Land Rover Discovery Sport years to avoid LAND ROVER Discovery Sport (L550) (11.2014 - ...)

Reviews of the Land Rover Discovery Sport vary greatly. Some owners note reliability issues, including electrical and some mechanical components. There are also complaints about the cost of maintenance.
Specifically, the early model years (e.g., 2015-2017) received more criticism, according to some reviews.
Real reviews often mention:
Pros: Stylish design, spacious interior (especially the 7-seater version), good off-road capabilities.
Cons: Possible reliability issues, high maintenance costs, some complaints about the electronics.
If you are seriously considering a purchase, thoroughly inspect the specific vehicle before buying and perhaps consider later model years, where some issues may have been addressed.

If you’re considering a Land Rover Discovery Sport, it’s wise to be cautious about the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, as these have the most reported and serious reliability issues.

Years to Avoid and Why
2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport
The first production year suffered from numerous teething problems:

Engine failures caused by intake camshaft variable timing actuator faults and premature timing chain failures, sometimes at low mileage (e.g., 49,000 miles).

Transmission issues with the 9-speed automatic shifting unexpectedly into neutral, rough shifting, and delayed engagement.

Recalls addressed some transmission software problems, but issues often persisted.

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Continued engine problems including turbocharger failures causing sudden power loss and crankshaft pulley failures leading to potential engine destruction.

Multiple recalls for fuel line leaks, faulty airbags, defective control arms, door latches, and electrical system faults.

Safety-related recalls and frequent critical repairs make this year particularly problematic.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport
Persistent engine problems such as camshaft sensor failures, timing chain tensioner issues, and cracked valve covers causing sudden engine shutdowns.

Electrical issues caused by rainwater leaks damaging computer systems, leading to unresponsive electronics and interior water ingress.

Reports of vehicle fires (rare but serious).

Recalls for fuel pump locking ring faults and seatbelt pretensioner malfunctions.

Common Problems Across These Years
Engine faults: Timing chain failures, turbocharger and crankshaft pulley issues, camshaft sensor failures.

Transmission glitches: Rough shifting, unexpected neutral engagement, software updates needed.

Electrical faults: Water ingress causing system failures, faulty door locks, alarm issues.

Fuel system problems: Fuel leaks from rails or lines, insecure fuel pump locking rings.

Suspension and steering: Rattles, knocking, and power steering failures due to rusted bolts.

Interior quality: Squeaks, rattles, and persistent water leaks.

Reliability and Maintenance Insights
About 36% of Discovery Sports report faults, with air conditioning and engine electrics being the most common.

Most issues are fixed under warranty or recall, but 5% of repairs can cost over £1,000.

The average lifespan is around 122,000 miles, depending heavily on maintenance and fuel type.

Maintenance and repair costs tend to be higher than average for SUVs.

Avoid 2015, 2016, and 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sports due to frequent and serious engine, transmission, electrical, and safety issues. These models have numerous recalls and owner complaints about sudden engine failures, power loss, water leaks, and costly repairs.

If you want a Discovery Sport, consider later models (2018 onwards) or earlier well-maintained examples with full service history and recall work completed. Always get a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verify that all recalls have been addressed.