What 138 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Land Rover Discovery Sport (7 Seat)

sudden engine death while driving, no warning, timing chain failure, engine destruction

NHTSA ODI 11735375

Known Recall Issue: The failure pattern aligns with known manufacturer defect categories involving: •Engine torque / internal engine failure conditions •Cooling system failure leading to overheating Shortly after I purchased my 2015 Range Rover, I started to have repeated and escalating safety-critical failures involving sudden loss of power, engine malfunction, and vehicle shutdown while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle has experienced multiple incidents of complete or partial power loss while in motion, resulting in near-collision events. Despite repeated repairs by authorized dealerships, the underlying defect has not been resolved. The failure pattern suggests a systemic mechanical defect involving engine performance and cooling system integrity rather than isolated maintenance issues. The primary safety concern is sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, which has occurred on more than one occasion. These incidents present a significant risk of: •Rear-end collisions •Loss of vehicle control •Serious injury or fatality TECHNICAL FAILURE PATTERN Observed progression of failure: •Oil leakage / burning smell •Internal engine degradation symptoms •Cooling system failure and overheating •Electrical instability •Final engine shutdown / seizure events This suggests a systemic mechanical defect affecting engine integrity and thermal management systems. REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION I respectfully request NHTSA to: 1.Investigate potential safety defects in this vehicle and model year 2.Evaluate whether similar failures are occurring in other vehicles 3.Assess adequacy of existing recall coverage 4.Review risk associated with sudden engine shutdown while driving 5.Determine whether recall expansion or additional safety action is warranted

NHTSA ODI 11731724

TO: USAA Claims Department; Jaguar Land Rover North America Customer Care CC: Jaguar Land Rover Parsippany; Jaguar Land Rover Glen Cove; Jaguar Land Rover Freeport I am writing to formally report a serious safety hazard involving my 2015 Range Rover Sport and to request immediate intervention. Vehicle Information: Year/Make/Model: 2015 Range Rover Sport VIN: [XXX] Current Mileage: Approximately 127,000+ I purchased this vehicle in 2015 from Jaguar Land Rover Parsippany, New Jersey, and have consistently maintained it through authorized Jaguar Land Rover service providers. Since as early as 2017, I have reported recurring engine, throttle, and coolant-related issues. As documented in my prior complaint to Land Rover corporate dated April 2017, I raised concerns regarding service integrity and handling of my vehicle (Exhibit A). In September 2017, I reported that the vehicle would not accelerate properly, required restarting to function, and exhibited drive mode and throttle issues (Exhibit B). By 2021, Jaguar Land Rover Glen Cove service records confirmed coolant leakage from engine cross-over pipes, repeated low coolant warnings, and engine-related concerns requiring repair (Exhibit C). Additional diagnostics identified check engine light activation, restricted performance mode, and recommended repairs that were not resolved (Exhibit D). Despite these documented findings, the vehicle was repeatedly returned to me without full resolution of the underlying mechanical defects. On January 22, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover Freeport documented that repairs could not be performed due to “pre-existing engine codes” and identified the need for a potential engine replacement exceeding $42,000 (Exhibit E). At no point was I clearly advised that the vehicle was unsafe to operate or that continued use could pose a serious safety risk. I was not instructed to discontinue driving the vehicle. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11727098

I see the NHTSA has issued a recall against Ford 2.0L Ecoboost engines for sudden loss of power. This model of Land Rover Discovery Sport also has the same engine in it. I experience this problem with my vehicle, at low speed and when cresting hills at highway speed of 45-55mph. is there anyway this recall can be expanded to include Land Rover? I can be reached at [XXX] if you have any questions regarding the validity of my statement. My name is [XXX] . Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11725406

The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The engine failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to several dealers. The dealers diagnosed the vehicle and recommended repairs, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failures and filed complaints, but the contact was advised to work with the dealers. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); but was informed by dealers and the manufacturer that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that recently, while driving and turning left or right, there was an abnormal creaking and cracking sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11714195

The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving or starting the vehicle, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, an attempt was made to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle became inoperable and failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. The contact also stated that while attempting to make a turn, there was a rattling sound coming from the front and rear of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted regarding the recall, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11704765

The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11693625

The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V840000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after accelerating from being parked, the check engine warning light and a red explanation sign were illuminated. The message that the vehicle was in restricted mode was displayed on the instrument panel and the contact continued to drive approximately 25 MPH, causing the vehicle to go into LIMP Mode. The messages “Suspension Fault - Stop Safely”, and “Stop Engine” were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home, but the vehicle failed to exceed 5 MPH. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer advised that the contact get a rental and later provide receipts for reimbursement. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11668519

The contact owns a 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11618892

I was driving my 2015 Range Rover Sport, when a low battery symbol displayed on the dashboard. I drove 3 miles away to go to AutoZone to buy a new battery and as I parked the vehicle, I noticed smoke coming from the hood of the vehicle. My brother and I ran inside of AutoZone and asked them if they had a fire extinguisher because my car had a little fire on the driver’s side of the engine. I got AAA to tow my vehicle into the Land Rover dealership/Maintenance repair shop. The repair specialist I’m assigned to (Sam Haidary) at the Land Rover location in Freeport, Long Island NY, told me that the fire issue with the vehicle didn’t come from the alternator or the weak battery, so I did some research online because I personally know someone that went through this same issue (i.e. Range Rover Sport catching on fire with no warning) as I just went through. I came across this article that’s addressing the same exact issue (the engine catching fire) that happened to my 2015 Range Rover Sport. Here’s the article: [XXX] I purchased my vehicle on February 2021 and every year I bring it to the Land Rover Range Rover for repairs and upkeep 2-3 times per year. I don’t know why this is happening but from reading that article it’s apparently obvious that the same issue has happened to my vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11593457

Turbo failure

NHTSA ODI 11569675

My car has 58000 miles And the alternator failed on the way due to valve cover gasket leaking oil on top of alternator to and ultimately fail. Due to alternator failure the cars driving features shutdown within few seconds all the warning lights came up and emergency braking, suspension and gears stopped working. This is a serious concern as the car systems shutdown this could have put me in a dangerous situations in mountains

NHTSA ODI 11557342

I received my vehicle back from a technician at Pep Boys following a test drive aimed at further evaluating the need for an alignment while in operation. The technician subsequently advised me that my vehicle required new tires and an alignment. However, my vehicle entered a reduced-power mode after driving approximately two miles. Consequently, the vehicle was subsequently towed back to Pep Boys. Despite the efforts of multiple Pep Boys technicians, the root cause of the issue remained elusive. In recognition of their initial involvement, Pep Boys arranged for the vehicle to be transported to the nearest Land Rover service center. Approximately twenty days later, Land Rover's assessment revealed that the timing chain had fractured. Land Rover confirmed that the timing chain was the sole component that had suffered damage. In response, I elected to have my vehicle towed to a more highly-rated automotive facility accredited by the Better Business Bureau, where a thorough inspection determined that the vehicle necessitated a new engine. This assessment also raised concerns that the timing chain had prematurely failed or that Land Rover technicians may have deliberately manipulated the timing chain to inflate repair costs. It is noteworthy that no engine warning lights were illuminated throughout this ordeal, the vehicle received punctual and high-grade oil changes, and there were no discernible knocking sounds. It is imperative to underscore that the vehicle was returned to me in a running condition following the service performed by the Pep Boys technician. Given these circumstances, it is evident that the timing chain issue remains unresolved, and I believe that Land Rover should assume full responsibility for the necessary repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11549569

While driving home on the evening of June 27, 2023, a distance of about 15 miles, the low coolant light suddenly came on, and as we tried pulling over on the next freeway exit, the engine appeared to seize and cut out. It was difficult to brake and steer the car and we were nervous to get in an accident. We came to a rest off the freeway and then officers helped us push our car into a nearby Auto Zone. We left it there overnight to rest and when we came back the next day, the engine would not start. Had it towed to a nearby independent service center where they determined both engine heads had blown. The car is available for inspection. I have called the manufacturer to see if there were any recalls related to this and found a P055 recall for this model. The description in this recall is very similar to what we experienced.

NHTSA ODI 11546989

CAR BURNED DOWN STARTED SMOKING FROM ENGINE AS I WAS DRIVING ON TURNPIKE TOWARDS ORLANDO, FL

NHTSA ODI 11519447

Cooling notification not sufficient. Sensor location will not measure if coolant is low, therefor causing complete failure of engine of overheating without warning/error.

NHTSA ODI 11492096

Intake Camshaft Variable Cam Timing Actuator failed while driving. Vehicle engine stopped running, I had to make an emergency stop on the freeway. Vehicle had a check engine light on when stopped. Vehicle was inspected at an independent shop and it was determined that the Intake Camshaft Variable Cam Timing Actuator failed and needed to be replaced along with the associated cam drive components.

NHTSA ODI 11469265

I (for the first time) have experienced a broken timing chain on a 80000 km (49000 mile) well maintained engine. I think that there was a recall on Land Rover timing chains for the 2011 to 2014 models; however, I have a 2015 Discovery Sport. After calling the Land Rover dealership here in Windsor, Ontario, they had told me that “things happen” and it's not covered. If a customer does their part (ie. changes oil), and a relatively new engine falls apart internally (out of the customers control), this is a reliability issue. If I maintain my brakes by changing pads and rotors but the hydraulics fail and I kill someone or die “things happen”? Fortunately, I had the timing chain snap just after making a left turn across 2 oncoming lanes of traffic. If it had broken during the turn, maybe I wouldn't be around/able to bring attention to this. No dash lights had come on to indicate there was an issue with the car prior to the breakdown. There are hundreds of posts about these timing chains online where I and several others were put at potential risk...then left to pay out of pocket to fix an issue that is most likely not ours. Hopefully this gets to as many people as possible and avoids a future accident.

NHTSA ODI 11437376

Help

NHTSA ODI 11435194

I NEED ASSISTANCE IN GETTING MY VEHICLE RECALLED. BACK IN MARCH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER SAID THEY RESET THE CODE AND MADE A REPAIR TO THE ENGINE. LAST MONTH THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE I COULD NOT GO IN REVERSE. THE DEALER IS NOW TELLING ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION WHICH COST $11,000.00. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. ATTACHED IS THE REPORT THE DEALER WROTE UP ALSO IT LOOKS LIKE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS STILL LIKE A NEW CAR OTHER THAN THIS LIGHT ON. THE DEALER IS TELLING ME IF I DRIVE IT THE TRANSMISSION CAN GO UP AT ANY TIME. I PAID $56,000.00 FOR THIS VEHICLE BACK IN 2015. THE DEALER GAVE ME AN APPRAISED AMOUNT OF THE CAR THIS WEEK AND TELLING ME THEY CAN ONLY OFFER ME $17,000.00. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 65,000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE GOOGLED TO SEE IF THERE WERE OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE A LOT OF OWNERS EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO GET ME TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR. I WORKED EXTREMELY HARD TO PAY THIS CAR OFF. I AM IN NO POSITION TO OBTAIN A NEW MONTHLY PAYMENT. I NEED MY VEHICLE FOR WORK. MY JOB REQUIRES ME TO TRAVEL AND WITHOUT MY CAR I COULD POSSIBLY LOOSE MY JOB. I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER AT YOUR EARLIEST. I WILL ALSO BE SENDING THIS COMPLIANT TO CONGRESS AND EVERY TELEVISION TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE. I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

NHTSA ODI 11219985

ENGINE LIGHT REPEATEDLY COMES ON INTERMITTANTLY DESPITE MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO REPAIR BY DEALERSHIP AND ADDRESS ERROR CODES OVER A PERIOD OF OVER 2 YEARS AND OVER 20,000 MILES (MANY OCCURRENCES BETWEEN 10K AND 31K MILES). DEALER MANAGER INDICATED HE WOULD FILE CLAIM WITH DOCUMENTATION TO LAND ROVER, BUT HE HAS NOT RETURNED CALLS THE PAST 3 WEEKS.

NHTSA ODI 11090252

MY CAR HAS BEEN IN 4 TIMES WITH THE SAME ISSUE, THE VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY SHUT ITSELF OFF, I.E. THE CAR SHUTS OFF, THE TRANSMISSION MOVES TO PARK. IT IS NOT ECOSTART OR FROM MY UNBUCKLING THE SEATBELT. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM TURNING INTO PARKING SPACES AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE STOPS, OCCURRENCE IS 20+ TIMES NOW. THE FAULT WILL NOT SAVE IN THE COMPUTER AND LAND ROVERS ENGINEERS HAVE ADMITTED ITS PROBABLY A SOFTWARE GLITCH BUT CANNOT FIX IF IT DOESN'T SHOW IN COMPUTER. I HAVE ATTEMPTED BUYBACK PROCESS WITH LAND ROVER WITH THEM ADMITTING MY CAR HAS "INHERENT DEFECTS" THEY WILL NOT BUY THE VEHICLE BACK, ARE UNABLE TO FIX THIS AND OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. LAND ROVER CLAIMS THE ISSUE DOES NOT AFFECT DRIVEABILITY.

NHTSA ODI 10865863

IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES THE RANGE ROVER'S ECO MODE WAS ENGAGING PROPERLY AND SHUTTING DOWN THE ENGINE. IT HAD BEEN RESTARTING PROPERLY HOWEVER IN ONE INSTANCE THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART AND THE 'D' INDICATOR FLASHED. THIS LEFT THE VEHICLE DISABLED IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF TRAFFIC. RESTARTING THE ENGINE SOLVED THE PROBLEM HOWEVER THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DANGEROUS IF I HAD BEEN UNABLE TO REENGAGE 'DRIVE.'

NHTSA ODI 10807147

WITHIN THE FIRST WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP FAILED TO REENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AFTER THE ECO FEATURE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. ECO FEATURE TURNS THE CAR OFF WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC OR A STOP SIGNAL TO SAVE FUEL ETC. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND TO GAS PEDAL BEING PUSHED AND THE CAR DOES NOT GO. THE CAR HAS TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO GET THE TRANSMISSION TO ENGAGE. THIS TAKES SEVERAL SECONDS TO DO AND CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.I HAVE CONTACTED THE SALESMAN AT THE DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID HE HAS HEARD THIS HAPPEN TO OTHERS BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A FIX YET.

NHTSA ODI 10759028

THE VEHICLE WITHIN THE FIRST WEEKS OF OWNERSHIP FAILED TO REENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION AFTER THE ECO FEATURE TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. ECO FEATURE TURNS THE CAR OFF WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED IN TRAFFIC OR A STOP SIGNAL TO SAVE FUEL ETC. THE DASH BOARD AND GEAR SHIFTER DISPLAYED A FLASHING D': INDICATING A FAILURE OF THE TRANSMSSION. (VIDEO AVAILABLE) WHEN THIS OCCURES THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND TO GAS PEDEL BEING PUSHED AND THE CAR DOES NOT GO. THE CAR HAS TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED TO GET THE TRANMISSION TO ENGAGE. TRAFFIC HAS TO GO AROUND THE CAR, CREATING A VERY DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING SITUATION.

NHTSA ODI 10716395