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2016 Land Rover Discovery problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2016 Land Rover Discovery has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 0safety recalls
- 5owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 0injuries reported
The least complained-about Land Rover Discovery year on file: 5 complaints, against an average of 18 for the other model years.
Every Land Rover Discovery model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2016 Land Rover Discovery?
The components named most often in the 5 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2016 Land Rover Discovery been recalled?
NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Land Rover Discovery as of October 25, 2026. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN before you rely on this.
Is the 2016 Land Rover Discovery recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSADiscovery (L319) and Range Rover Sport (L320) Tow Ball Detachment
Risk: The manufacturer has determined that in affected vehicles the instructions provided on the method of use of detachable tow balls does not adequately warn of a non-obvious risk which could lead to a failure of the tow ball mechanism causing in-use detachment of the tow ball and trailer detachment.
Fix: Customers will be provided with an additional retaining bracket to fit to the vehicle when using the detachable tow ball together with full installation instructions.
UK DVSASecurity Guidance
Risk: Jaguar Land Rover in conjunction with law enforcement and insurance bodies is aware of the increase in thefts of vehicles in specific geographical locations within the United Kingdom. there is no fault with Jaguar Land Rover's security systems and they continue to meet stringent automotive legislation. Jaguar Land Rover is offering owners guidance on how to maximise vehicle security and protect against theft.
Fix: Vehicle registered keepers will be sent a security guidance letter only - there is no repair action.
UK DVSASecurity Enhancement
Risk: For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security.
Fix: The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk.
UK DVSAVehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of co2 emissions
Risk: Vehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of CO2 emissions.
Fix: Update the vehicle software to the latest version.
UK DVSAFuel may leak
Risk: The brazing of the fuel rail end caps is inconsistent and may not correctly seal the fuel rail ends. Fuel vapour and liquid fuel leaks can occur over time. This can lead to a liquid fuel leak into the engine bay.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the fuel rail with a correctly manufactured version.
UK DVSAElectrical short circuit
Risk: It has been identified that the engine wiring harness of the 2.0ltr engined vehicles fitted with automatic transmission may have been incorrectly routed which may allow the wiring harness to contact the water charge air cooler bracket. Engine vibration can cause a chaffing condition where the outer sheathing of the cable can wear through and expose the wires of the engine harness. Depending on the orientation of the wires within the harness then damage to wires can result in electrical arcing and a short circuit. This condition can also result in the illumination of a warning light on the instrument panel loss of the electronic steering system engine cut out without warning melting of the cable sheathing and surrounding parts. Also in extreme circumstances it can cause an under-bonnet fire.
Fix: All affected vehicles will be recalled to inspect the clearance between the engine harness and water charge air cooler bracket. If the clearance is not to the correct specification the wiring harness will be repositioned and secured to ensure the specified clearance is achieved. If the engine harness shows signs of chafing the engine harness will be repaired re-positioned to ensure the correct specification.
UK DVSASteering control may be compromised
Risk: It has been identified that clamp bolt of the front lower control arm to knuckle fixing may have been incorrectly torqued/tighten this can cause a premature fatigue failure and possible separation of the joint. The driver will receive a warning in the form of noise a ABS warning light on the vehicles instrument panel or the misalignment steering wheel. In addition this is an early life failure. However if the driver does not heed the warning signs then the control the vehicle can be effected which can lead to an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the affected front lower control arm to knuckle fixing and apply the correct torque. Some vehicles require recall remedy actions to one side only others to both sides of the vehicle.
UK DVSAFront passenger airbag may not deploy
Risk: It has been identified by the air-bag manufacturer that the air-bag initiator generant mix ratio does not meet specification. This can therefore result in the initiator not functioning correctly which can lead to non-deployment of the air-bag. Should a collision occur then there is an increased risk of injury to the passenger.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the air-bag with a new quality assured component.
UK DVSAAirbag may deploy incorrectly
Risk: Due to a nonconformity of production the driver's air bag may not deploy correctly and may not provide protection as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace driver's air bag
UK DVSARcs system unable to detect and mitigate potential vehicle roll over
Risk: The software for the RSC is not to the correct specification and is unable to detect and mitigate a potential vehicle roll over condition. All other Stability Control Systems including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) continue to function correctly.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and update the vehicle with the latest software.
UK DVSAVehicle may cut out
Risk: An engine harness may not have been routed correctly during assembly. This may chafe and cause engine malfunction. In extreme cases the engine may cut out.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect harness and repair as necessary. Fit new bracket and secure harness.
EU Safety GateCorrosion in the locking system of the rear doors can cause them to unlock unintentionally, without an indication on the instrument panel,…Corrosion in the locking system of the rear doors can cause them to unlock unintentionally, without an indication on the instrument panel, increasing the risk of an accident, injuries.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/09/2023
EU Safety GateCertain vehicles fitted with 2.0L Diesel Engines may emit excessive levels of CO² and may not conform with the certified condition.CO2 and other greenhouse gases contribute to global warming pollution. A reduction in CO2 emissions contributes to the EU greenhouse gas reduction targets helping protect the environment.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 07/02/2019
EU Safety GateThe brazing of the fuel rail end caps may not properly seal the fuel rail ends.Over time, this can lead to a liquid fuel leak into the engine bay.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateAn engine harness may not have been routed correctly during assembly.This may lead to chafing and cause engine malfunction. In extreme cases the engine may cut out.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 08/12/2016
EU Safety GateIn certain vehicles, the driver's airbags may not inflate correctly.This increases the risk of injury to the driver in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 15/06/2016
EU Safety GateGlass panels that have no chemical bond to the adhesive could detach from the vehicle whilst the vehicle is in motion.Years estimatedWhere a glass panel detaches from the vehicle, it may collide with other vehicles on the road or compel other road users to take evasive action. This could increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 21/12/2015
What do 2016 Land Rover Discovery owners report?
5 of the 5 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
WHILE SITTING IN PARK AT IDLE RPM I HEARD A LOUD THUMP FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WARNING AND AN ENGINE OVERHEAT WARNING. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. WHEN CARE ARRIVED AT MECHANICS SHOP THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY LITERALLY FELL OFF THE CAR. UPON INSPECTION THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE FAILURE THAT RESULTED IN TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE. ENTIRE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO EXTENSIVE VALVE/ENGINE DAMAGE.
STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN CAUSING COMPLETE LACK OF STEERING CONTROL BY OPERATOR WHILE IN MOTION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 75MPH. VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON STRAIGHT AWAY OF A 4 LANE HIGHWAY 565 ALABAMA WITH GRASSY MEDIAN. UPON STEERING WHEEL DETACHMENT, VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND INTO THE MEDIAN WHERE BRAKES WERE APPLIED UNTIL THE VEHICLE SLID TO A STOP ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE MEDIN EMBANKMENT. NO INJURIES OCCURRED DUE TO LOCATION OF THE INCIDENT.
1.) WATER PUMP FAILED AT 21,000 MILES CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. 1 YEAR LATER CYLINDER #1 LOST COMPRESSION IN THE ENGINE MAKING THE CAR INOPERABLE AT 58,000 MILES. DEALER INDICATES THAT THE ONLY POSSIBLE REPAIR OPTION IS A NEW ENGINE AT THE COST OF $21K EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS ACTUALLY BROKEN IN THE CYLINDER. THREE INDEPENDENT MECHANICS HAVE ALL INDICATED THAT THE WATER PUMP IS THE MOST LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FAULT IN THE CYLINDER AS IT MORE THAN LIKELY CRACKED A CYLINDER HEAD WHEN THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING. MY CAR FAILED WITH NO WARNING WHILE…
THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW MAY 2016. IN SEPTEMBER 2016, WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED AND THE GEAR DIAL WAS NONOPERATIONAL. THE ISSUE RECURRED IN NOVEMBER 2016 AND AGAIN FEBRUARY 2017. FEBRUARY 2017 WAS EXTREMELY ALARMING AS IT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO WORK. I HAD TO COAST INTO A PARKING SPACE AND APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE ISSUE JUST RECURRED AGAIN, TODAY, MARCH 18TH WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE CAR WITH CHILDREN IN IT. I COULDN'T PARK AND I COULDN'T REVERSE. I HAVE TO COAST TO A SAFE AREA, TURN THE CAR OFF AND APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES.
I HAVE HAD A 2016 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT FOR 6 DAYS NOW. THE VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 30 AND 50MPH. DURING THIS SPEED, THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE STUCK IN A HIGHER GEAR AND THAT RESULTS IN INTERMITTENT JERKS. THIS MAKES THE RIDE VERY UNEVEN. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY WHEN THE SPEED IS ABOVE 50MPH. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE PROBLEM WITH EVERY DISCOVERY SPORT. THEY SHOULD STOP SELLING SUCH VEHICLES TILL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED OR LET THE BUYER KNOW THAT THIS IS CASE WHILE SELLING THE VEHICLE.
2016 Land Rover Discovery: questions owners ask
Is the 2016 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 5 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Land Rover Discovery; the most common categories were power train (3, 60%), engine (2, 40%), electronic stability control (esc) (1, 20%). There are no safety recalls listed for this model year.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Land Rover Discovery?
Across 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (60% of complaints), engine (40% of complaints), electronic stability control (esc) (20% of complaints), steering (20% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2016 Land Rover Discovery have any recalls?
As of October 2026, NHTSA lists no safety recalls for the 2016 Land Rover Discovery. Recalls can be issued at any time, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Discovery
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2016 only.