2023 Land Rover Discovery: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 Land Rover Discoverys, from 248 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 248 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 Land Rover Discovery MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres12% 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.
- Brakes6% 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 mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension1% 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.
Known faults
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.
- Engine failures (SD4 diesel)SD4 diesel
Some SD4 engines have been replaced after metal fragments, apparently from failed piston rings, were found in the oil.
At the viewing: Ask for the service history and look for an oil analysis or engine work.
Source: Auto Express: used Land Rover Discovery (Mk5, 2017 on) review
- RecallsAll 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 65–75mphAll 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
Looking at a Land Rover Discovery?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,506 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 9,483 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 6,220 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 7,897 | Tyres 21% |
| 2018 | 8,459 | Tyres 21% |
| 2017 | 9,742 | Brakes 23% |
| 2016 | 9,594 | Brakes 25% |
| 2015 | 9,047 | Brakes 28% |
| 2014 | 7,308 | Brakes 31% |
| 2013 | 6,193 | Brakes 32% |
| 2012 | 6,501 | Brakes 33% |
| 2011 | 5,735 | Brakes 35% |
| 2010 | 5,957 | Suspension 35% |
| 2009 | 4,784 | Suspension 37% |
| 2008 | 4,329 | Suspension 42% |
| 2007 | 5,693 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 6,616 | Suspension 47% |
| 2005 | 6,812 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 5,695 | Suspension 44% |
| 2003 | 4,984 | Suspension 42% |
| 2002 | 3,928 | Suspension 45% |
| 2001 | 3,099 | Suspension 45% |
| 2000 | 1,897 | Suspension 44% |
| 1999 | 1,758 | Suspension 43% |
| 1998 | 993 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 1997 | 921 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1996 | 791 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1995 | 710 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1994 | 553 | Oil and fluid leaks 38% |
| 1993 | 308 | Oil and fluid leaks 36% |
| 1992 | 139 | Lights and electrics 30% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 Land Rover Discoverys registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score