2021 Land Rover Discovery: Recalls, Complaints & California Lemon Law

2021 Land Rover Discovery 48V mild hybrid (MHEV). Recurring 12V system failures: repeated depleted/dead 12V batteries and no-start events. The 12V battery has failed and been replaced three times during my ownership (two documented at a franchised Land Rover dealer and an independent shop), plus a prior replacement under the previous owner per the vehicle history report. Symptoms: the vehicle will not start without a jump, repeated low-battery and SOS/telematics warnings, blank infotainment display, and full battery depletion after the vehicle sits unused for as little as 3 days, even with a battery maintainer in use. Dealer cloud diagnosis confirmed two contributing faults. First, elevated parasitic/quiescent current draw from control modules not entering proper sleep state, measured at 1.6A versus a normal value near 0.01A. Second, inadequate 12V charging. The dealer replaced the 12V and telematics backup batteries and applied software updates to multiple modules (including TCU and BCM), yet the failures recurred. This VIN has an open safety recall on MHEVs (NHTSA 26V-248, manufacturer D126) describing a DCDC converter internal fault that causes loss of 12V system charging and a "Stop Safely, Electrical Fault Detected" warning, with potential loss of motive power, coasting to a stop, and loss of exterior lighting. The remedy is not yet available. Safety risk: loss of 12V charging and battery depletion can cause stalling, loss of motive power in traffic, no-start and stranding, and loss of lighting, all of which increase crash risk. On one occasion the vehicle barely started after sitting at an airport lot, nearly leaving my family stranded. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by both a franchised dealer and an independent service center. The vehicle and the failed batteries are available for inspection on request. Warning messages first appeared before the current failure and have recurred across multiple battery replacements.

NHTSA #11742136

While driving my 2021 Land Rover Discovery (MHEV) in active traffic, the vehicle suddenly displayed an “Electrical system fault – Stop safely” warning. Immediately after the warning, the vehicle lost power and shut down, leaving me stalled in traffic with no ability to safely move the vehicle out of the roadway. There was no prior warning, no gradual degradation, and no driver-caused condition. The shutdown appeared to be related to the 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system, possibly involving the DC-DC converter or battery management system, which disabled critical vehicle functions. This failure created an immediate safety hazard. I was at risk of being rear-ended and had limited ability to safely exit traffic. The vehicle became effectively inoperable without warning, which is unacceptable in real-world driving conditions. What is especially concerning is that: •The warning instructed me to “stop safely,” yet the vehicle did not allow time or power to do so •There were no visible issues beforehand •The issue appears consistent with known Land Rover MHEV electrical failures •Software updates were present, but did not prevent the failure A sudden electrical shutdown in traffic poses a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. This issue should be investigated for potential defect, recall, or mandatory repair, as it compromises safe vehicle operation.

NHTSA #11708304

MHEV vehicle is offline; car completely shut down, resulting in loss of power on the road.

NHTSA #11653406

This is an update to Complaint Number 11436854, submitted on 10/14/2021, 5:53:21 PM Additional service has been performed on the vehicle to identify and correct random electrical faults interrupting the safe operations of this vehicle. Service record generated by Land Rover Boise, ID (RO Number 520844) is attached as an uploaded file. This RO indicates the third repair by Land Rover dealers that have serviced this vehicle (Lynnwood, WA; Flatirons, CO and Boise, ID) regarding the Ground Stud Update, and now provides the documentation of another ground fault in the Locking Actuator (door locks are randomly actuating w/driving).

NHTSA #11438567

This vehicle should be considered as a "drive at your own risk" vehicle. Engine randomly fails to start using push button start in coordination with pressing on the brake pedal. Dash and gages indicated all electrical systems were on and no warning symbols were displayed. Repeated attempts by owner to start vehicle failed. Attempts using remote start app erroneously indicated that the vehicle was already in operation. Fail-to-start generally existed for 2-4 hours before the vehicle would randomly start. Failure to start and stranding owner repeated 4 times over the next 8 days, including while the vehicle was in service shop of Dealer. Dealer service could not identify source of the problem and produced records that the safety recall for the battery ground stud issue had already been performed. Dealer service records (attached) recommended against driving vehicle due to "what seems to be intermittent high speed power train communications fault". Owner has requested Dealer By Back due to this repetitive and unresolved safety problem. Refusal from Land Rover to buy the vehicle back places this consumer safety issue back into owners hands which triggered the moral obligation to submit this information to the NHTSA as a safety problem.

NHTSA #11436854

I am filing a safety complaint regarding a sudden and complete loss of power event while driving my 2021 Land Rover Discovery. The vehicle experienced a DC-DC converter failure with no warning, resulting in a sudden shutdown. The engine lost power, critical systems went offline, and I was unable to shift the vehicle into neutral. The vehicle became immobilized in active traffic, creating a dangerous situation. This incident occurred without warning and left me with no ability to safely move the vehicle out of traffic or rely on normal emergency functions. This presents a serious safety hazard to both the driver and others on the road. The vehicle has been at the dealership since mid-January 2026. The dealer has stated that the DC-DC failure caused additional component failures. However, no root cause has been identified beyond “internal failure,” and I have not been provided confirmation that the system has been properly tested or that the issue will not recur. I am concerned that this failure can cause cascading electrical issues, including loss of the 12V system, impacting multiple critical vehicle functions at once. The lack of a clear diagnosis and verified repair raises concerns about reliability and safety. Given the sudden loss of power, inability to move the vehicle, and absence of a confirmed root cause or validated repair, I am formally requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration open a defect investigation into the MHEV/DC-DC system. This failure creates a significant safety risk, including vehicles becoming immobilized in active traffic without warning. The risk of recurrence without a defined cause is especially concerning and may indicate a broader issue.

NHTSA #11732006

Supplement / update to prior NHTSA complaints regarding my 2021 Land Rover Discovery MHEV (VIN: [XXX] y prior complaints, Jaguar Land Rover has issued Recall 26V248 for DC/DC converter failure leading to loss of propulsion in 2021–2024 Land Rover Discovery MHEV vehicles. My vehicle experienced the same real-world failure condition: sudden loss of propulsion in traffic with my children in the vehicle. Jaguar Land Rover corporate has stated my VIN is not included in the recall population despite my vehicle being a 2021 Discovery MHEV and experiencing the same defect condition. I am submitting additional documentary evidence from Jaguar Land Rover Portland showing that during the repair process: * I was advised the vehicle would only run while connected to external jumper power and would shut off once that external power was removed. * Two days later, I was advised the installed battery would only charge to 6 volts and that another battery was needed to continue testing. These communications raise concern that this failure event involved broader electrical consequences and further support that my vehicle experienced the same defect condition described in Recall 26V248. The dealership ultimately completed repairs and charged me for the failure, while JLR maintains my VIN is excluded. I am requesting NHTSA review whether my VIN was improperly excluded from the recall population and whether the affected vehicle population should be expanded. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #11737455

After 2000 miles of driving, I received a warning that I had reduced traction and needed to drive with caution. When I took vehicle to dealer they determined the “initial configuration was not complete”.

NHTSA #11436143

Received an error message stating reduced traction only 2 wheel drive and to drive with caution. Took it to the dealer to discover the software was not programmed for the 4wd modules

NHTSA #11436146