RoadVitals

1996 Land Rover Discovery

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
65
Latest Dec 8, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Mar 15, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 65 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1996 Land Rover Discovery, most frequently naming the brakes, body & structure and fuel system categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 45 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
12E010000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Mar 15, 2012
180 units potentially affected
The defect: JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, INC. (LAND ROVER) IS RECALLING CERTAIN REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLINGS, LAND ROVER BRANDED PART NUMBER TVF100010, MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2011 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2011, SOLD FOR USE AS SERVICE PARTS FOR CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995-1999 DISCOVERY, 1999-2004 DISCOVERY II, AND 1995 RANGE ROVER CLASSIC VEHICLES. SOME OF THE REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLINGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE REQUIRED ENGINEERING DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXHIBIT THE ONSET OF JOINT SEPARATION, PRECLUDED BY DRIVE LINE VIBRATION.
The risk: IF THIS INCREASED VIBRATION WARNING SIGN IS IGNORED, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVE COUPLING CAN OCCUR. THE DRIVESHAFT MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION RESULTING IN LOSS OF DRIVE AND LOSS OF TRANSMISSION PARK FUNCTIONALITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH AND/OR INJURY.
The remedy: LAND ROVER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA AT 1-201-818-8500.
JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, LLCManufacturer number P024View on NHTSA.gov
98V040000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Feb 24, 1998
54,488 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AS A RESULT OF CHAFFING OF A CRUISE CONTROL WIRE, THE STEERING WHEEL ROTARY COUPLER CAN OVERHEAT AND INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG.
The risk: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING CAN CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK WHICH WILL PROTECT THE ROTARY COUPLER FROM OVERHEATING.
ROVER GROUP, LIMITEDView on NHTSA.gov
96V247000

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Dec 12, 1996
20,889 units potentially affected
The defect: THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR CAN FAIL TO LATCH FULLY WHEN CLOSING, CAUSING THE DOOR TO "BOUNCE" BACK OFF THE DOOR SEALS.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE DOOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR PERSONAL INJURY.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL CORRECTIVE HARDWARE ON THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR. DELAERS WILL ALSO CHECK THE DOOR LATCHES FOR THE OTHER DOORS AT THE SAME TIME.
RANGE ROVER NA., INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE96060ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

DOOR OPEN WHILE DRIVING

Opened Oct 21, 1996
Closed Dec 16, 1996

IT IS ALLEDGED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR OPENS WHILE DRIVING

STRUCTURELed to recall 96V247000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 65
Fuel system
Filed Dec 8, 2018

I NOTICED THE PROBLEM FIRST WHEN I WAS REFUELING AT THE GAS STATION. WHEN THE PUMPS "GALLON" GAUGE REACHED ABOUT 14 GALLONS I HEARD A SHOP PLAYING SOUND AND LOOKED DOWN TO FIND THAT ALL THE GAS I WAS PUMPING IN WAS SPILLING ON THE GROUND.I LATER REALIZED AFTER INSPECTING IT, THERE'S A STRESS CRACK THAT LEAKS FUEL WHILE FILLING TANK OR WHILEDRIVING IF TANK IS CLOSE TO FULL. THIS RESULTS IN HORRIBLE HEAD ACHES FROM THREE CONSTANT SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE MY LAND ROVER WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11156949
Incident
Oct 1, 2018
BrakesDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Aug 14, 2016

ABS SYSTEM IS FAULTY. ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS,DRY PAVEMENT, AND LOW OR HIGH PRESSURE ON PEDAL. I CAN HEAR THE PUMP ACTIVATE FOR NO REASON. I ALSO FEEL THE PEDAL VIBRATE AND THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO ROLL. ALMOST KILLED A PEDESTRIAN ONCE OR TWICE. AFTER IT DID THE SAME TO MY WIFE I CLIPPED THE SENSORS AND TOOK OUT THE LIGHT BULB IN THE DASHBOARD. I DRIVE BETTER THAN THE ABS ECU COMPUTES. NO PROBLEMS SINCE COMPLETELY DEACTIVATING AND UNPLUGGING SYSTEM. PLEASE INCLUDE NEW RANGES OF VEHICLES IN THESE RECALLS. I WILL BE POWERLESS TO HAVE THIS REIMBURSED OTHERWISE. ALSO NEED TO RE-EVALUATE RECALL RANGE FOR THE FUEL NECK FILLER PROBLEM. MY TRUCK WAS IN FOR THE TANK RECALL BUT THEY FAILED TO DO THE FILLER NECK AND I HAVE SPENT YEARS TRADING OUT IAC, THROTTLE SENSORS, AND MAF SENSORS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. THANK YOU SANFRANCISCO LAND ROVER. SARCASM INTENDED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10895778
Incident
Apr 5, 2010
Mileage
150,000 mi
BrakesElectricalFuel system
Filed Aug 14, 2016

GAS TANK RECALL DONE IN SAN FRANCISCO BUT THEY FAILED TO CHECK THE FUEL FILLER NECK PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE MYSTERY ISSUES EVER SINCE, RULING OUT THE FUEL TANK AND PUMP AS THEY WERE BOTH NEW. I HAVE SINCE TRACKED THE PROBLEM TO THE FUEL FILLER NECK THAT THE DEALER FAILED TO FIX. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE TO HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY AND REPAIRED IN THE SAME MANNER. MY VEHICLE DOES NOT COME UP IN A RECALL SEARCH FOR THE FILLER NECK AND I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE AMENDED TO INCLUDE MINE. I HAVE READ ALL 80 OF THE COMPLAINTS RELATIVE TO THIS PROBLEM AND MINE IS LESS THAN 40 UNITS AWAY FROM THE COMPLAINT VEHICLES. I ALSO HAVE BEEN BATTLING THE ABS PROBLEMS OF NOT STOPPING AND THE ABS ACTIVATION FOR NO REASON. I ALMOST WRECKED A FEW TIMES BECAUSE OF THE ABS KICKING ON FOR NO REASON- LOW SPEED, DRY PAVEMENT, EASY SOFT BRAKE PRESSURE. I CLIPPED THE FRONT WHEEL ABS SENSORS AND I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH ABS SINCE. FAULTY SOFTWARE IN THE ABS ECU IS PROBABLY TO BLAME BUT IT WOULD DO NO GOOD TO BLAME THE COMPUTER WITH BODIERS LYING IN THE STREET.

NHTSA ID
10895775
Incident
Apr 5, 2010
Mileage
150,000 mi
Filed Jul 6, 2015

CAR WON'T START BUT TURNS OVER NORMALLY. BEGINNING ABOUT A MONTH AND A HALF AGO SO I'VE NOTICED A FEW TIMES IT FEELING LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE LIKE IT'S BEING HELD BACK A LITTLE BIT WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY NOT HAVING ENOUGH TO GET IT GOING LIKE SOMETHING IS CLOGGED OR SOMETHING.... FUEL PUMP I WAS WONDERING AND GOING TO GET IT CHECKED BUT IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I'M ON THE FREEWAY FOR A LITTLE BIT AND WHEN I SLOW DOWN IT FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO DIE ALSO AFTER GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY ARE SLOWING DOWN BUT IT DOES IT ALSO WHEN I'M GOING AT HIGHER SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY BUT ONLY THEN NOT WHEN I'M DRIVING THROUGH TOWN.

NHTSA ID
10732282
Incident
Jul 6, 2015
Mileage
145,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 3, 2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC. UNDER NORMAL BRAKING ABS IS ACTIVATED WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AND CAUSES BRAKES VIBRATE/PULSE AND MAKE IT EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STOP REQUIRING PUMPING OF BRAKE PEDAL. HAPPENS MOST FREQUENTLY AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN TURNING A CORNER, IE: OUT OF A DRIVEWAY WHEN VERY LIKELY TO HIS PEDESTRIANS OR ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHEN UNABLE TO BREAK. AT HIGHER SPEEDS UP TO 25-30 MPH THE SAME SITUATION ARISES BUT YOU GENERALLY HAVE MORE TIME AND DISTANCE TO RECOVER. OTHERWISE BREAKS WORK MOST OF THE TIME, WHICH MAKES THIS GLITCH SO FRUSTRATING AND SEEMINGLY UNRELATED TO BREAK PAD OR WEAR AND TEAR ISSUES, AS SUBSTANTIATED BY SIMILAR NHTSA COMPLAINT #S: 882300, 8011620, 10028658, 10024539, 10110112. *TR

NHTSA ID
10652143
Incident
Jan 24, 2014
Mileage
10 mi
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Nov 3, 2014

ASCENDING MINIMAL INCLINES WHILE 55MPH AND ABOVE, ENGINE MISFIRES RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER AND INABILITY TO ACCELERATE, AS SUBSTANTIATED BY SIMILAR NHTSA COMPLAINT #: 603676 "AN ENGLISH CAR SPECIALIST IN RALEIGH, NC. DETERMINED IT WAS A SPEED SENSING TRANSMITTER. THIS DEVICE TELLS THE CAR'S COMPUTER HOW FAST THE CAR IS MOVING. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, IT WAS GETTING A SIGNAL OF 130 MPH. THINKING IT WAS MOVING TOO FAST, THE CAR WILL AUTOMATICALLY MISFIRE IN AN EFFORT TO SLOW IT DOWN. THEY REPLACED THE SPEED SENSOR (FOR $120) AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OLDER LRS AND THE DEALERS SHOULD KNOW THIS. THEY USE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO CHARGE FOR A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE VALVE JOB." *TR

NHTSA ID
10652135
Incident
Nov 27, 2012
Mileage
55 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Nov 3, 2014

AS A RESULT OF CHAFFING OF A CRUISE CONTROL WIRE, THE STEERING WHEEL ROTARY COUPLER CAN OVERHEAT AND INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG....THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED YET TO ME, BUT DESPITE MY VEHICLE BEING A 1996 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY WITH ONLY ONE PREVIOUS OWNER, DEALER CLAIMS MY VIN# IS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL FOR SUBSTANTIATED BY PREVIOUS COMPLAINTS SUBMITTED FOR THIS ISSUE WITH MY YEAR/MAKE/MODEL, SO PLEASE RE-OPEN INVESTIGATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 98V040000 TO INCLUDE ALL 1996 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY VIN#S SO IT CAN BE ADDRESSED BEFORE IT DEPLOYS IMPROPERLY. DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING CAN CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10652126
Incident
Nov 27, 2012
Body & structure
Filed Nov 3, 2014

SIDE STEP BROKE OFF, SUBSTANTIATED BY SIMILAR NHTSA COMPLAINT # = 603676. *TR

NHTSA ID
10652122
Incident
Dec 10, 2013

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SFCC_08MAR18_16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The 'Service Required' warning text will not appear on the Instrument Cluster (IC) if a vehicle has reached its service point.

SFCC-14SEP17

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call

SSM56457

ENGINE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

"ISSUE: REPORTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED OF ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRING, WHICH IS CAUSED BY THE USE OF NON-APPROVED ENGINE INDUCTION / FUEL INJECTION CLEANING EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, ""VACU-FLUSH"" TYPE EQUIPMENT. CAUSE: THE USE OF NON-APPROVED EQUIPMENT CAN CAUSE THE ENGINES TO HYDRO-LOCK, OR CAUSE OTHER ENGINE DAMAGE, AND SOMETIMES THE ONLY POSSIBLE REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE."

LTB00389NAS3

EQUIPMENT

Technical Bulletin: Squeaks & Rattles Kit Availability

SSM68378

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

"ISSUE: THIS SSM HAS BEEN RELEASED TO ADDRESS THE HIGH NUMBER OF SPEAKER ASSEMBLIES RETURNED, MANY OF WHICH ARE DEEMED AS “NO FAULT FOUND”. CAUSE: INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS."

370103

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

OIL SEEPAGE FROM MANUAL TRANSMISSION FRONT COVER. IMPROVED MANUAL TRANSMISSION SEALING. *TT

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Land Rover Discovery by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026110—
2025020—
2024740—
2023750—
2022950—
2021105054.7
2020186058.9
2019384060.5
2018364053.3
2017543045.6
2016500—
2006200—
2005000—
2004290150.8
2003481045.3
2002170043.2
2001131051.4
2000301049.2
1999173056.1
1998332057.2
1997352056.8
1996Viewing653155.1
1995494056.5
1994152053.4
1993000—
1992000—
1991000—
1990000—
1989000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.