2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  13.6% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Wipers1.9× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  6.8% All 2021 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

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

• Shock absorbers2.4× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  3.3% All 2021 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  16% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  6% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered fuel leaks on the 2.0 petrol (built May 2016 to Jan 2018), emissions software, passenger airbags and middle-row seat fixings.

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

  Source: Auto Express: used Land Rover Discovery (Mk5, 2017 on) review

• Vibration at 65–75mph

  All engines

  An out-of-balance front driveshaft can cause vibration at motorway speeds.

  At the viewing: Feel for vibration between 65 and 75mph.

  Source: Auto Express: used Land Rover Discovery (Mk5, 2017 on) review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid

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

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?