Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport problems
Owners filed 14 complaints about the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport with NHTSA between Jun 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is engine (6).
Complaints
14
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine6
- Electrical system5
- Vehicle speed control3
- Power train3
- Structure2
- Steering1
- Tires1
- Lane departure1
- Suspension1
- Service brakes1
- Other / unknown2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
2
2
2
3
4
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
6 reports1 fire
“I feel unsafe in vehicle at times when driving. the vehicle stalls sometime when taking off after you have stopped at a light and press on gas it sort of hesitates then goes. I had someone else test it out and they say the same thing, also purchased vehicle from Carvana and dont think they inspected this car because the first day it was delivered I had smelled gas or burning inside the car cabin which burned my eyes like fumes. Took it to shop and it was there the entire time during the time when you can return vehicle to carvana if you change your mind. I sent work to Carvana this happened which they should have known anyway that if at Landrover during the time I was suppose to check car out I didnt get to. They just said it was to late, but recently feels like steering is off and I just feel so stupid I traded my vehicle in for a vehicle that could be potentially dangerous and Ive been stressed out.; I looked underneath where the steering wheel column I think that is what is called is and notice its exposed you can see the metal steering column visibly and it seem rusted or like it has been tampered with which could be due to the way the car drives. I sent…”
Electrical system
5 reports1 fire4 related recalls
“Car randomly decelerates at any given speed at random times, car will flash D for drive gear on the dash then resume to normal. RPM will drop then return to normal. Presented issue to Land Rover Jacksonville multiple instances . No issues detected. Car getting stuck in gear. Car jerks for a moment. Car flashes in D and R gear and jerks.”
Vehicle speed control
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle independently decelerated and lost motive power. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.”
Power train
3 reports1 fire
“The engine timing chain, timing chain tensioner, and chain guides failed/stretched prematurely at 54,715 miles. The parts are currently installed in the vehicle / available for inspection upon request. Premature failure or slipping of the timing chain tensioner can cause the engine to misfire, skip timing, or fail catastrophically without warning while driving. A sudden loss of engine power or sudden engine stall at highway speeds creates an immediate crash hazard and leaves the vehicle disabled in active traffic. Yes, the issue was diagnosed and confirmed by Land Rover Allentown (service visit on 07/17/2026 at 54,715 miles), which confirmed engine noise/timing chain wear requiring full assembly replacement. It was inspected and diagnosed by an authorized dealership service department (Land Rover Allentown). No police or insurance inspection was involved as there was no crash. Loud metallic rattling noises from the engine bay upon startup and acceleration, engine misfires, and rough idling. Symptoms began shortly before the July 2026 service visit at around 54,000 miles.”
Structure
2 reports
“Roof side rail bars flew off when on the freeway. Car parts should not be flying off a car if made correctly could have hit another car causing an accident. No warning messages. Has not been inspected but have pictures.”
Steering
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.