2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport Safety Report

2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport: Limited NHTSA ratings, low complaint volume, but critical powertrain and electrical issues reported alongside a seat belt recall.

4Complaints
1Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Power Train (1)Power Train,Engine (1)Steering,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport presents a mixed safety picture, primarily due to limited crash test data from NHTSA and a low number of reported complaints. NHTSA has not provided overall, frontal, side, or rollover safety ratings for this specific model year, making it difficult to assess its crashworthiness based on official government tests. However, the vehicle has only accumulated 4 total complaints, with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, which is a positive indicator for a vehicle of its age. The single recall issued for the 2021 Discovery Sport pertains to the front seat belt retractors, which could lead to an unsecured child restraint system and increased injury risk during a crash. This recall affects a critical safety component, but it is a known issue with a manufacturer-issued remedy. Analysis of the 4 complaints reveals a pattern of significant powertrain and engine-related issues. Two complaints directly mention 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ENGINE' components, with one detailing multiple stalling/loss-of-propulsion events at highway speeds and another describing major engine misfires at 56,800 miles. A separate complaint also highlights a transmission problem where the vehicle shuts off at a stop and comes out of gear, requiring a restart. Another complaint points to an electrical system issue where the ignition fails to turn on, rendering the vehicle inoperable. These issues, while few in number, describe severe operational failures that could create dangerous situations. Given the lack of NHTSA crash test ratings, the safety assessment relies heavily on the complaint data and recall information. The low complaint count is reassuring, but the nature of the reported problems – particularly the powertrain and electrical failures – suggests potential for critical safety hazards. The recall for seat belt retractors is a significant safety concern that owners should ensure has been addressed. Overall, while direct crash performance data is absent, the operational reliability issues reported are concerning.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Stalling/Loss Of Propulsion
Vehicle experiences multiple stalling or loss-of-propulsion events, including entering limp mode or stalling completely at highway speeds, creating dangerous situations.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Engine Misfires
Major misfires in engine cylinders, preventing the vehicle from starting or operating correctly.		 High Occasional 56800 miles
Transmission Problem (Shuts Off/Out Of Gear)
Vehicle shuts off at a stop and comes out of gear, failing to move when accelerator is pressed, requiring engine restart.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System/Ignition Failure
Ignition does not turn on or the car will not power on with the key, indicating a significant electronic problem.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Front Seat Belt Retractor Recall
Recall for front seat belt retractors that may not properly secure a child restraint system, increasing injury risk during a crash.		 High Common N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport:

Power Train 50% of complaints

Two out of four complaints relate to power train issues, including stalling, loss of propulsion, and transmission problems where the vehicle shuts off or comes out of gear.

Engine 50% of complaints

Two out of four complaints mention engine issues, specifically major misfires and general engine problems leading to stalling.

Electrical System 25% of complaints

One complaint details an electrical system failure preventing the ignition from turning on and the car from powering up.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport

Is the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport has no official crash test ratings, making a direct assessment of its crashworthiness difficult. However, it has a very low number of complaints (4 total) with no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths. There is one recall for front seat belt retractors that needs to be addressed. While the low complaint count is positive, the nature of the reported issues (powertrain, engine, electrical failures) suggests potential for critical operational safety concerns.

What are common problems for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport?

The most reported issues, based on the 4 complaints, are related to the POWER TRAIN and ENGINE (each accounting for 50% of complaints), including stalling, loss of propulsion, major engine misfires, and transmission problems where the vehicle shuts off or comes out of gear. There is also a reported issue with the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (25% of complaints) causing ignition failure.

Has the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport been recalled?

Yes, the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport has been subject to one recall. This recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V-709) addresses front seat belt retractors that may not properly secure a child restraint system, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

What should I know about the engine and transmission?

Several complaints highlight significant issues with the engine and transmission. One owner reported multiple stalling/loss-of-propulsion events at highway speeds, while another experienced major engine misfires at 56,800 miles. A separate complaint detailed a transmission problem where the vehicle would shut off at a stop and come out of gear, requiring a restart. These indicate potential for serious operational failures in these critical components.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the lack of NHTSA crash test data, prioritize ensuring all recall work, especially for seat belts, has been completed. Be aware of reported critical powertrain, engine, and electrical issues, and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Land Rover Discovery Sport. The data includes 4 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.