2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Land Rover Discovery Sport

  11.2% 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.

• Wipers2.2× usual
  Land Rover Discovery Sport

  7.4% All 2021 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, 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.

Common 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  23% 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
  4% 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
  4% 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 Sport petrol

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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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)

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

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 1.8× as often on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?