Is the 2017 Land Rover Discovery reliable?

Reliability is mixed. Many examples are dependable with consistent maintenance and prompt repairs, but electrical glitches, suspension faults (when equipped), and cooling system issues are common talking points.

What are the most common 2017 Land Rover Discovery problems?

Owners most often report infotainment/electrical bugs, air suspension warnings or component wear, coolant leaks or low-coolant messages, and faster brake wear on heavier builds.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2017 Discovery?

Maintenance and repairs are typically higher than mainstream SUVs due to luxury parts pricing, complex electronics, and air suspension components on certain trims; budgeting for preventative service helps reduce surprise costs.

What are the best years to buy for a used Land Rover Discovery?

Many shoppers prefer later years of the same generation after early-production bugs are addressed, but condition and service history matter more than model year—choose the cleanest, best-documented example you can find.

What should I check before buying a used 2017 Land Rover Discovery?

Verify complete service records, scan for stored fault codes, test every infotainment/camera feature, inspect for coolant leaks, confirm suspension operation and ride height consistency, and review brake and tire condition carefully. For deeper ownership help, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, option details, and the recommended maintenance schedules for the 2017 Land Rover Discovery.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2017 Land Rover Discovery Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

68/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A highly capable and luxurious SUV, but its sophisticated systems demand a well-padded maintenance budget and a high tolerance for electronic quirks.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2017 Land Rover Discovery

Scores 6 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2015 Land Rover Discovery earns a 74.
The system most likely to surface first: air suspension system (major severity).
Has 3 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the exterior lighting.

2017 Land Rover Discovery: Buy or Avoid?

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery, while offering unparalleled luxury and off-road capability, demands a significant commitment from its owner. This is not a 'set it and forget it' vehicle; expect premium maintenance costs and be prepared for potential electrical and air suspension complexities to ensure long-term satisfaction.

The 2017 Land Rover Discovery is an aspirational vehicle offering incredible luxury and capability, but it is not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. If you are prepared for above-average maintenance costs and potential complex repairs, it can be a rewarding ownership experience. Otherwise, the risks of expen…

Best Model Years

Later models (2019+) of the Discovery 5 often show improved infotainment stability and address some early production quirks.

Years to Avoid

Early production 2017-2018 models may have more teething issues related to initial software and component selection.

Biggest Strengths

Exceptional off-road capability and comfort
Luxurious, spacious interior with premium materials
Robust ZF 8-speed automatic transmission

2017 Land Rover Discovery — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Land Rover Discovery, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.

Air Suspension Systemmajor~50,000-90,000 mi

Common failures include air compressor burnout, leaking air springs (struts), and height sensor malfunctions, leading to 'suspension fault' warnings and the vehicle sagging or sitting unevenly. These components are complex and expensive…

Electrical and Infotainmentmoderate~30,000-70,000 mi

Owners frequently report battery drain issues, infotainment system freezing or glitches (e.g., Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity problems, unresponsive screens), and various sensor failures (e.g., parking sensors, blind-spot monito…

Engine Fluid Leaks (Si6)moderate~60,000-100,000 mi

For the 3.0L Supercharged V6 (Si6), common leaks include the water pump (plastic housing failure), oil filter housing gasket, and valve cover gaskets. While not always catastrophic, these leaks can lead to coolant loss, oil consumption,…

Full repair-cost ranges, fix-before-you-buy notes, and inspection checklists are in the report.

2017 Land Rover Discovery Mileage Danger Zones

The mileage windows when the 2017 Land Rover Discovery most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.

30,000

Early Warning Zone

At this mileage, ensure all software updates and recalls have been addressed. This is where initial electrical glitches or minor fluid leaks might start to surface, particularly if routine services were skipped.

60,000

Preventative Maintenance Zone

This is a critical service interval. Ensure transmission fluid and filter have been changed, even if 'lifetime' is claimed. Air suspension components like the compressor may start showing wear, and brakes will likely need a full overhaul.

90,000

Elevated Risk Zone

Expect potential significant expenses in this range. Air springs are prime candidates for failure, and more pervasive electrical issues may emerge. DPF issues for Td6 models become more probable if not properly managed.

120,000+

High Risk Zone

Beyond 120,000 miles, the Discovery can become a money pit without meticulous prior maintenance. Major air suspension overhauls are likely, and engine components like timing chains or supercharger couplers (Si6) might require attention,…

2017 Land Rover Discovery Ownership Cost Outlook

What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Land Rover Discovery on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.

Annual Maintenance

$800-1,500

Moderate Repairs

$1,500-3,000 occasionally for air suspension or complex electrical faults

How Long Does the 2017 Land Rover Discovery Last?

Purchase a 2017 Discovery only with a meticulously documented service history and a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection. Prioritize lower mileage examples (under 60,000 miles) to delay the onset of common expensive repairs, and budget for proactive maintenance regardless.

What 2017 Land Rover Discovery Owners Actually Say

What Owners Love

Exceptional off-road and all-weather capability, truly goes anywhere.
Luxurious and comfortable interior, high-quality materials, quiet ride.
Versatile seating for seven adults with flexible cargo space.
Distinctive, elegant styling that stands out from the SUV crowd.

Common Frustrations

Frequent and frustrating electrical glitches, especially with the infotainment system.
High cost of maintenance and repairs, particularly for air suspension.
Poor fuel economy, especially with the Si6 petrol engine.
Some owners report less than stellar dealership service experiences.

Who Should Buy the 2017 Land Rover Discovery?

Best For

Adventure-seeking families who value off-road capability and luxury.
Buyers who regularly tow heavy loads and need robust performance.
Status-conscious individuals who appreciate British luxury and distinctive design.

Not Ideal For

Budget-conscious buyers looking for low running costs.
Owners who prioritize absolute trouble-free, appliance-like reliability.

How the 2017 Land Rover Discovery Compares to Rivals

The Discovery 5 stands out for its unique blend of luxury, off-road capability, and design, often surpassing rivals in certain niche areas. However, it consistently lags behind Japanese competitors, and even some German rivals, in long-term reliability and cost of ownership, m…

More Reliable Than

Older generation Land Rover Discovery (D3/D4 in terms of modern tech and on-road refinement)
Mercedes-Benz GLS (arguably better off-road capability)
Porsche Cayenne (in terms of third-row utility and extreme off-road prowess)

Comparable To

Volvo XC90 (in luxury, safety, and family focus, but less off-road oriented)
Audi Q7 (similar blend of luxury and technology, with comparable reliability challenges)
BMW X5 (similar driving dynamics and luxury, though X5 might have slightly better overall electrical reliability)

Safety Recalls on the 2017 Land Rover Discovery

3 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Discovery vehicles equipped with low line headlight assemblies. When towing a trailer with the trailer lights connected to the trailer socket and the vehicle's Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on, the trailer lights may not function.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery vehicles. The fuel gauge on these vehicles may indicate that the fuel level is low and illuminate the warning lamp, when the fuel tank actually has more fuel. The engine management software may also cut off the engine when the vehicle has traveled approximately 17 more miles.

What breaks on the 2017 Land Rover Discovery?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Land Rover Discovery — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Land Rover Discovery. Click any year for its full report.

All Land Rover Discovery years ranked →Land Rover Discovery years to avoid →Land Rover Discovery common problems →

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Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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