Land Rover Discovery common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Land Rover Discovery?

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.

• Engine failures (SD4 diesel)

  Cars registered 2017–2025 · 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

• Air suspension leaks and faults

  Cars registered 2004–2008 · All engines

  The air suspension can leak or suffer electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Make sure it rises and lowers through every height and sits level at all four corners, including after standing.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Crankshaft failure (2.7 TDV6)

  Cars registered 2004–2008 · 2.7 TDV6 diesel

  The 2.7 V6 diesel's crankshaft can snap. It's very rare but very expensive, and can't be predicted.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full oil-change history. Regular oil changes matter on this engine.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Fuel leak recalls

  Cars registered 2004–2008 · All engines

  There were 11 recalls on this Discovery, including five for fuel leaks (mainly on pre-2007 cars), plus seatbelt buckle and brake servo recalls.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg and ask for proof the work was done.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Electronic parking brake not holding

  Cars registered 2004–2016 · All engines

  The electronic parking brake can fail to hold the car.

  At the viewing: Apply the parking brake on a slope and check it holds firmly.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Recalls

  Cars registered 2017–2025 · 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

• Water leaks from blocked sunroof drains

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · Cars with a sunroof

  Blocked sunroof drains overflow into the headlining and down into the front footwells.

  At the viewing: Feel the front carpets for damp and look for water marks on the headlining.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery 4 (2009-2016) common problems

• Air suspension and air con sensors

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · All engines

  Ride-height sensors and air con sensors can fail, and the air con compressor and pipes can go too.

  At the viewing: Watch the car rise and settle evenly on its suspension, and check the air con blows cold.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery 4 (2009-2016) common problems

• Oil leaks from the engine and gearbox

  Cars registered 2009–2016 · All engines

  Oil leaks from the engine and gearbox are fairly common.

  At the viewing: Look underneath and on the ground where it’s been parked for fresh oil.

  Source: Haynes: Land Rover Discovery 4 (2009-2016) common problems

• Air con and interior electrics

  Cars registered 2004–2008 · All engines

  Air con sensors, compressors and pipes give trouble. Central locking, electric windows and the rear wiper also commonly fail.

  At the viewing: Test the air con and every window, lock and wiper.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide, What Car?: Land Rover Discovery advice

Common Land Rover Discovery 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

• Chassis rust or damage

  up to 4.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Ball joint dust cover

  up to 7.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2003 and 2017.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Engine warning light

  up to 2.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2003 and 2005.

  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.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999 and 2003.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Diesel

• Chassis rust or damage

  up to 5.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Track rod ends

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Steering box

  up to 16.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1993, 1994, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint dust cover

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings

  up to 3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Hybrid

• Shock absorbers

  up to 4.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

  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.

• Brake discs

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2021 and 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.

Land Rover Discovery MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 Land Rover Discovery did best (72% passed first time, 10 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2022 did worst (86%, 3 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

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

1. Has the engine had any major work or been replaced?
2. Has any air suspension work been done, and does it sag overnight?
3. Can I see the service history with every oil change?
4. Has all the recall work been done, and can I see the paperwork?
5. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)