1999 Land rover Defender problems

General information about Land rover-Defender
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Land Rover Defender (initially introduced as the Land Rover 110 / One Ten, and in 1984 joined by the Land Rover 90 / Ninety, plus the new, extra-length Land Rover 127 in 1985) is a series of British off-road cars and pickup trucks. They consistently have four-wheel drive, and were developed in the 1980s from the original Land Rover series which was launched at the Amsterdam Motor Show in April 1948. Following the 1989 introduction of the Land Rover Discovery, the term 'Land Rover' became the name of a broader marque, and thus no longer worked as the name of a specific model; thus in 1990 Land Rover renamed the 90 and 110 as Defender 90 and Defender 110 respectively. The 127 became the Defender 130.

The vehicle, a British equivalent of the Second World War derived (Willys) Jeep, gained a worldwide reputation for ruggedness and versatility. Using a steel ladder chassis and an aluminium alloy bodywork, the Land Rover originally used detuned versions of Rover engines. The original Defender is still being produced in developing countries despite the arrival of the Land Rover Defender (L663).

Though the Defender was not a new generation design, it incorporated significant changes, compared to the series Land Rovers, such as adopting coil springs front and rear, as opposed to all leaf springs on the previous; except for retaining rear leaf springs on high capacity (payload) models. Coil springs offered both better ride quality and improved axle articulation. Adding a lockable centre differential to the transfer case gave the Defender permanent (on-road) four-wheel-drive capability. Both changes were derived from the Range Rover, and the interiors were also modernised.

Externally, a full-length bonnet and full-width integrated grille and headlights, combined with (finally) a single-piece windscreen, plus widened wheel arches that covered new, wider-track axles were the most noticeable changes. Initially the engineering department conserved a part-time 4WD system, like on previous models, but it failed to sell, and this option was dropped in 1984. While the engine was carried over from the Series III, a new series of modern and more powerful engines was progressively introduced.

Even when ignoring the series Land Rovers and perhaps ongoing licence products, the 90/110 and Defender models' 33-year production run were ranked as the sixteenth longest single-generation car in history in 2020.

In 2020, Jaguar Land Rover introduced the first all new generation of Land Rover Defenders, switching from body on chassis to integrated bodywork and from live, rigid axles to all around independent suspension. While starting at a higher base price, the new model brought significant improvements to on road dynamics over the old model, air suspension is available on most trims. The range was originally limited to just two wheelbase lengths before a third, the Defender 130, was announced in 2022. The new Defender series is only available in closed, estate car bodies.

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Common 1999 Land rover Defender problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the Land Rover Defender 1999, several common problems have been identified:

Power Steering Leaks: Another common complaint is the leaking of the power steering system, which can result in a loss of power assistance while steering. This issue can significantly impact the driving experience and safety of the vehicle. Prompt identification and repair of any leaks are crucial to maintain the functionality of the power steering system.

Timing Belt Failure: Owners have reported failures in the timing belt, which can have severe consequences, including engine damage. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the timing belt are essential to prevent unexpected failures and costly repairs. Neglecting this component can lead to significant engine issues and potential breakdowns on the road.

Fuel Contamination: Putting the wrong fuel into the Land Rover Defender, such as petrol in a diesel engine, can cause catastrophic damage to the vehicle. This mistake can lead to engine failure and costly repairs. It is crucial for owners to be vigilant and ensure that the correct fuel type is used to avoid damaging the engine and fuel system.

Brake Hose Wear: Flexible brake hoses in some Defenders are prone to chafing and wearing through, potentially leading to brake fluid leaks and compromised braking performance. Regular inspection of the brake system and prompt replacement of damaged hoses are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of the braking system.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and proactive measures to address issues promptly in order to keep the Land Rover Defender 1999 in optimal condition and prevent costly repairs or safety hazards.

What is the common problem of Land Rover Defender?

Land Rover Defenders may encounter fuel system issues such as clogged fuel filters, fuel pump failures, or injector problems. These issues can lead to poor engine performance, stalling, or even complete engine failure if not resolved promptly.

Is the old Land Rover Defender reliable?

The Defender Wasn't Unreliable

Many people say Land Rovers are unreliable and while many of them are, the older iterations of the Defender weren't. They did get unreliable in later years when the brand switched to Ford powertrains; however, up until the Td5 model, this was a reliable car.

Are old Land Rover Defenders a good investment?

Vintage Land Rover Defenders are considered by many to be not only highly desirable vehicles, but also excellent investments. The reasons for their high cost and strong market performance can be attributed to a variety of factors. One major reason for their high cost is their rarity.

Are vintage defenders safe?

Old Land Rover Defenders were unsafe by contemporary and modern standards. The original Land Rover Defender was pulled from the U.S. marketplace in 1997 because it no longer met safety regulations.

1999 Land rover Defender car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Land rover Defender problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1999 Land rover Defender vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1999 Land rover Defender complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1999 Land rover Defender.

2007-01-08

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-12-23
Components: TIRES
Summary: I PURCHASED 4 GOODYEAR EAGLE LS TIRES IN SEPT (LAST YEAR). AFTER 2000 MILES, I BLEW OUT THE SIDEWALL. WHEN GETTING IT REPAIRED, THE SHOP SAID 2 OF THE REMAINING TIRES SHOWED BULGES INDICATING POSSIBLE FUTURE FAILURE OF THE SIDEWALL. THEY BLAMED IT ON POTHOLES AND WOULD NOT REPLACE THEM. *JB

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1999 Land rover Defender problems:

1999 Land Rover Discovery issues???? | OVERLAND BOUND ...

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/1999-land-rover-discovery-issues.36019/

The main issues with these are overheating and rust. Now don't panic it's all fixable, the all alloy engine is good..... Ish. Personally I don't ...

I'm thinking of buying a Range Rover but this chart is a concern to ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/LandRover/comments/wty9es/im_thinking_of_buying_a_range_rover_but_this/

Aug 21, 2022 ... ... common Range Rover problems” and then google “common Lexus LS problems”. ... reliability issues with the new Defender. So ... land-rover-defender ...

Defender 90 TD5 (1999) acceleration issues - Land Rover Forums ...

https://landroverforums.com/forum/general-tech-help-8/defender-90-td5-1999-acceleration-issues-7041/

May 27, 2007 ... General Tech Help - Defender 90 TD5 (1999) acceleration issues - Hello, hope someone can help diagnose my problem: I experience 'bunny ...