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Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) (2004-2009) reliability

At a glance

Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

28% of MOT tests on Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) models built around 2006 involves the suspension.

Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2009SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 43,297 tests of Discovery models registered 2004-2009.

About 1 in 8 Discovery Mk3 (L319) MOTs (12.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 8,418 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Discovery Mk3 (L319) MOTs (8.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 8,418 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (L319) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,88926.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,36327.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,63827.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
7,89529.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8,41828.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
7,95727.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,13726.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 18 years old.

How the Discovery Mk3 (L319) compares

At each age below, see how the Discovery Mk3 (L319) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 29,105 tests across 5 Land Rover models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateLand Rover average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
2,88926.2%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,36327.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,63827.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
7,89529.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8,41828.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
7,95727.9%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,13726.8%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Underbody / chassis corrosion

High priority

Get the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Discovery Mk3 (L319).

  1. 1

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.7%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.7%, against 28.4% for the Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319), both built around 2006.

    1,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%

    Lower fail rate: 26.4%, against 28.4% for the Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319), both built around 2006.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,442 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Toyota Land Cruiser

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%

    No clear edge over the Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,020 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Mitsubishi Shogun Sport

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.5%

    No clear edge over the Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,077 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

91%of all Land Rover Discovery cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

58 recalls in all

8 of the 58 Discovery Mk3 (L319) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • Fuel may leak
  • Discovery (L319) and range rover sport (L320) tow ball detachment

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Discovery Mk3 (L319) cars have aged

How Discovery Mk3 (L319) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1214161820Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (4,321 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (4,095 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (3,851 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (3,576 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (3,208 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (5,199 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (4,865 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (4,495 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (3,963 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (3,436 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (6,978 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (6,435 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (5,580 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (4,830 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (4,139 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (7,833 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (7,271 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (6,479 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (5,592 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (4,743 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (7,924 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (7,218 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (6,487 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (5,760 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (4,933 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (6,495 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (5,920 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (5,160 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (4,671 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (4,137 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
Mk3 (L319) variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Land Rover Discoverys of this age

This list covers every Land Rover Discovery built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (L319) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    31.3%
    Advisory: 3,984Fail: 1,033 (21% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    20.6%
    Advisory: 2,611Fail: 158 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened

    14.5%
    Advisory: 1,590Fail: 211 (12% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    13.7%
    Advisory: 1,491Fail: 212 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    11.6%
    Advisory: 1,633Fail: 183 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 8,418 tests

Looking at a Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Land Rover Discovery Mk3 (L319) (2004-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 8,418 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 43,297 MOT tests on Land Rover Discoverys first registered between 2004-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.