Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2020 Land Rover DiscoveryRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints for the 2020 Land Rover Discovery. Most complaints involve electrical system (9) and structure (4). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
18–23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Jun 2023
Owner complaints
20
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$4,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: instrument cluster

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Jun 1, 2023NHTSA 23V393000

Seat belts: retractor

Free remedy

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.

Seat beltsReported Aug 26, 2021NHTSA 21V668000

Electrical system: 12v

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Jun 17, 2021NHTSA 21V457000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

20 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2021 – Nov 2026
  1. Electrical system9
  2. Structure4
  3. Engine4
  4. Power train3
  5. Visibility2
  6. Back over prevention2
  7. Visibility/wiper1
  8. Service brakes1
  9. Air bags1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Discovery model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199675
199737
199833
199953
201837
201939
202020
202112
202211
20237
20248
20250
20261
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

9 reports
“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 severe leaking in September 2026 during an overnight rainstorm and significant damage to the vehicle has occurred. The dealership's temporary 'topical reseal' remedy completely failed, causing severe water intrusion that corroded the main dashboard infotainment screen module and flooded the vehicle's electrical channels. This hidden factory defect has compromised critical dashboard safety displays, created a toxic mold health hazard inside the cabin, and left standing water under the floorboards.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Electrical system, Visibility/wiperODI 11770169

Structure

4 reports
“The windshield has failed which allows water to enter the vehicle. It puts me at risk because if I were to drive it in the rain or take it through a carwash it would destroy the electrical systems in the car and leave me unable to view the speedometer, vehicle information. It could also cause the computer in the middle to quit working. I have had the car to the dealership twice already and now it is leaking again- the first time they replaced the windshield because it had been recalled. 15 months later the new windshield began to leak and the dealership resealed the windshield and now 18 months later it is leaking again. The dealership said LR will not do anything and quoted me a "discounted" price of $3,219 for a new windshield or said they could attempt to reseal it again for $1,094 and that if it broke they would have to replace it. The vehicle has around 67,500 miles on it and has never been wrecked. This is a known problem and they are not going to repair the issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026StructureODI 11775733

Engine

4 reports
“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 roadway. September 11, 2025 (post-repair): After dealer-replaced battery and gear-shift module, the vehicle failed catastrophically within 450 feet of leaving the service center, jolting violently, losing all electrical power, and leaving steering and brakes stiff. An Edison Police officer witnessed the event and assisted in traffic control. Safety Concern: These recurring failures present a clear and ongoing danger of crash, injury, or fatality. The pattern demonstrates a systemic design or manufacturing defect related to water ingress and electrical integrity.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2025Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11690779
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 7, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel · 3.0L 6-cyl supercharged
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Discovery
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
212623$4,100448
Discovery
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg · 4-Wheel Drive
162118$4,300500
  • Discovery
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo
    21 city · 26 hwy · $4,100/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Discovery
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Sup Charg
    16 city · 21 hwy · $4,300/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 7, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Land Rover Discovery as of Nov 7, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 7, 2026Vehicle 14224
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Discovery questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Land Rover Discovery have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Land Rover Discovery problems?

Owners filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (9), structure (4), engine (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Land Rover Discovery get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Land Rover Discovery at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 7, 2026