Land Rover Discovery V (L462) (2017 – 2021)

Reliability score : 3.8/10

The fifth-generation Land Rover Discovery (L462) marks a radical departure from its predecessors. Gone are the ladder chassis and boxy design; it adopts an aluminum monocoque structure (shared with the Range Rover) allowing a theoretical weight saving of 480 kg, and more rounded lines. Positioned as a premium family SUV with 7 real seats, it retains exceptional off-road capabilities thanks to the Terrain Response 2 system and its air suspension. However, its reliability record is catastrophic: with a 25% defect rate at the technical inspection (TÜV) after just 3 years and a score of 2/5 from What Car?, it is among the least reliable premium SUVs on the market. Electronics, suspension, and engines are sources of recurring breakdowns.

✅ Strengths

Unmatched off-road capabilities in its class (Terrain Response 2, approach/departure angles)
Regal ride comfort thanks to standard air suspension
Exceptional roominess with 7 real seats usable by adults
Impressive towing capacity (up to 3,500 kg)
Soundproofing and interior finish quality (premium materials)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous overall reliability (25% failure rate at TÜV at 3 years, 38% annual breakdown rate according to What Car?)
Incessant electronic bugs (black screens, faulty driving aids, battery drain)
Fragile air suspension (compressor, sensors, air leaks)
Highly problematic 4-cylinder diesel engines (Ingenium) (timing chain, oil dilution)
Prohibitive maintenance and repair costs out of warranty
Very high actual weight despite aluminum, penalizing fuel consumption (especially in petrol models)

🎯 Verdict

The Land Rover Discovery V is a paradox: it is one of the most versatile, comfortable, and capable family SUVs in the world, but its reliability is abysmal. Statistics from ADAC, TÜV (25% defect rate at 3 years), and What Car? (38% annual breakdown rate) paint an alarming picture. Temperamental electronics and fragile air suspension are costly sources of problems. If you absolutely must buy one, imperatively favor a petrol engine (the supercharged 3.0 Si6 V6 is the most mechanically robust, despite its gargantuan fuel consumption). Avoid the 4-cylinder diesels (Ingenium) and beware of the diesel V6s (crankshaft failures). Strict buying condition: Only buy this vehicle if it comes with a manufacturer warranty or a comprehensive extended warranty (like Land Rover Approved) covering electronics and suspension. Without a warranty, the financial risk is far too high.

Common issues

Défaillance de la suspension pneumatique (compresseur, boudins, capteurs) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 000 – 3 000 €

Vérifier l'assiette du véhicule et l'absence de bruits anormaux du compresseur.

Bugs et lenteurs du système d'infodivertissement InControl Touch Pro Medium

🔧 Dès 20 000 km

💶 0 € (mise à jour) – 1 500 € (remplacement module)

Tester toutes les fonctions de l'écran tactile et la réactivité avant achat.

Problèmes électriques divers (capteurs, modules, faux contacts) Medium

🔧 50 000 – 120 000 km

💶 200 – 800 €

S'assurer que tous les équipements électriques fonctionnent sans voyant allumé.

Infiltrations d'eau (toit panoramique, joints de hayon) Low

🔧 Variable, souvent après 50 000 km

💶 300 – 1 000 €

Vérifier l'humidité dans l'habitacle et le coffre, surtout après la pluie.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£100 – 180
Timing chain	£1 300 – 2 800 (si remplacement nécessaire)
Complete brakes	£500 – 1 000
Estimated annual budget	£750 – 1 500

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.