Land Rover Discovery Sport common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Land Rover Discovery Sport?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Recalls: wiring, fuel leaks, 48-volt system, seatbelts

  Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines

  Recalls have covered engine wiring that can chafe and cut out the engine (about 10,000 cars), possible fuel leaks (over 37,000), a 48-volt electrical overload (over 45,000) and seatbelt pre-tensioners (over 8,000).

  At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery Sport common problems (2014 on)

• Warped front brake discs

  Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines

  The front discs can warp, causing vibration through the steering and pedal when braking from speed.

  At the viewing: Brake firmly from 50mph and feel for shaking.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery Sport common problems (2014 on)

• Transfer box oil leak

  Cars registered 2015–2022 · Four-wheel drive

  The transfer box drain plug can leak oil.

  At the viewing: Look for oil drips under the middle of the car.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery Sport common problems (2014 on)

• Creaking front suspension

  Cars registered 2015–2022 · All engines

  Worn front anti-roll bar bushes creak over rough roads and speed bumps.

  At the viewing: Drive over speed bumps and listen for creaks.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery Sport common problems (2014 on)

• Rattle from under the car

  Cars registered 2015–2022 · Four-wheel drive

  A faulty propshaft heat shield can rattle.

  At the viewing: Listen underneath at idle and pulling away.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery Sport common problems (2014 on)

Common Land Rover Discovery Sport MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

• Wipers

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Brake discs

  up to 1.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2019 and 2020.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Diesel

• Engine warning light

  up to 3.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Wipers

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Brake discs

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Hybrid

• Brake discs

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2022.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Tyre condition

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2022.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

Land Rover Discovery Sport MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport did best (80% passed first time, 6 points above all 2015 cars) and the 2022 did worst (83%, 6 points below all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Land Rover Discovery Sport

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Land Rover dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the Land Rover Discovery Sport as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the Land Rover Discovery Sport as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the Land Rover Discovery Sport as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?