2017 Land Rover Discovery Safety Report

2017 Land Rover Discovery: High complaint volume and significant mechanical/electrical issues despite no reported crashes.

91Complaints
3Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
1Fire Reports
Most reported components: Engine (12)Structure (6)Unknown Or Other (5)Visibility/Wiper (5)Service Brakes (5)Power Train (3)Visibility (3)Steering (2)Electrical System,Visibility/Wiper (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (2)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery presents a mixed safety picture, with significant concerns arising from its complaint and recall history, despite a lack of reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths in the NHTSA data. The vehicle has 91 total complaints, with the engine and structure being the most frequently cited components. Common issues reported by owners include catastrophic engine failures due to timing chain breaks, coolant system leaks from plastic components, and electrical system malfunctions often linked to water intrusion, particularly around the windshield. These issues can lead to significant repair costs and potential loss of power or steering. The vehicle has been subject to three recalls: one addressing rear passenger doors that may fail to latch properly, another concerning exterior lighting when towing, and a third related to inaccurate fuel gauge readings that could lead to engine stall and loss of power brake assistance. NHTSA crash test ratings for this specific model year are not available, making it difficult to assess its performance in standardized crash scenarios. Overall, while the vehicle has not been involved in reported accidents or fires according to NHTSA data, the volume and severity of owner-reported issues, particularly concerning the powertrain and electrical systems, warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery receives a reliability score of 45 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 2017 Land Rover Discovery

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Rear Passenger Doors May Fail To Latch
Recall 23V393000 addresses the UniLatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry function potentially failing to properly latch rear passenger doors, which could lead to doors opening while driving.
High Common N/A miles
Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Readings
Recall 17V704000 notes that the fuel gauge may indicate fuel is present when the tank is empty, potentially leading to engine stall and loss of power brake assistance.
High Occasional N/A miles
Exterior Lighting Issues When Towing
Recall 17V703000 affects vehicles with low line headlight assemblies and may cause trailer lights to not function correctly when towing, increasing crash risk.
Medium Rare N/A miles
Catastrophic Engine Failure (Timing Chain/Crankshaft)
Multiple owner complaints cite broken timing chains or crankshaft defects leading to complete engine failure, often requiring expensive repairs.
High Common 30000-90000 miles
Coolant System Leaks And Overheating
Complaints detail failures of plastic coolant components (water outlet, hoses) leading to leaks, overheating, and potential engine damage.
High Common 30000-70000 miles
Electrical System Failures Due To Water Intrusion
Water leaks, particularly from the windshield area, are reported to cause electrical issues, including instrument cluster malfunctions and loss of power steering.
High Common 20000-60000 miles
Power Steering Failure
Owners report total loss of power steering, sometimes due to sheared bolts in the EPS system, leading to dangerous driving conditions.
High Occasional 50000-80000 miles
Blower Motor Failure
Failure of the blower motor or resistor can lead to a lack of cabin air, causing windshield fogging and visibility issues.
Medium Occasional 40000-70000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Land Rover Discovery:

Engine 23% of complaints

Engine-related complaints are the most frequent, including timing chain failures, coolant leaks, and general power loss.

Structure 6% of complaints

Structural issues are less common but include problems with seat belt buckles and hatch closures.

Visibility/Wiper 5% of complaints

Concerns related to visibility, often exacerbated by water leaks and blower motor failures affecting defogging.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Some complaints mention brake system issues, including brake line ruptures.

Power Train 3% of complaints

Powertrain issues beyond engine failure include transmission response delays and loss of motive power.

Electrical System 2% of complaints

Electrical system problems are frequently linked to water intrusion and can manifest as instrument cluster issues or complete system failures.

Steering 2% of complaints

Steering issues include total power loss and seized steering wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Land Rover Discovery

Is the 2017 Land Rover Discovery safe?

Based on NHTSA data, there are no reported crashes, injuries, or deaths for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery. However, there is a high volume of owner complaints regarding critical issues like engine failure, power steering loss, and electrical problems due to water leaks, which could compromise safety.

What are common problems with the 2017 Land Rover Discovery?

The most reported issues include engine problems such as timing chain failures and coolant leaks, electrical system malfunctions often caused by water intrusion, and power steering failures. Visibility issues due to water leaks and blower motor failures are also noted.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery?

Yes, there are three recalls: one for rear passenger doors that may not latch, one for exterior lighting issues when towing, and one for inaccurate fuel gauge readings that could lead to engine stall.

How does the 2017 Land Rover Discovery perform in crash tests?

NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery are not available, making it impossible to assess its performance in standardized crash scenarios based on this data.

What is the risk of engine failure in a 2017 Land Rover Discovery?

Owner complaints indicate a significant risk of catastrophic engine failure due to issues like broken timing chains and crankshaft defects, often occurring between 30,000 and 90,000 miles.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Consider the high frequency of significant mechanical and electrical issues reported by owners, particularly concerning the engine and electrical systems, which can lead to substantial repair costs and potential safety compromises.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Land Rover Discovery

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery. The data includes 91 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 fire incidents, 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.