Water Drainage Defect Prompts Safety Action for 2021–2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport SUVs

Owners of certain 2021–2025 Land Rover Discovery Sport vehicles should be aware of a newly identified defect that can cause the rearview camera to stop working or produce an unclear image.

The issue affects approximately 15,535 vehicles in the United States and stems from a design problem that allows water to collect around the rearview camera, potentially leading to camera failure over time.

What Is the Problem?

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the tailgate's water management system does not provide adequate drainage around the rearview camera. Instead of flowing away from the camera, water can pool around the housing during heavy rain.

As moisture accumulates, it can damage the camera and lead to several problems, including:

• A blank rearview camera screen
• A blurry or distorted image
• An intermittent camera display

Any of these conditions can reduce a driver's visibility while backing up, increasing the risk of a collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian, or an object behind the SUV.

How Was the Defect Discovered?

Jaguar Land Rover began investigating the issue on February 20, 2026, after warranty data showed an unusually high number of rearview camera replacements in a small group of 2021 Discovery Sport vehicles.

Engineers initially reviewed customer complaints and examined returned cameras but found no obvious manufacturing defect within the camera itself. The investigation later expanded to include additional model years, along with physical testing and computer simulations.

That analysis revealed the real source of the problem: under certain heavy rainfall conditions, water could accumulate around the camera because the tailgate did not provide sufficient drainage.

Following the investigation, Jaguar Land Rover's Product Safety and Compliance Committee determined that a nationwide safety campaign was necessary.

Has Anyone Been Injured?

As of the announcement:

• Jaguar Land Rover had received 100 warranty claims and field reports in the United States.
• No crashes, injuries, or fires had been linked to this issue.

Although no injuries have been reported, a malfunctioning rearview camera can significantly reduce visibility when reversing and may increase the likelihood of an accident.

How Will the Problem Be Fixed?

Land Rover dealers will repair affected vehicles at no cost to owners.

The repair includes:

• Drilling additional drain holes into the underside of the tailgate trim to improve water drainage.
• Inspecting the rearview camera for signs of water damage.
• Replacing the rearview camera if damage is found.

Interim owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing on September 11, 2026. A second notice will be sent once the permanent repair is fully available.

What Should Owners Do?

If you own a 2021–2025 Discovery Sport, pay attention to any changes in your rearview camera's performance. Symptoms such as a blurry image, intermittent operation, or a blank display could indicate water intrusion.

Once notified, schedule the repair with your local Land Rover dealer as soon as possible. Even if the camera is currently functioning, addressing the drainage issue early can help prevent future damage.

Know Your Rights if the Problem Persists

Most vehicles affected by this safety campaign can be repaired with the dealer's recommended fix. However, if your Discovery Sport continues to experience rearview camera failures, repeated electrical issues, or other significant defects after multiple repair attempts, you may have rights under your state's lemon law or other consumer protection statutes.

Documenting repair visits and reporting recurring problems promptly can help protect those rights if the issue cannot be successfully resolved.