranty people to see if I could get approved to take vehicle to landrover and they cover the expenses and it was a few days before the warrantly expired and I couldnt even get an appt that quick not sure what to do at this point.
NHTSA complaint #11708724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
TIRES
I have had cars since I was 16. The tires have never worn the way they are wear. I bought a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The tires that came with it are the pirelli scorpion. There are chunks that come out of the tread or look like they are on the verge in the middle section of the tire. The original ones that I have issues with are 235/55/R19. I bought 2 new ones which I am not sure the year on those but same brand and they did the same thing plus wear. It was 2 years ago that I bought the new ones and only 10,349 miles. That doesn’t seem right. Something is wrong with these tires.
NHTSA complaint #11691838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesTucson, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle independently decelerated and lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11646289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesTucson, AZ
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle independently decelerated and lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
NHTSA complaint #11646289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massapequa, NY
POWER TRAIN
Manufacturer confirmed this VIN number should be included in prior recall compaings related to all electrical, a/c unit, and “infotainment in-control” software for vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11641509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massapequa, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Manufacturer confirmed this VIN number should be included in prior recall compaings related to all electrical, a/c unit, and “infotainment in-control” software for vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11641509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Massapequa, NY
ENGINE
Manufacturer confirmed this VIN number should be included in prior recall compaings related to all electrical, a/c unit, and “infotainment in-control” software for vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11641509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Roof side rail bars flew off when on the freeway. Car parts should not be flying off a car if made correctly could have hit another car causing an accident. No warning messages. Has not been inspected but have pictures.
NHTSA complaint #11604930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Modesto, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Roof side rail bars flew off when on the freeway. Car parts should not be flying off a car if made correctly could have hit another car causing an accident. No warning messages. Has not been inspected but have pictures.
NHTSA complaint #11604930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When at a stop, the car Idles rough first, then gives a message about re-engaging a gear to maneuver before shutting down completely. I have to turn the car completely off and start again. Happens randomly.
NHTSA complaint #11592751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
ENGINE
When at a stop, the car Idles rough first, then gives a message about re-engaging a gear to maneuver before shutting down completely. I have to turn the car completely off and start again. Happens randomly.
NHTSA complaint #11592751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
When trying to accelerate at a light turning left while on coming traffic is coming tries to accelerate and car didn’t want to move. Took foot off the gas and didn’t again. The car finally moved if not there is a potential accident. Also went up a street on hill. Turned right and stop sign right away. Pressed gas to accelerate on my turn at the four stop and couldn’t go. Released the gas pressed again and I can go.
NHTSA complaint #11554264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whittier, CA
ENGINE
When trying to accelerate at a light turning left while on coming traffic is coming tries to accelerate and car didn’t want to move. Took foot off the gas and didn’t again. The car finally moved if not there is a potential accident. Also went up a street on hill. Turned right and stop sign right away. Pressed gas to accelerate on my turn at the four stop and couldn’t go. Released the gas pressed again and I can go.
NHTSA complaint #11554264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TNFire
POWER TRAIN
I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
NHTSA complaint #11512480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TNFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
NHTSA complaint #11512480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Morristown, TNFire
ENGINE
I drive a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, which was serviced over three months. The certified dealership replaced the head gasket, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, and starter engines. The car was less than three years old and had never had any issues before service. The car had a sweet burning odor and very rough gear shifts post-service. Two days before the fire, the check engine light came on within the car. The dealership repeatedly assured me that the vehicle was safe to drive and the symptoms I experienced were normal. As soon as I pulled into my house from the doctor (less than an hour after I called the dealership to speak about the check engine light), I noticed a thin white smoke coming from my engine. I popped the hood, contacted the dealership, and they told me to watch it to see if it stopped smoking. I thought it was overheating. The engine erupted into flames, and the vehicle was almost a total loss. After researching the car, the Land Rover model seems to have had electrical elements recalled along with issues similar to the coolant system. My insurance agency has launched a fire investigation in an attempt to recreate the cause of the fire. Evidence is attached below.
NHTSA complaint #11512480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Round Rock, TX
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The blind spot monitoring system randomly turns itself off. I don’t always notice it but multiple times, I’ve gone to change lanes only to realize there’s a car in my blind spot but the BSM system isn’t on anymore.
NHTSA complaint #11476023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kirtland, INCrash2 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
when our car got rear ended at 50 mph the PLASTIC rear bumper did nothing to help us as it shattered and became a projectile in a crash please tell land rover to replace it with a metal bumper
NHTSA complaint #11471157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,504 milesAtlanta, GA
SUSPENSION
Last Thursday, 5/27/2021, I was driving on the interstate and all of sudden my vehicle became inoperable due to the same issue I have been having all along--mechanical failure of the suspension of the car/wheel. The bushings, bearings, alignment is out of whack. The wheel is out of alignment of the brake calipers. The wheel was literally rubbing against the brake caliper. I could have been killed due to faulty and mechanical failure of this vehicle. The car is broken and obviously Land Rover is clueless as to how to fix it for good. It's a lemon! The car was inoperable and had to be towed to the Buckhead dealership by LR Roadside. Furthermore, I am in the final stages of the application process of the Georgia Lemon Law to have this car replaced by Land Rover. No one should have to go through the problems I have had with this vehicle and with Land Rover. It is available for inspection upon request. It is currently at the Buckhead Land Rover dealership in Atlanta, GA. My safety was at risk because due to the wheel malfunction the wheel/tire could have locked up and caused my vehicle to flip and harm all others on the Interstate. Yes the dealer has confirmed this problem. They don't seem to know how to fix it. To my knowledge the vehicle has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, the police or insurance representatives. Sadly, this is how scary this incident was--as there were NO warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. Land Rover is trying to underhandedly charge me almost $900.00 for their failure to repair my vehicle. I shouldn't have to pay a dime for this! This vehicle should be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11419551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,504 milesAtlanta, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Last Thursday, 5/27/2021, I was driving on the interstate and all of sudden my vehicle became inoperable due to the same issue I have been having all along--mechanical failure of the suspension of the car/wheel. The bushings, bearings, alignment is out of whack. The wheel is out of alignment of the brake calipers. The wheel was literally rubbing against the brake caliper. I could have been killed due to faulty and mechanical failure of this vehicle. The car is broken and obviously Land Rover is clueless as to how to fix it for good. It's a lemon! The car was inoperable and had to be towed to the Buckhead dealership by LR Roadside. Furthermore, I am in the final stages of the application process of the Georgia Lemon Law to have this car replaced by Land Rover. No one should have to go through the problems I have had with this vehicle and with Land Rover. It is available for inspection upon request. It is currently at the Buckhead Land Rover dealership in Atlanta, GA. My safety was at risk because due to the wheel malfunction the wheel/tire could have locked up and caused my vehicle to flip and harm all others on the Interstate. Yes the dealer has confirmed this problem. They don't seem to know how to fix it. To my knowledge the vehicle has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, the police or insurance representatives. Sadly, this is how scary this incident was--as there were NO warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. Land Rover is trying to underhandedly charge me almost $900.00 for their failure to repair my vehicle. I shouldn't have to pay a dime for this! This vehicle should be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11419551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,504 milesAtlanta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
Last Thursday, 5/27/2021, I was driving on the interstate and all of sudden my vehicle became inoperable due to the same issue I have been having all along--mechanical failure of the suspension of the car/wheel. The bushings, bearings, alignment is out of whack. The wheel is out of alignment of the brake calipers. The wheel was literally rubbing against the brake caliper. I could have been killed due to faulty and mechanical failure of this vehicle. The car is broken and obviously Land Rover is clueless as to how to fix it for good. It's a lemon! The car was inoperable and had to be towed to the Buckhead dealership by LR Roadside. Furthermore, I am in the final stages of the application process of the Georgia Lemon Law to have this car replaced by Land Rover. No one should have to go through the problems I have had with this vehicle and with Land Rover. It is available for inspection upon request. It is currently at the Buckhead Land Rover dealership in Atlanta, GA. My safety was at risk because due to the wheel malfunction the wheel/tire could have locked up and caused my vehicle to flip and harm all others on the Interstate. Yes the dealer has confirmed this problem. They don't seem to know how to fix it. To my knowledge the vehicle has NOT been inspected by the manufacturer, the police or insurance representatives. Sadly, this is how scary this incident was--as there were NO warning lamps, messages or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. Land Rover is trying to underhandedly charge me almost $900.00 for their failure to repair my vehicle. I shouldn't have to pay a dime for this! This vehicle should be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11419551 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.