In this paper, we investigate a Markovian multi server retrial queueing system with unreliable servers, discouraged customers and vacation. The model is explored with a view to reduce the impact of unreliable servers on the system performance. This is attained by providing regular maintenance to the servers through synchronised vacation. Further, the customer facing service interruption on account of server breakdown is directed to the orbit from where the customer can retry seeking service. In this study, the stationary system size distribution is framed by quasi-birth–death (QBD) process. The rate matrix and steady state probabilities are established using matrix geometric method (MGM). The performance measures are derived by using matrix form expressions. The effects induced by the system parameters on the performance metrics are numerically and graphically analysed. Through numerical investigation, we provide insightful information that enables to manage the system to give enhanced system performance.