Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2021 Land Rover DiscoveryRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 12 owner complaints for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery. Most complaints involve electrical system (10) and power train (5). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Sep 2026
Owner complaints
12
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Electrical system: dc

Remedy pending

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.

Electrical systemReported Sep 17, 2026NHTSA 26V599000

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

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.

Back over preventionReported Jul 16, 2026NHTSA 26V458000

Air bags: frontal

Free remedy

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.

Air bagsReported Jun 13, 2026NHTSA 26V389000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

12 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2021 – Nov 2026
  1. Electrical system10
  2. Power train5
  3. Engine2
  4. Fuel/propulsion system1
  5. Steering1
  6. Other / unknown4

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
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

10 reports
“I am contacting you to request immediate corporate assistance regarding an outstanding safety recall involving my 2021 Land Rover Discovery. MY VIN: [XXX] I would like this matter escalated to a Customer Relations supervisor or regional representative who has the authority to address the recall, coordinate with the dealership, and ensure that an appropriate resolution is provided. I've tried to raise the following with my dealer service department, but they have denied the service action in within range. If you could confirm that additional information you need from me, I plan to accommodate in a timely manner. Please provide the following: 1. I've attached the Recall # N572v2m which outlines my VIN in the range. 3. The current status of the required recall remedy and parts availability. 4. A timeline for completing the recall repair. 5. Assistance with transportation or a loaner vehicle if the vehicle cannot safely be driven or must remain at the dealership. 6. A corporate case number and the name of the individual responsible for following up. I would appreciate a prompt response and a clear plan for resolving this safety-related matter. Thank you, [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 4, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11775668

Power train

5 reports
“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 to both the driver and others on the road. The vehicle has been at the dealership since mid-January 2026. The dealer has stated that the DC-DC failure caused additional component failures. However, no root cause has been identified beyond “internal failure,” and I have not been provided confirmation that the system has been properly tested or that the issue will not recur. I am concerned that this failure can cause cascading electrical issues, including loss of the 12V system, impacting multiple critical vehicle functions at once. The lack of a clear diagnosis and verified…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 18, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11732006

Engine

2 reports
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
Drive
4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
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 6, 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), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192221$3,700436
Discovery MHEV
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
182421$3,700435
  • Discovery
    Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo
    19 city · 22 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Discovery MHEV
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 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 2021 Land Rover Discovery as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 15222
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

2021 Discovery questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Land Rover Discovery have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 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 2021 Land Rover Discovery problems?

Owners filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (10), power train (5), engine (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Land Rover Discovery get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Land Rover Discovery at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026