RoadVitals

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
51
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Dec 9, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
1 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

Overview

Our database contains 51 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and brakes categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 281 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1421.9%
  • Brakes710.9%
  • Body & structure69.4%
  • Steering69.4%
  • Electrical57.8%
  • Driver assistance34.7%
  • Fuel system34.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Dec 9, 2016
220 units potentially affected
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport vehicles manufactured May 30, 2016, to August 24, 2016, and 2016-2017 Range Rover Evoque vehicles manufactured June 7, 2016, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles have front lower control arm fasteners that may fail due to an assembly error, possibly resulting in separation of the steering knuckle.
The risk: If the fasteners were to fail causing the knuckle to separate, vehicle handling may be affected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hardware that connects the front lower control arm to the knuckle, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2017. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is Q650/Q651.
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLCManufacturer number Q650/Q651View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 6, 2016
14,731 units potentially affected
The defect: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport vehicles manufactured September 17, 2014, to March 5, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the license plate illumination lamp may fall out. 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."
The risk: Without license plate illumination, the vehicle may be difficult to identify at night.
The remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace both rear license plate lamp housings, free of charge. The recall began on June 21, 2016. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is P077.
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLCManufacturer number P077View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA21002OpenEngineering Analysis

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

SteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane to avoid a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a cracked chassis component that was used to secure the lower control arm for the front passenger’s side wheel. The contact was informed that the lower control arm component needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

NHTSA ID
11755997
Incident
Aug 7, 2026
Mileage
68,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 7, 2026

Vehicle engine shut down and completely lost power. Technician inspected and found intake camshaft actuator came loose from camshaft. On this vehicle it simply uses tension from the bolt torquing. There is no keyway to prevent this. Vehicle engine is destroyed. Very unsafe design.

NHTSA ID
11748857
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed May 26, 2026
Crash reported

The braking system failed, specifically a brake line rupture/failure that resulted in a complete loss of braking function. The vehicle is currently located at AAA or IAA facility, because it was totaled after an accident. The loss of braking function created an immediate and severe safety hazard. My wife was unable to stop the vehicle, which resulted in a collision with another vehicle. This placed my wife, the occupants of the other vehicle, including a child seated on the side of impact, and others on the road at significant risk of serious injury or fatality. The issue has been diagnosed by the Kansas City Land Rover Dealership as a faulty brake line rupture without warning. However, there are photo of the ruptured brake line, located where the aluminum line joins with the rubber line. A full independent inspection was completed. The vehicle has been involved in a police-reported accident, and insurance has been notified. The vehicle has also been transferred to a AAA or IAA facility, but is deemed totaled by my insurance. There was a visual inspection by the dealership in Kansas City, where they informed me that they found a break or rupture in the front passenger brake line. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the failure. The loss of braking occurred suddenly and without prior indication while the vehicle was in operation, causing a T-bone collision with another vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11740272
Incident
Apr 15, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 18, 2026

My vehicle just turned 10 years old. It has a little more than 66,000 miles on it and very well maintained. It was operating fine with no issues up until the day I went to get into it last Friday. I started it up without issue, put it into drive and found that could not steer it. I actually had to have it put on a car carrier and taken to a foreign auto mechanic, who told me that I needed a completely new rack and pinion, my vehicle is not drivable. This should have been avoided had Land Rover checked the vehicle over when they were supposed to have done a complete service check on my vehicle in 2023 we combined two service checks into one as I live 2.5 hours from them. To me this is a poorly designed system made of aluminum that is highly corrosive and I am lucky not to have been killed had my vehicle done this while I was driving and had a bolt break off. This is definitely a high safety issue.

NHTSA ID
11725151
Incident
Mar 13, 2026
Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2026

My 2016 Jaguar Land Rover Discovery Sport is displaying a CHECK ENGINE light. After having it seen by mechanics I'm told the Turbo-Manifold is faulty-CRACKED-and must be replaced, not safe to drive. It demonstrates by having noxious fumes enter the cabin, causing ill effects-not operable subject to dire illness. Should be part of RECALL. Please advise. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11716592
Incident
Nov 11, 2025
Steering
Filed Jan 10, 2026

Backing out of a driveway. Stopping and put the car in drive. Started to drive. Turned the steering wheel and heard a metal crunch. Steering failed because the bolts that hold electric motor attached to the steering mechanism sheered. Broke off from the mount. A very dangerous situation. Could have hit other cars as there was no control.

NHTSA ID
11710123
Incident
Dec 28, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 30, 2025

I own a 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport (VIN [XXX] ). The vehicle was sold with InControl Remote features (remote lock/unlock, vehicle status, emergency SOS). These no longer function because the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) relies on the obsolete 2G/3G T-Mobile network. Since U.S. carriers shut down 2G/3G, the TCU cannot connect, leaving me without remote access or emergency SOS. Jaguar Land Rover acknowledges this but refuses to provide a 4G retrofit, unlike other automakers who offered upgrades or goodwill fixes when 2G/3G sunset occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11690686
Incident
Sep 30, 2025
Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2025

Crankshaft pulley and Crankshaft had a manufactured defect that caused the pulley to brake into pieces while standing at a stop intersection, multiple pieces of metal were projected towards the radiator, water pump, passenger wheel, serpentine belt, battery and other components causing considerable damage and left the vehicle inoperable. The repairs were substantial and required multiple parts to be replaced due to a low quality part (crankshaft and pulley) during the vehicle's assembly, among some of them were a new Crankshaft pulley, radiator and retainers, and serpentine wheel. The total cost for the damage including parts, labor and secondary services (towing) were in excess of $3,700.00 (Three thousand seven hundred dollars). The mechanics that performed the services strongly advised and encouraged that the manufacturer were contacted to arrange for refund and awareness of the defect in the parts involved. We proceeded to contact the local dealership and service in Frisco Texas and they denied relief stating that the vehicle was out of warranty, although they had full knowledge that defective parts are not within the scope of warranty but inherent risks that need to be addressed for the customers. Given the lack of relief, I proceeded to notify the NHTSA of this issue for further investigation and possible force of a recall to obtain relief of all customers that may be impacted.

NHTSA ID
11665889
Incident
May 18, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SSM76411 - 10MAR26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Smart Key Deactivated message on instrument cluster and unable to start their vehicle

TUCC_FEB2026_22

ENGINE

GTDI BRAZED TURBOCHARGER CRACK EXTENDED WARRANTY

D085 - 02FEB26

ENGINE

GTDI Brazed Turbocharger Crack Extended Warranty

SSM76386 - 29AUG25

Body and Comfort (HMI) CAN related functions such as window switches or air conditioning may reset or become inoperable every 8-10 minutes while driving.

TUCC_JUN2025_57

SUSPENSION

There is a knocking type noise from the front of the vehicle while driving on rough roads.

TUCC_JUN2025_46

POWER TRAIN

MIL on Instrument cluster.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Land Rover Discovery Sport by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000
2025510
2024020
2023320
2022410
2021410
2020124062.1
2019200038.0
2018211047.3
2017392151.9
2016Viewing512159.5
2015142153.0
2014000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.