There are 3 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2020 Land Rover Discoveryin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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.
Vehicle warning lights come on including traction control and engine warning. Vehicle stops running after halting and then quits running completely. I had the vehicle towed 80 miles to the nearest dealer in Columbia, SC they reported that it was a loose ground wire on the battery and told me it was resolved. Less than a month later the same thing happened again and all 4 wheels locked up requiring the towing company to drag it onto the flat bed two truck. It was towed to the local dealer in Hardeeville, SC for repair last Friday and am waiting on a notice that they are working on the vehicle. I did report the issue to the local dealer prior to the latest event and was told that the earliest available appointment was a month out. I was not told of any recall by either dealer but was told that they are having the same issue with “so many cars” The first event was on September 13th and the second on October 14th.
HAD RECALL COMPLETED ONE MONTH AGO TO CORRECT GROUND WIRE LOCATION. TWO DAYS AGO THE AUTO START/ STOP ACTIVATING WHILE IN A DRIVE THROUGH, THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WHERE ALL SAFETY FEATURES WERE DISABLED. GEAR SHIFTER BLINKING IN "D". HAD TO PUT TRANSMISSION IN PARK, THEN WAS ABLE TO PUT BACK IN DRIVE. WHEN ACCELERATING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT ABOUT 40 MPH THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. STARTING BACK INSTANTLY, BUT DISPLAYED GEARBOX FAILURE MESSAGE. MADE IT HOME VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE DRIVE WAY AND WOULDN'T START BACK, THE TACHOMETER WAS STUCK ON 1K RPM, BUT NO POWER TO THE VEHICLE. WAITED TWO HOURS AND THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK WITHOUT ANY ISSUE. TOWED TO LAND ROVER AS IT IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE. 2ND ATTEMPT AT LAND ROVER FOR ELECTRICAL ISSUE FIX. RESEARCHING ONLINE MANY OWNERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH LITTLE TO NO RESOLUTION FROM DEALERSHIP/LAND ROVER
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026