Recall 20V143 affects 1,553 2017-2018 Land Rover Discovery vehicles because trailer lights can fail. Software repair is free at any franchised Land Rover dealer.
Land Rover is recalling 1,553 2017-2018 Discovery SUVs equipped with low line headlight assemblies because trailer lights can stop working when a trailer is connected and the daytime running lights are on. That leaves following traffic without clear slowing or stopping signals, increasing crash risk; Land Rover dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The trailer lighting system on a 2017-2018 Land Rover Discovery sends electrical signals from the vehicle to a connected trailer through the trailer socket. Those signals run the trailer lamps, including lights used for turning and braking, so drivers behind the trailer can see what the driver is doing. On vehicles with low line headlight assemblies, the lighting software also manages the Daytime Running Lights, or DRLs, when the Discovery starts moving.
The problem is in that software interaction. When a trailer lighting board is plugged into the socket and the DRLs are on, the trailer lamps do not operate unless a side turn indicator is used. That leaves the trailer lights dark during driving conditions when other drivers expect them to show the trailer's position or braking.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner notices the issue only by checking the trailer lights with the trailer connected and the vehicle moving under the same lighting condition.
Who's affected?
Scope is limited to the 2017 and 2018 model years, with both electrical system software and exterior lighting listed for each year.
| 2017 Land Rover Discovery | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2017 Land Rover Discovery | Exterior lighting |
| 2018 Land Rover Discovery | electrical system software |
| 2018 Land Rover Discovery | Exterior lighting |
| Units affected | 1,553 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the trailer lights fail, drivers behind the Discovery cannot see when the vehicle is slowing or stopping, which increases the risk of a crash. Check trailer-light operation before towing, and schedule the software update soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Land Rover dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Land Rover Discovery is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the free Body Control Module software update that fixes the trailer-light failure when daytime running lights are on.
- Bring the recall notice if Land Rover mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V143 when you call.
- Drive cautiously when towing until the repair is complete; confirm the trailer lights work before each trip and leave extra following distance.
- Call Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Land Rover technician updates the Body Control Module software so trailer lights work correctly when the trailer is connected and the vehicle's daytime running lights are on. The software update and labor are free under recall 20V143. Land Rover has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices and payment proof to the service desk, or contact Land Rover customer service, so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 12, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 26, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 26, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 13, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 8, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 8, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V143?
Recall 20V143 covers 1,553 2017-2018 Land Rover Discovery vehicles with low line headlight assemblies. When a trailer is connected and the daytime running lights are on, the trailer lights can fail to work. Land Rover dealers will update the Body Control Module software for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Land Rover Discovery is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Discovery is included in recall 20V143. If it is, contact a franchised Land Rover dealer to schedule the Body Control Module software update. Reference recall number 20V143 or Land Rover recall N428 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Land Rover's remedy for recall 20V143 is a free Body Control Module software update at a franchised Land Rover dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility to drivers behind you while towing. If the trailer lights are not working, following traffic does not see that the vehicle and trailer are slowing or stopping, increasing crash risk. The dealer software update fixes the trailer-light control issue.
What if I bought my Land Rover Discovery used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2017-2018 Discovery is included, then contact a franchised Land Rover dealer and reference recall 20V143 or Land Rover recall N428.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V143000 |
|---|---|
| Land Rover customer service | 1-800-637-6837 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V143 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V143000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →