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The Land Rover Discovery Years To Avoid

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Land Rover in Iceland

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The Land Rover Discovery is a mid-size luxury SUV series manufactured by the British company Land Rover. It has been in production since 1989 and is highly sought after among consumers due to its off-road capabilities, comfort, and stylish design.

The Land Rover Discovery boasts a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, and advanced technologies like Terrain Response, making it a hit among off-roaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Its rugged yet refined design, luxurious interiors, and advanced safety features make it an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile vehicle that can handle city driving and off-road adventures.

However, you should know that the Land Rover Discovery has faced criticism for its reliability. Potential buyers should research and avoid specific model years known for these issues. So today, we rounded up the Land Rover Discovery years to avoid as a used car buyer. Let’s take a look.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

These days, it’s still a highly popular midsize SUV, especially in used condition. If you’re looking for the most reliable Land Rover Discovery year, keep reading.

Which Land Rover Discovery Years To Avoid?

It’s always recommended to get any used vehicle, including the Discovery, thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before purchase. Unfortunately, not all Discovery model years are reliable, with some years riddled with severe reliability woes. Feel free to cross off the following Land Rover Discovery years from your shopping list:

  • 1995 Land Rover Discovery
  • 1996 Land Rover Discovery
  • 1998 Land Rover Discovery
  • 2017 Land Rover Discovery

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1995 Land Rover Discovery

The Discovery is notorious for being one of the least reliable models in Land Rover’s lineup. As such, we can’t recommend a model that is almost three decades old, even with good mileage and price. CarComplaints.com have listed 68 complaints and four recalls for the 1995 Discovery.

Based on CarSurvey.Org, here are the most common pain points of 1995 Discovery owners:

  • Major oil leak: One owner reported buying the vehicle with a significant oil leak that needed to be fixed.
  • Faulty power seats: An owner mentioned that the power seats didn’t work when they purchased the vehicle.
  • Non-functional instrument cluster light switch: The light switch for the instrument cluster was reported to be non-functional in one of the vehicles.
  • Broken passenger door lock: An owner reported a broken passenger door lock.
  • Engine electrical issues: One owner reported needing over $1000 worth of electrical work on the engine due to constant stalling.
  • Non-working A/C: The air conditioning system was reported as not working in one of the vehicles.

These are just a small sampling of issues you may encounter if you purchase a used 1995 Land Rover Discovery. Plus, many of these issues tend to exacerbate with age.

1996 Land Rover Discovery

The 1996 Land Rover Discovery is another problematic year for the offroading SUV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has documented 94 complaints and four recalls for the 1996 Discovery – making it one of the worst Land Rover Discovery years to avoid.

Based on owner complaints, the top concern for this model year is the brakes. They include issues like:

  • ABS light activation: Some owners reported that the ABS light would come on intermittently. When the light was off, the brake pedal would become stiff, making it difficult to stop the vehicle. When the light was on, the car could stop safely, but there were no anti-lock brakes.
  • ABS activation under normal braking: One owner reported that the ABS would activate under normal braking conditions, causing the brakes to vibrate or pulse, making it extremely difficult to stop.
  • Comprehensive brake failure: An owner reported a total brake failure with no warning light.
  • Poor emergency braking at low speeds: Another owner reported very poor emergency braking at low speeds, particularly at 30 mph and slower. They noted that the vehicle could not stop quickly in an emergency.

Please note that these issues are based on user-reported complaints and may not represent all brake problems associated with the 1996 Discovery.

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1998 Land Rover Discovery

The 1998 Land Rover Discovery had fewer complaints than the abovementioned model years, but it certainly has issues that used car buyers should be aware of.

Based on the numerous reports from CarSurvey.org, here are some of the common reliability issues of the 1998 Discovery:

  • Engine and transmission issues: This model struggled with various engine-related problems, including intermittent loss of power, erratic idling, and instances of the engine cutting out. There are also reports of issues with the automatic transmission not kicking down as expected. These problems could lead to unsafe driving conditions and costly repairs.
  • Starting problems: Some owners reported that the vehicle failed to start several times. This could indicate issues with the ignition system or the starter motor, which can be inconvenient and potentially expensive.
  • Faulty components: There are reports of various parts failing or not working as expected, including the cruise control, rear door lock, and water pump. These issues can affect the vehicle’s convenience, functionality, and safety.
  • Maintenance and repair costs: Several owners reported having to undertake significant repairs, including replacing the head gasket, servicing the transmission, and replacing the alternator. These repairs can be costly, and the frequency of these issues suggests that the 1998 Discovery may require higher-than-average maintenance and repair costs.

With these issues, you’re better off avoiding the 1998 Discovery and saving yourself from a lot of headaches.

THE BEST USED MINIVANS ON THE MARKET

When it comes to hauling a lot of people and cargo, the minivan is hard to beat. We’ve factored in reliability, affordability, and functionality to create this curated list of the 8 best used minivans on the market today.

2017 Land Rover Discovery

The newer Discovery lineup is more reliable than the older series, but that doesn’t mean the new models don’t have their own issues. In the case of the 2017 Land Rover Discovery, electric problems seem to be more prevalent. 

Below are some of the complaints filed by frustrated owners:

  • Windshield failure leading to electrical damage: An owner reported that the windshield failed, allowing rainwater to pool in the vehicle’s floorboards. The electronics were destroyed, causing damage well above $20,000.
  • Compromised front wiring harness: An owner stated that the front windshield had compromised seals, allowing water to enter the vehicle and affecting the front wiring harness.
  • Abrupt engine shutdown: An owner reported that the vehicle abruptly shut down the engine for no apparent reason while driving on the highway. The car stalled with no ability or ample time to steer to the shoulder.
  • Infotainment system issues: An owner reported problems with the infotainment system not starting or freezing up, preventing them from engaging the window defroster.

If you’re not keen on dealing with annoying electrical issues, staying away from the 2017 Discovery is best.

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