The Land Rover Discovery has not been a popular choice in its segment and the sales volume has stayed rather stagnant since the launch of its current generation last year. This could directly be the reason why it has one of the least numbers of complaints in its class, summing to just 32 for the 2018 model year. This year also sees 3 recalls against the SUV's name which is not very concerning given how new the platform is. So with competitors like the Audi Q7, the BMW X5, and the Mercedes Benz GLE Class taking the king-size bite from the segment, does the Land Rover nametag holds any value for a base asking price of $52,090? Although the listed number of complaints is on the lower side, does its outrageous running cost affect its overall appeal? Here are some common problems that you should look out for or be aware of when getting one of these so-called dual-purpose SUVs.
2018 Land Rover Discovery User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Laggy throttle when trying to roll from a standstill has been a widespread issue on the Supercharged V6 gasoline engine on the 2018 Land Rover Discovery. The throttle pedal does not respond a couple of seconds after input and then, without warning, lurches forward dangerously. The issue was later found to be a throttle-throttle body calibration issue which was updated by the dealer on a service bulletin notification.
- Transmission- Not as widespread as the engine issue but the ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic did suffer from occasional shifting problems. The vehicle is said to hold a gear without shifting or would sometimes shift with significant delays. The issue was traced to faulty valves in certain units of gearboxes which were replaced/ repaired under a service bulletin released later that year.
Electric System complaints
- Infotainment- The infotainment system on the 2018 Land Rover Discovery is subject to a variety of issues, the most prominent being the frizzing of the screen. Owners also complain about the user interface lagging extensively through the menus and a restart doesn’t resolve the issue.
Structural Complaints
- Roof- Water leak from the roof console area is something initial 2018 Land Rover Discovery owners had faced. The failure is said to occur at mileages as low as 30,000-miles. The issue was traced to be an issue with the failure bonding agent used to fix the windshield, which when exposed to multiple cycles of heat and cold, degrades with time. Replacement of the windshield is the only known fix to this issue.
2018 Land Rover Discovery Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
25th February 2021 |
21V117000 |
High-beam malfunction. |
The Auto High Beam (AHB) system does not indicate through the instrument cluster when the high beams are illuminated automatically, reducing visibility for oncoming traffic and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began on April 7, 2021. |
|
2 |
12th March 2020 |
20V143000 |
The trailer light may not function. |
When towing a trailer with the trailer lights connected to the trailer socket and the vehicle's Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on, the trailer lights may not function, making the traffic unaware of the vehicle slowing down or stopping, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the Body Control Module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 13, 2020. |
|
3 |
13th September 2018 |
|
Auto Emergency braking system failure. |
The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system may be disabled without warning the driver that the system is not functional, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2018 |
Should you buy a used 2018 Land Rover Discovery?
Even though the Land Rover Discovery might not be one of the most engaging or quick SUVs in its class, it definitely has been the only “real” option available for those who did like to explore roads other than smooth paved ones. Electronic issues have been something that has been bothering multiple owners but should not come in as a big compromise if resolved at the right time. Furthermore, the number of complaints and recalls have been on the lower side for a brand new launch. The 2018 Land Rover Discovery is not a common choice but definitely won’t disappoint someone looking for a comfortable time behind the wheel. It certainly feels different from the usual crop and has its own appeal which is sure to get you more eyes and questions than any of its competitors. That said, the running and maintenance costs on Land Rovers are unusually high, so do your research before doubling down on one.
