2018 Land Rover Discovery Safety Report

2018 Land Rover Discovery: Recalls and water intrusion issues raise safety concerns.

34Complaints
4Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (4)Visibility/Wiper (4)Power Train (4)Structure (4)Electrical System (2)Electrical System,Structure,Service Brakes (1)Electrical System,Structure,Unknown Or Other (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Fuel System, Gasoline (1)Visibility (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery

The 2018 Land Rover Discovery presents a mixed safety picture, with a significant number of complaints and several recalls impacting its overall safety record. While NHTSA crash test ratings are not available for this specific model year, the vehicle has accumulated 34 complaints, including 2 related to crashes, but thankfully no reported fires, injuries, or deaths. A prominent pattern in the complaints involves water intrusion from the windshield and A-pillars, leading to damage to electrical systems, including control modules and the media console. This issue is frequently described as a significant safety risk due to potential electrical failures and the possibility of windshield detachment. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the vehicle's power train, with reports of the rotary gear selector retracting while in Drive, leading to a gearbox malfunction and inability to restart. The vehicle has been subject to four recalls, addressing critical safety systems such as the UniLatch Keyless Vehicle entry function (potential for rear doors to open while driving), the Auto High Beam (AHB) system (failure to deactivate, reducing visibility for oncoming traffic), trailer lighting functionality, and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system failures. These recalls highlight potential risks of crashes due to unexpected door openings, reduced visibility, and non-functioning safety aids.

Reliability Score

The 2018 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 2018 Land Rover Discovery

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Water Intrusion From Windshield/A-Pillars
Multiple owners report significant water leaks from the front windshield and A-pillars, leading to interior water accumulation, damage to electrical components, and potential windshield detachment. This is a frequently cited and serious concern.
High Common N/A miles
Keyless Entry/Start System Malfunction
Complaints indicate issues with the key fob not unlocking doors or starting the vehicle, leading to instances of being stranded.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Power Train/Gear Selector Malfunction
Reports of the rotary gear selector retracting while in Drive, causing a gearbox malfunction and preventing the vehicle from restarting.
High Occasional N/A miles
Throttle Lag/Delayed Acceleration
Drivers report a significant delay between pressing the accelerator and the vehicle responding, particularly from a rolling stop, increasing the risk of accidents.
Medium Common N/A miles
Roof Detachment
A few complaints mention parts of the roof coming apart or detaching, with some instances occurring after previous repairs.
High Rare N/A miles
Fuel Odor In Cabin
Some owners have reported a strong fuel odor entering the cabin.
Medium Occasional N/A miles
Battery Warning Light And Stalling
Reports of the battery warning light illuminating followed by the vehicle stalling.
High Occasional 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 2018 Land Rover Discovery:

Unknown Or Other 11% of complaints

This category includes a variety of issues not specifically categorized, but water intrusion is a significant component of these.

Visibility/Wiper 11% of complaints

Complaints related to visibility issues, likely linked to windshield problems and wiper performance.

Power Train 11% of complaints

Includes issues with the transmission, gear selector, and overall power delivery.

Structure 11% of complaints

Concerns related to the vehicle's structural integrity, potentially including roof issues and windshield bonding.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Problems with various electrical components, often exacerbated by water intrusion.

Engine 2% of complaints

Issues related to the engine, such as sensor failures and check engine lights.

Service Brakes 2% of complaints

Complaints related to the braking system.

Fuel System, Gasoline 2% of complaints

Concerns regarding the fuel system, including odor issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Land Rover Discovery

Is the 2018 Land Rover Discovery safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Land Rover Discovery has a significant number of complaints and four recalls related to critical safety systems like door latches, automatic emergency braking, and lighting. The prevalence of water intrusion issues also raises concerns about electrical system integrity and potential structural failures, which could compromise safety.

What are common problems with the 2018 Land Rover Discovery?

The most reported issues include water leaking into the cabin from the windshield and A-pillars, power train malfunctions with the gear selector, and a noticeable throttle lag when accelerating. Electrical system issues and visibility problems are also frequently cited.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery?

Yes, there are four recalls for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery. These address issues with the rear passenger door latching, the Auto High Beam system, trailer lighting, and the Automatic Emergency Braking system.

What are the main safety concerns for this vehicle?

The primary safety concerns stem from recalls related to doors potentially opening while driving, malfunctioning emergency braking, and visibility issues. Additionally, widespread water intrusion can lead to electrical failures that may compromise vehicle operation and safety.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Potential buyers should be aware of significant water intrusion issues and multiple safety recalls; thorough inspection and consideration of repair history are crucial.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Land Rover Discovery

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Land Rover Discovery. The data includes 34 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 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.