Owners have filed 32 complaints
about the 2020 Land Rover Discovery with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 18 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 — 38
Against the median year of the Land Rover Discovery. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 32
6.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 62
36% 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
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
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
825.0%
Median failure at 44,836 miles
Other & Unspecified
412.5%
Engine & Cooling
412.5%
Median failure at 26,491 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
39.4%
Median failure at 38,181 miles
Body & Structure
39.4%
Median failure at 65,799 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
39.4%
Median failure at 14,802 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
26.3%
Median failure at 46,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
13.1%
Median failure at 38,181 miles
Seat Belts
13.1%
Median failure at 3,100 miles
Lights
13.1%
Brakes
13.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Airbags
13.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
19.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
327.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
545.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
218.2%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2020 Land Rover Discovery SUV 4wd
—
—
—
—
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.
May 2021peak 5Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2020 Land Rover Discovery
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.
United States — NHTSA
23V393000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The UniLatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry function may fail to properly latch the rear passenger doors, which can result in the doors opening while driving. In addition, the instrument cluster open-door warning light may fail to alert the driver of this condition.
Risk: Rear passenger doors that open while driving can increase the risk of a crash. An instrument cluster warning light that fails to alert the driver about unsecured doors can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
21V668000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
21V457000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
Risk: A vehicle that shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving increases the risk of a crash.
21V117000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The Auto High Beam (AHB) system does not indicate through the instrument cluster when the high beams are illuminated automatically. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The driver may be unaware that the high beams are illuminated, reducing visibility for oncoming traffic, and increasing the risk of a crash.
20V694000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
Risk: If the vehicle shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving there could be an increased risk of a crash.
20V053000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020 Discovery vehicles. The second row seat frame assembly may be missing fasteners, resulting in a seat frame with insufficient strength.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seats may not properly secure the occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20253152,529 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear doors may not latch properly when they are closed. As a result, the rear doors could open while driving. Safety Risk: A door that opens suddenly while driving could create the risk of injury and/or increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to disable the unilatch keyless vehicle (KV) entry function.
Recall 202138183 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the ground connection for the battery may not be properly attached to the chassis. This could cause various electrical problems. As a result, there could be a loss of electrical power while driving, which could cause the engine to turn off. Note: This is an expansion of Land Rover Recall N400 (Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-533). Safety Risk: A loss of power while driving could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the battery ground stud on the chassis.
Recall 20211023,544 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, when the Automatic High Beam (AHB) system is turned on, the AHB tell-tale indicator on the instrument panel may not turn on. This could lead you to drive without knowing that high beam lights can turn on automatically. Canadian regulations require a tell-tale indicator to turn on when the automatic high beams are activated. Safety Risk: A driver that does not know that the high beam lights are turned on could create glare for other drivers and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update vehicle software.
Recall 2020533740 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the ground connection for the battery may not be properly attached to the chassis. This could cause various electrical problems. As a result, there could be a loss of electrical power while driving, which could cause the engine to turn off. Safety Risk: A loss of power while driving could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Land Rover will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the battery ground stud on the chassis.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Sacramento, CACrash1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
My mom was run over and killed by her vehicle on 5/15.
NHTSA complaint #11739630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 44,836 milesWest Haven, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that after his wife had started the vehicle, the "Charging System Malfunction" warning message illuminated. The contact stated that the driver had previously experienced intermittent loss of motive power for short periods while driving. The dealer was contacted and advised that once the warning message illuminated, the vehicle could shut off after approximately 22-30 miles. The vehicle was driven to the residence and was then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the alternator had shorted due to an oil leak from the upper and lower timing covers, which required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 44,836.
NHTSA complaint #11748882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CACrash1 killed
SERVICE BRAKES
My mom was run over and killed by her vehicle on 5/15.
NHTSA complaint #11739630 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesHinsdale, IL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for maintenance, the contact was made aware of TSB: SSM74710 for the windshield seals. The vehicle was inspected under the TSB: SSM74710 (Failed Windshield Seals). The contact stated that on a separate occasion, months after the repairs, water leaked inside the cabin of the vehicle. The water leaked from the top side of the windshield on the driver’s side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the windshield seal had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the dealer performed a windshield seal test, and the vehicle had passed the inspection. No evidence of a water leakage was present. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11711201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 years ago my wife got in her car after a rain storm and center console was soaked in water. Leak coming from top of the windshield. Send it in for repairs. Fast forward 3 years later and it's still doing the same thing. Dealer said since it was repaired under a recall the first time that they wont repair it again. If its still leaking they obviously didn't repair the issue. Its only 5 years old
NHTSA complaint #11702592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brecksville, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water dripping into the cabin from the top of the windshield. Water in electrical system is turning lights and other functions on and off causing dangerous driving conditions and draining the battery while parked immobilizing the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11701783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brecksville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Water dripping into the cabin from the top of the windshield. Water in electrical system is turning lights and other functions on and off causing dangerous driving conditions and draining the battery while parked immobilizing the vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11701783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South River, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Defect Summary: Repeated water intrusion (windshield, roof rails, rear door latch) leading to electrical damage. Electrical failures resulting in sudden loss of power, lighting, and infotainment. Critical safety system failures including: Sudden loss of steering assist and brake assist while in motion. Vehicle stalling with the engine running but no drivetrain response. Gear shifter malfunctions leaving the vehicle stuck in gear. Notable Incidents: July–August 2025 (61,000 mi): Multiple events of complete power loss while driving, including loss of steering and braking control on a public roadway. September 11, 2025 (post-repair): After dealer-replaced battery and gear-shift module, the vehicle failed catastrophically within 450 feet of leaving the service center, jolting violently, losing all electrical power, and leaving steering and brakes stiff. An Edison Police officer witnessed the event and assisted in traffic control. Safety Concern: These recurring failures present a clear and ongoing danger of crash, injury, or fatality. The pattern demonstrates a systemic design or manufacturing defect related to water ingress and electrical integrity.
NHTSA complaint #11690779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South River, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Defect Summary: Repeated water intrusion (windshield, roof rails, rear door latch) leading to electrical damage. Electrical failures resulting in sudden loss of power, lighting, and infotainment. Critical safety system failures including: Sudden loss of steering assist and brake assist while in motion. Vehicle stalling with the engine running but no drivetrain response. Gear shifter malfunctions leaving the vehicle stuck in gear. Notable Incidents: July–August 2025 (61,000 mi): Multiple events of complete power loss while driving, including loss of steering and braking control on a public roadway. September 11, 2025 (post-repair): After dealer-replaced battery and gear-shift module, the vehicle failed catastrophically within 450 feet of leaving the service center, jolting violently, losing all electrical power, and leaving steering and brakes stiff. An Edison Police officer witnessed the event and assisted in traffic control. Safety Concern: These recurring failures present a clear and ongoing danger of crash, injury, or fatality. The pattern demonstrates a systemic design or manufacturing defect related to water ingress and electrical integrity.
NHTSA complaint #11690779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South River, NJ
ENGINE
Defect Summary: Repeated water intrusion (windshield, roof rails, rear door latch) leading to electrical damage. Electrical failures resulting in sudden loss of power, lighting, and infotainment. Critical safety system failures including: Sudden loss of steering assist and brake assist while in motion. Vehicle stalling with the engine running but no drivetrain response. Gear shifter malfunctions leaving the vehicle stuck in gear. Notable Incidents: July–August 2025 (61,000 mi): Multiple events of complete power loss while driving, including loss of steering and braking control on a public roadway. September 11, 2025 (post-repair): After dealer-replaced battery and gear-shift module, the vehicle failed catastrophically within 450 feet of leaving the service center, jolting violently, losing all electrical power, and leaving steering and brakes stiff. An Edison Police officer witnessed the event and assisted in traffic control. Safety Concern: These recurring failures present a clear and ongoing danger of crash, injury, or fatality. The pattern demonstrates a systemic design or manufacturing defect related to water ingress and electrical integrity.
NHTSA complaint #11690779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,799 milesHanover, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated while making a turn and driving at 15 MPH, water was leaking from the rearview mirror. The dome light on the ceiling was flashing intermittently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the instrument panel screen turned black but returned to normal functionality after several minutes. The contact stated that the touch screen failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the joint and body seam adhesive had delaminated. The front windshield was replaced, and the dashboard was removed to be dried out; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the electronic system failed to operate as intended. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,799.
NHTSA complaint #11642608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,799 milesHanover, PA
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:DASHBOARD
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated while making a turn and driving at 15 MPH, water was leaking from the rearview mirror. The dome light on the ceiling was flashing intermittently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the instrument panel screen turned black but returned to normal functionality after several minutes. The contact stated that the touch screen failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the joint and body seam adhesive had delaminated. The front windshield was replaced, and the dashboard was removed to be dried out; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the electronic system failed to operate as intended. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 65,799.
NHTSA complaint #11642608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colleyville, TX
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Windshield seal failed, which was supposedly inspected when I bought the vehicle 13 months ago How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Water dumped onto the many electronics in the front center of the vehicle, this could have easily caused a short or failure in those electronics Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer immediately found the leak location when I brought the vehicle in. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Vehicle has been looked at by the dealership service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No signs of failure prior to leak. It seems that this is a common problem on Land Rover vehicles, and there are many forums that speak to the seal failing and the windshield needing replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11629961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colleyville, TX
STRUCTURE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Windshield seal failed, which was supposedly inspected when I bought the vehicle 13 months ago How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Water dumped onto the many electronics in the front center of the vehicle, this could have easily caused a short or failure in those electronics Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer immediately found the leak location when I brought the vehicle in. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Vehicle has been looked at by the dealership service center Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No signs of failure prior to leak. It seems that this is a common problem on Land Rover vehicles, and there are many forums that speak to the seal failing and the windshield needing replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11629961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lutz, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Driving with my children, right rear door all of a sudden opened without warning. Doors were all locked. Pulled over, closed the door but latch was not catching with door. It's as if nothing was holding the door in place. I had to have my 14 year old daughter hold the car door while we canceled our vacation and drove three hours back home.
NHTSA complaint #11603591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Campbell, OH
AIR BAGS
Passenger airbag sensor not working
NHTSA complaint #11584370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Front parking aid sensors do not alert me to objects in front of me when parking forward. I have to first backup two feet to get it to work, then it picks it up once I put in forward motion again. The dealer stated that they have no recalls for this problem even though my vehicle is in warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11581979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Front parking aid sensors do not alert me to objects in front of me when parking forward. I have to first backup two feet to get it to work, then it picks it up once I put in forward motion again. The dealer stated that they have no recalls for this problem even though my vehicle is in warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11581979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mission, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Front parking aid sensors do not alert me to objects in front of me when parking forward. I have to first backup two feet to get it to work, then it picks it up once I put in forward motion again. The dealer stated that they have no recalls for this problem even though my vehicle is in warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11581979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellaire, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Complete loss of all electrical power (while driving, although incident occurred at a stop-light) due to ground stud failure. Component previously subject to a recall in 2021. Appears that the manufacturer fix implemented as part of the recall failed.
NHTSA complaint #11581590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the navigation system screen went blank. The vehicle randomly failed to start. The Land Rover logo was on the screen. While driving, the battery warning light was flashing. All the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who performed an update. The dealer was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, after a few days the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 38,181.
NHTSA complaint #11549604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,181 milesHialeah, FL
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the navigation system screen went blank. The vehicle randomly failed to start. The Land Rover logo was on the screen. While driving, the battery warning light was flashing. All the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who performed an update. The dealer was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, after a few days the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 38,181.
NHTSA complaint #11549604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,181 milesHialeah, FL
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the navigation system screen went blank. The vehicle randomly failed to start. The Land Rover logo was on the screen. While driving, the battery warning light was flashing. All the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who performed an update. The dealer was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, after a few days the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 38,181.
NHTSA complaint #11549604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear hatch has opened while driving. Pulled to side of road and closed the hatch. Another time it opened while in parking lot. First time April 24, 2023. Second occurrence June 27, 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11531771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Whitehall, MI
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Rear hatch has opened while driving. Pulled to side of road and closed the hatch. Another time it opened while in parking lot. First time April 24, 2023. Second occurrence June 27, 2023.
NHTSA complaint #11531771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Beaufort, SC
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle warning lights come on including traction control and engine warning. Vehicle stops running after halting and then quits running completely. I had the vehicle towed 80 miles to the nearest dealer in Columbia, SC they reported that it was a loose ground wire on the battery and told me it was resolved. Less than a month later the same thing happened again and all 4 wheels locked up requiring the towing company to drag it onto the flat bed two truck. It was towed to the local dealer in Hardeeville, SC for repair last Friday and am waiting on a notice that they are working on the vehicle. I did report the issue to the local dealer prior to the latest event and was told that the earliest available appointment was a month out. I was not told of any recall by either dealer but was told that they are having the same issue with “so many cars” The first event was on September 13th and the second on October 14th.
NHTSA complaint #11489510 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.