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2020 Land Rover Discovery problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 Land Rover Discovery has been recalled for, how often it fails the UK MOT and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 6safety recalls
- 19owner complaints
- 1crash report
- 0fire reports
- 12%fail the UK MOT
19 complaints, against an average of 16 for the other 7 Land Rover Discovery model years.
Every Land Rover Discovery model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 Land Rover Discovery?
The components named most often in the 19 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
Has the 2020 Land Rover Discovery been recalled?
6 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The UniLatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry function may fail to properly latch the rear passenger doors, which can result in the doors opening while driving. In addition, the instrument cluster open-door warning light may fail to alert the driver of this condition.
Risk: Rear passenger doors that open while driving can increase the risk of a crash. An instrument cluster warning light that fails to alert the driver about unsecured doors can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will disable the UniLatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry function, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N798.
Seat Belts: Front: Retractor Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
Electrical System: 12v/24v/48v Battery Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
Risk: A vehicle that shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ground stud, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 10, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N607.
Exterior Lighting: Lighting Control Module: Software Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The Auto High Beam (AHB) system does not indicate through the instrument cluster when the high beams are illuminated automatically. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: The driver may be unaware that the high beams are illuminated, reducing visibility for oncoming traffic, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N556.
Electrical System: 12v/24v/48v Battery Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
Risk: If the vehicle shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ground stud, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Land Rover's number for this recall is N400.
Seats: Mid/Rear Assembly Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020 Discovery vehicles. The second row seat frame assembly may be missing fasteners, resulting in a seat frame with insufficient strength.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seats may not properly secure the occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the second row seat frame, tightening the bolts properly, free of charge. The recall began April 20, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N422.
Is the 2020 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 DVSADriver’s Airbag Potential Non-Deployment
Risk: A concern has been identified where the connector to the driver’s airbag at the clockspring may experience fretting corrosion over time. This can lead to an increased resistance in the driver’s airbag circuit potentially resulting in the airbag failing to deploy when requested to do so. An airbag which fails to deploy as-intended will increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Vehicles will have a protective lubricant gel applied to the driver’s airbag connector terminals.
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 DVSAAJ20-D6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing CrackedD6 and AJ20-P6 Engine Oil Filter Housing Cracked
Risk: On affected vehicles the incorrect specification of plastic was used to manufacture the oil filter housing. This housing may over time and with vehicle use crack. This could result in oil under pressure leaking and coming into contact with hot components of the engine which may result in a fire. Additionally oil may leak onto the road surface posing a skid hazard.
Fix: Replace the oil filter housing complete with filter and associated O-rings.
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 DVSAFront passenger seats missing occupancy detection sensor system
Risk: The front passenger seats were manufactured without the Occupancy Detection Sensor system (ODS) installed.
Fix: Fit the occupant detection sensor to the front passenger seat.
UK DVSADue to insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis the vehicle may exhibit various electrical faults
Risk: Due to insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis the vehicle may exhibit various electrical faults.
Fix: Replace the earth stud with a bespoke aftermarket specification part.
UK DVSAThe fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value
Risk: The fixings connecting the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the specified torque value.
Fix: Inspect the exhaust downpipe to catalytic converter joint. If the fixings are present torque them up to the required torque specification. If any fixings are missing they will be replaced and torqued to the required specification.
UK DVSAThe fixing for the left hand side (lhs) 3rd row seat belt upper anchorage may not be installed to the required specification.
Risk: The fixing for the left hand side (LHS) 3rd Row Seat Belt upper anchorage may not be installed to the required specification.
Fix: Inspect the rear (3rd row) seat belt anchorage fixing and the rear trim and replace the fixing if necessary.
UK DVSAInsufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis
Risk: Insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis.
Fix: Replace the earth stud with a modified part.
UK DVSASome of the fixings of the second row seat frame assembly may be missing
Risk: Second row seat fixings missing
Fix: Replace the second row seat frame and ensure the fixings are tightened correctly
EU Safety GateCorrosion of the airbag connector may increase electrical resistance, which could prevent the driver airbag from deploying correctly in…Corrosion of the airbag connector may increase electrical resistance, which could prevent the driver airbag from deploying correctly in the event of an accident. This increases the risk of injury.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Importer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: 10/07/2026
EU Safety GateThe driver airbag connectors in the steering column has shown that they may corrode.Over time, the airbag might not deploy as intended and therefore could increase the risk of 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: 23/06/2026
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 GateThe engines may become blocked, which can cause external oil leakage or oil transfer into the air intake system, creating a risk of fire.
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: 16/02/2023
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing issue, the fuel feed hose assembly may have been incorrectly routed and as a result could split.This may lead to a fuel leak into the engine bay, increasing the risk of fire.
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 GateDue to an error in the assembly process, the occupant detection system (ODS) of the front passenger seat had not been installed on the…Due to an error in the assembly process, the occupant detection system (ODS) of the front passenger seat had not been installed on the seat cushion. As a result, no audible signal sounds and no warning symbol will appear on the instrument panel to warn the driver when the front passenger seat is occupied but the seat belt is not fastened.This may increase the risk of not having the seat belt fastened in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury.
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: 05/10/2021
EU Safety GateThe starter battery ground stud in the boot area may provide insufficient contact.This may cause various electrical faults, such as the vehicle not starting, stalling while in motion, losing all electrical power and the exterior lights going out without warning to the driver, increasing the risk 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: 01/07/2021
EU Safety GateThe gasket fixings between the exhaust downpipe and the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the correct torque and could…The gasket fixings between the exhaust downpipe and the catalytic converter may not have been tightened to the correct torque and could become loose over time.As a result, hot exhaust gases could leak into the engine compartment, increasing the risk of fire.
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: 19/04/2021
EU Safety GateThe fixing for the left hand side (LHS) 3rd row seat belt upper anchorage may not be installed to the required specification.As a result, the passengers may not receive the full protection provided by the seat belt system, increasing the risk of injury 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: 01/12/2020
EU Safety GateDue to insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis, the vehicle’s lighting devices may fail, increasing the risk of an…Due to insufficient contact of the battery earth stud to the chassis, the vehicle’s lighting devices may fail, increasing the risk 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: 10/11/2020
EU Safety GateThe fixings of the second row seat frame assembly may be missing.Consequently the seat might not have sufficient structural integrity and strength, and might move in the event of an accident or under the weight of the luggage, increasing the risk of 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: 01/02/2020
How often does the 2020 Land Rover Discovery fail its MOT?
Why they failed: the share of failed tests with at least one fault in each area (a test can fail on several). Cars first registered in 2020, tested in Great Britain in 2023; first registration is usually, but not always, the model year. Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0.
What do 2020 Land Rover Discovery owners report?
12 of the 19 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.
Vehicle suffered a catastrophic failure of the manufacturer-directed safety campaign remedy for Service Action N694 (Windshield Water Leaks). The Vehicle was brought in for service immediately after receiving the N694 Service Action Notification in September 2023. The inspection found no leaks and no action was taken. Two months later, in November 2023, the windshield began leaking water during rainstorms and was immediately brought into the dealership for service. The windshield was repaired, but not replaced which was also a remedy under the Service Action. The windshield again experienced…
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that after his wife had started the vehicle, the "Charging System Malfunction" warning message illuminated. The contact stated that the driver had previously experienced intermittent loss of motive power for short periods while driving. The dealer was contacted and advised that once the warning message illuminated, the vehicle could shut off after approximately 22-30 miles. The vehicle was driven to the residence and was then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the alternator had shorted due to an oil leak from the…
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for maintenance, the contact was made aware of TSB: SSM74710 for the windshield seals. The vehicle was inspected under the TSB: SSM74710 (Failed Windshield Seals). The contact stated that on a separate occasion, months after the repairs, water leaked inside the cabin of the vehicle. The water leaked from the top side of the windshield on the driver’s side. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the windshield seal had failed. The vehicle was not…
Water dripping into the cabin from the top of the windshield. Water in electrical system is turning lights and other functions on and off causing dangerous driving conditions and draining the battery while parked immobilizing the vehicle
Defect Summary: Repeated water intrusion (windshield, roof rails, rear door latch) leading to electrical damage. Electrical failures resulting in sudden loss of power, lighting, and infotainment. Critical safety system failures including: Sudden loss of steering assist and brake assist while in motion. Vehicle stalling with the engine running but no drivetrain response. Gear shifter malfunctions leaving the vehicle stuck in gear. Notable Incidents: July–August 2025 (61,000 mi): Multiple events of complete power loss while driving, including loss of steering and braking control on a public…
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated while making a turn and driving at 15 MPH, water was leaking from the rearview mirror. The dome light on the ceiling was flashing intermittently. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving 50 MPH, the instrument panel screen turned black but returned to normal functionality after several minutes. The contact stated that the touch screen failed to work as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the joint and body seam adhesive had delaminated…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Windshield seal failed, which was supposedly inspected when I bought the vehicle 13 months ago How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Water dumped onto the many electronics in the front center of the vehicle, this could have easily caused a short or failure in those electronics Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer immediately found the leak location when I brought the vehicle in. Has the vehicle or component been…
Front parking aid sensors do not alert me to objects in front of me when parking forward. I have to first backup two feet to get it to work, then it picks it up once I put in forward motion again. The dealer stated that they have no recalls for this problem even though my vehicle is in warranty.
Complete loss of all electrical power (while driving, although incident occurred at a stop-light) due to ground stud failure. Component previously subject to a recall in 2021. Appears that the manufacturer fix implemented as part of the recall failed.
The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the navigation system screen went blank. The vehicle randomly failed to start. The Land Rover logo was on the screen. While driving, the battery warning light was flashing. All the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who performed an update. The dealer was unable to determine the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving, after a few days the vehicle failed to start. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure…
Vehicle warning lights come on including traction control and engine warning. Vehicle stops running after halting and then quits running completely. I had the vehicle towed 80 miles to the nearest dealer in Columbia, SC they reported that it was a loose ground wire on the battery and told me it was resolved. Less than a month later the same thing happened again and all 4 wheels locked up requiring the towing company to drag it onto the flat bed two truck. It was towed to the local dealer in Hardeeville, SC for repair last Friday and am waiting on a notice that they are working on the vehicle…
HAD RECALL COMPLETED ONE MONTH AGO TO CORRECT GROUND WIRE LOCATION. TWO DAYS AGO THE AUTO START/ STOP ACTIVATING WHILE IN A DRIVE THROUGH, THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHERE ALL SAFETY FEATURES WERE DISABLED. GEAR SHIFTER BLINKING IN "D". HAD TO PUT TRANSMISSION IN PARK, THEN WAS ABLE TO PUT BACK IN DRIVE. WHEN ACCELERATING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. STARTING BACK INSTANTLY, BUT DISPLAYED GEARBOX FAILURE MESSAGE. MADE IT HOME VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE DRIVE WAY AND WOULDN'T START BACK, THE TACHOMETER WAS STUCK ON 1K RPM, BUT NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE. WAITED TWO…
2020 Land Rover Discovery: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 19 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 Land Rover Discovery; the most common categories were electrical system (9, 47.4%), engine (4, 21.1%), power train (3, 15.8%). There are 6 safety recalls. 1 complaint mentions a crash.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Land Rover Discovery?
Across 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (47.4% of complaints), engine (21.1% of complaints), power train (15.8% of complaints), structure (15.8% of complaints), back over prevention (10.5% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 Land Rover Discovery have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2020 Land Rover Discovery; the most recent (campaign 23V393000, 2023-06-01) concerns Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; 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 anonymised MOT results (Open Government Licence v3.0), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.