The Land Rover Discovery Sport Years To Avoid
We've rounded up three Land Rover Discovery Sport years to avoid based on common problems. See which ones and why you should steer clear.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport has been a popular choice for those seeking a compact SUV with off-road capabilities and a touch of luxury. As the most affordable option in Land Rover’s lineup, it offers an attractive entry point for adventurous drivers.
While the Discovery Sport has yet to undergo a complete redesign in nearly a decade, the 2024 model brings many welcome updates that enhance its appeal. The refreshed interior boasts a sleek, modern look with a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and a redesigned center console featuring a stylish toggle-style gear shifter.
Although it may not provide the ultimate luxury of its Range Rover siblings, the Discovery Sport’s rugged charm and trail-conquering features set it apart from its competitors in the compact crossover class.
If you’re in the market for a used Land Rover Discovery Sport, it’s a given you want to avoid ending up with an unreliable unit. So, for today, we rounded up the Land Rover Discovery Sport years to avoid.
Is the Land Rover Discovery Sport the Same as the Standard Discovery?
To avoid any confusion, let’s first discuss the critical differences between the regular Discovery and the Disco Sport.
The Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Land Rover Discovery are different models with distinct mechanical setups. The Discovery Sport is a compact SUV, while the Discovery is a mid-size SUV. They share some design elements and technology, but their platforms and powertrains differ.
More importantly, the Discovery Sport and Discovery differ mechanically, with the Disco Sport using the D8 platform, 2.0-liter turbocharged engines, and a 9-speed automatic transmission, offering all-wheel drive and independent suspension for on-road comfort. In contrast, the Discovery utilizes the D7u platform, which offers 3.0-liter V6 engines, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and standard four-wheel drive with air suspension and advanced off-road capabilities.
Having said that, while they share the Land Rover brand’s reputation for luxury and off-road capability, their reliability issues are not identical.
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP
The CoPilot car shopping app is the smartest way to buy a car. Get a curated list of the best cars for sale in your area, as well as notifications if a similar vehicle is listed nearby at a lower price. CoPilot is the smartest way to shop for used cars.
Which Land Rover Discovery Sport to Avoid?
Land Rover isn’t exactly known for its reliability, so it’s fair to expect the Discovery Sport might not be your most reliable option in the off-road luxury segment. However, some years are more problematic than others, and they are:
- 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
- 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
- 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport
2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
At CoPilot, we always recommend avoiding the first production model years since they tend to have issues that are only addressed with succeeding models. That’s certainly the case with the 2015 Disco Sport, no thanks to the following problems:
Engine Woes
Being a first-year production model, the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport faced its share of teething issues, particularly with the engine. One of the most prevalent problems reported by owners involved the failure of the Intake Camshaft Variable Cam Timing Actuator. This issue could cause the engine to suddenly stop running, potentially leading to dangerous situations if it occurred while driving.
In one instance, a driver experienced this failure on the freeway, forcing them to make an emergency stop. Another concerning issue was the premature failure of the timing chain, which could occur even in well-maintained vehicles with relatively low mileage.
Another owner reported their timing chain snapping at just 49,000 miles, which is unacceptable at this stage of its life. Additionally, some owners faced repeated check engine lights and unsuccessful repair attempts by dealerships over extended periods.
ARE LAND ROVERS RELIABLE?
Once the cameras stop rolling, are Land Rovers reliable? Can they handle daily trips to the office through the suburbs, let alone the wilderness?
Transmission Shifting Into Neutral
The 2015 Discovery Sport is known for its problematic 9-speed automatic transmission, which can unexpectedly shift into neutral. This issue causes a loss of power, posing significant safety risks. Other transmission problems include rough shifting, delayed engagement, and sudden jerking.
These issues led to a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V614000), where Land Rover addressed the problem by updating the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software. Despite the recall, many owners continued to report persistent transmission troubles.
2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The following year is yet another unreliable outing for Disco Sport. Below are the reliability issues that make the 2016 model one of the worst Land Rover Discovery Sport years to avoid:
Problematic Engine
The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport, following in the footsteps of its problematic 2015 predecessor, continues to be plagued by engine issues that have left owners frustrated and concerned. One of the most severe problems reported is the sudden loss of power while driving, often attributed to turbocharger failure.
This issue has rendered vehicles unreliable and potentially dangerous, with some owners experiencing a dramatic drop in speed on highways and busy roads. Another recurring problem is the failure of the crankshaft pulley, which can lead to complete engine destruction. Despite the 2016 model being a year newer, Land Rover failed to address these critical engine defects.
Recalls Aplenty
The 2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport has faced several recalls that tarnish its reliability. Issues like fuel line leaks, faulty airbags, and defective front lower control arms pose serious safety risks. Additional problems with door latches and the electrical system further undermine confidence in this SUV. These frequent and critical recalls make the 2016 Discovery Sport a less dependable choice, and potential buyers should probably look elsewhere.
2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Is the third time the charm? Not quite for the 2017 Disco Sport. These reliability problems made it a worthy addition to this list of Land Rover Discovery Sport years to avoid:
Electrical System Issues
Many owners have been frustrated by the 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport’s numerous electrical problems. One of the most frequently reported issues is rainwater seeping into the vehicle and wreaking havoc on the computer system. This leak persists even after replacing the windshield and sealant, leaving passengers soaked and the system unresponsive.
In an alarming incident, a Discovery Sport burst into flames while cruising down the highway, forcing the driver to pull over and watch helplessly as the blaze consumed their vehicle and belongings. It’s probably a one-time occurrence, but it is still worth mentioning.
THE LAND ROVER DISCOVERY YEARS TO AVOID
Potential buyers should research and avoid specific model years known for these issues. So today, we rounded up the Land Rover Discovery years to avoid as a used car buyer.
Engine Problems (Again)
Engine woes continue to haunt the Discovery Sport in its 2017 iteration, a problem that has persisted since the SUV’s debut. Owners report sudden engine failures while driving, often due to camshaft sensor issues, timing chain tensioner failures, and cracked valve covers. These problems, which can occur at relatively low mileages, leave drivers stranded and fearing for their safety. Land Rover’s inadequate response has only compounded owners’ frustrations.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to provide you with a personalized list of the best car listings.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
