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2021 Land Rover Discovery problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 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
- 11owner complaints
- 0crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 8%fail the UK MOT
11 complaints, against an average of 18 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 2021 Land Rover Discovery?
The components named most often in the 11 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Land Rover Discovery owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 11 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2021 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: Propulsion System: Dc/Dc Converter Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 13, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is E008. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 26V248.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. Water may not be able to drain away from the rearview camera due to insufficient drain holes, which may result in damage to the rearview camera.
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will drill additional drain holes in the underside of the tailgate trim. Additionally, dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 10, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D145.
Air Bags: Frontal Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2026 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2026 Discovery, and 2022-2026 Range Rover vehicles. The driver’s air bag clockspring connector may corrode, which can cause the air bag not to deploy as intended.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will apply a protective lubricant gel to the driver’s air bag connector terminals, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed August 3, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D120.
Electrical System: Propulsion System: Dc/Dc Converter Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the central software, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 17, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D126 and H575.
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.
Is the 2021 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 DVSADamaged front seat belt pre tensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor
Risk: Damaged front seat belt pretensioner tube may have been installed on the seat belt retractor.
Fix: Inspect the seat belt pretensioner tube for damage and if damage is identified the seat belt retractor will be replaced.
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.
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 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 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 fixing nuts which connect the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened correctly and could loosen over…The fixing nuts which connect the exhaust downpipe to the catalytic converter may not have been tightened correctly and could loosen over time.This may cause a hot exhaust gas 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 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
How often does the 2021 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 2021, 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 2021 Land Rover Discovery owners report?
11 of the 11 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.
The contact owns a 2021 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the roadway. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V248000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved several fault codes associated with the power supply failure and DC Converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired because there was no repair available for the DC-DC converter failure. The contact stated that the…
2021 Land Rover Discovery 48V mild hybrid (MHEV). Recurring 12V system failures: repeated depleted/dead 12V batteries and no-start events. The 12V battery has failed and been replaced three times during my ownership (two documented at a franchised Land Rover dealer and an independent shop), plus a prior replacement under the previous owner per the vehicle history report. Symptoms: the vehicle will not start without a jump, repeated low-battery and SOS/telematics warnings, blank infotainment display, and full battery depletion after the vehicle sits unused for as little as 3 days, even with a…
Supplement / update to prior NHTSA complaints regarding my 2021 Land Rover Discovery MHEV (VIN: [XXX] y prior complaints, Jaguar Land Rover has issued Recall 26V248 for DC/DC converter failure leading to loss of propulsion in 2021–2024 Land Rover Discovery MHEV vehicles. My vehicle experienced the same real-world failure condition: sudden loss of propulsion in traffic with my children in the vehicle. Jaguar Land Rover corporate has stated my VIN is not included in the recall population despite my vehicle being a 2021 Discovery MHEV and experiencing the same defect condition. I am submitting…
I am filing a safety complaint regarding a sudden and complete loss of power event while driving my 2021 Land Rover Discovery. The vehicle experienced a DC-DC converter failure with no warning, resulting in a sudden shutdown. The engine lost power, critical systems went offline, and I was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral. The vehicle became immobilized in active traffic, creating a dangerous situation. This incident occurred without warning and left me with no ability to safely move the vehicle out of traffic or rely on normal emergency functions. This presents a serious safety hazard…
While driving my 2021 Land Rover Discovery (MHEV) in active traffic, the vehicle suddenly displayed an “Electrical system fault – Stop safely” warning. Immediately after the warning, the vehicle lost power and shut down, leaving me stalled in traffic with no ability to safely move the vehicle out of the roadway. There was no prior warning, no gradual degradation, and no driver-caused condition. The shutdown appeared to be related to the 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, possibly involving the DC-DC converter or battery management system, which disabled critical vehicle functions. This…
MHEV vehicle is offline; car completely shut down, resulting in loss of power on the road.
I own a 2021 Land Rover Discovery with VIN [XXX] , and I am experiencing issues that align with the national recall for the MHEV battery. My vehicle’s start-stop functionality fails intermittently, and the system is in an “offline state,” disrupting communication and critical functions. Additionally, due to these MHEV battery errors, my vehicle cannot receive over-the-air updates provided by Land Rover, further impacting its performance and reliability. I request that my vehicle be reviewed for inclusion in the recall and that the necessary repairs be covered. This ongoing issue presents a…
This is an update to Complaint Number 11436854, submitted on 10/14/2021, 5:53:21 PM Additional service has been performed on the vehicle to identify and correct random electrical faults interrupting the safe operations of this vehicle. Service record generated by Land Rover Boise, ID (RO Number 520844) is attached as an uploaded file. This RO indicates the third repair by Land Rover dealers that have serviced this vehicle (Lynnwood, WA; Flatirons, CO and Boise, ID) regarding the Ground Stud Update, and now provides the documentation of another ground fault in the Locking Actuator (door locks…
This vehicle should be considered as a "drive at your own risk" vehicle. Engine randomly fails to start using push button start in coordination with pressing on the brake pedal. Dash and gages indicated all electrical systems were on and no warning symbols were displayed. Repeated attempts by owner to start vehicle failed. Attempts using remote start app erroneously indicated that the vehicle was already in operation. Fail-to-start generally existed for 2-4 hours before the vehicle would randomly start. Failure to start and stranding owner repeated 4 times over the next 8 days, including while…
After 2000 miles of driving, I received a warning that I had reduced traction and needed to drive with caution. When I took vehicle to dealer they determined the “initial configuration was not complete”.
Received an error message stating reduced traction only 2 wheel drive and to drive with caution. Took it to the dealer to discover the software was not programmed for the 4wd modules
2021 Land Rover Discovery: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Land Rover Discovery; the most common categories were electrical system (9, 81.8%), power train (4, 36.4%), engine (1, 9.1%). There are 6 safety recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Land Rover Discovery?
Across 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are electrical system (81.8% of complaints), power train (36.4% of complaints), engine (9.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (9.1% of complaints), steering (9.1% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Land Rover Discovery have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery; the most recent (campaign 26V599000, 2026-09-17) concerns Electrical System: Propulsion System: Dc/Dc Converter. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Land Rover Discovery stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
5 of the 11 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery (45.5%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 26V599000 (electrical system: propulsion system: dc/dc converter). The fix: Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "2021 Land Rover Discovery 48V mild hybrid (MHEV). Recurring 12V system failures: repeated depleted/dead 12V batteries and no-start events." (NHTSA complaint 11742136, June 2026). Recall repairs are free at a 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 2021 only.