1997 Land rover Discovery i problems

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The Land Rover Discovery is a series of seven-seater family SUVs, produced under the Land Rover marque, from the British manufacturer Land Rover, and later Jaguar Land Rover. The series is currently in its fifth iteration (or generation, according to the manufacturer), the first of which was introduced in 1989, making the Discovery the first new model series since the launch of the 1970 Range Rover – on which it was based – and only the third new product line since the conception of the Land Rover (vehicle and brand) by Rover in 1948. The model is sometimes called influential, as one of the first to market a true off-road capable family car.

Although the Range Rover had originally been designed as an everyday four wheel drive car that could be used as both a utility vehicle and a family car, it had progressively moved upmarket through its life to evolve into a luxury vehicle sold at a much higher price point. The Discovery was intended to fulfill the role the Range Rover originally was intended for; a segment which was now dominated by Japanese rivals such as the Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser. Although positioned below the Range Rover in the company's line-up, the vehicle was both longer and higher, offered more room in the back, and optionally also more seats. Space utilization became more sophisticated in later iterations, but the series keeps offering seats for seven occupants. Despite originally being sold as an affordable alternative to the Range Rover, the Discovery has also progressively moved upmarket through its successive generations to become a bonafide luxury SUV.

The second Discovery (1998) was called the Series II, and though featuring an extended rear body, was otherwise an updated facelift, which carried on the 100 in (2,540 mm) wheelbase frame and rigid, live front and rear axles of the original Range Rover into 2004.

The third iteration – succeeding the series I and II in 2004 - was either titled the Discovery 3 or simply LR3 (in North America and the Middle East). This was the first all-original design for the Discovery. Although it followed the 2002 third generation Range Rover, also switching to fully independent suspension, it still received a separate, but integrated body and frame (IBF) structure. The fourth iteration, as of 2009 – like the series II, was again mainly an update of the new generation – marketed as the Discovery 4, or Land Rover LR4 for North American and Middle Eastern markets.

The fifth iteration of the Discovery, introduced in 2017, no longer sports a numeric suffix. Unlike the previous two generations, it now benefits from a unitized body structure, making it lighter than its predecessor.

1997 Land rover Discovery i

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Common 1997 Land rover Discovery i problems

The Land Rover Discovery I, produced in 1997, is known for several common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from mechanical faults to electrical problems and interior concerns.

In conclusion, the Land Rover Discovery I, produced in 1997, has a number of common problems that owners have reported. These issues range from mechanical faults, such as those related to the all-wheel drive system and engine, to electrical and interior concerns. While some of these issues can be addressed with regular maintenance and repairs, others may require more significant investments and specialized service.

1997 Land rover Discovery i engine

What is the most common problem with the Land Rover Discovery?

The 2021 Land Rover Discovery received a reliability score of 72/100 from J.D. Power, and older models have similar ratings. Common problems of the Land Rover Discovery include rear cargo door latch failure, leaking head gaskets, and leaks in the throttle body de-icer.

Is the Discovery 1 reliable?

If you want a Discovery S1 to use every day – and it's perfect capable of this – then the TDi engines make sense. They're not the most refined motors, but they are reliable and work well with the five-speed manual gearbox.

Were old Land Rovers reliable?

Very early Land Rovers, made during the 1960's through the 1980's, were pretty simple and reliable machines. They were rugged and were capable off-road vehicles on-par with many Jeeps and Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers.

What is the best Land Rover Discovery engine?

The P360 petrol version takes the title for best performer in the Discovery range. Its 3.0-litre straight six unit produces 355bhp and manages the 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds, before topping out at a 130mph maximum.

1997 Land rover Discovery i car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Fuel system problems
  • Gasoline problems
  • Power train problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Land rover Discovery i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Land rover Discovery i complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Land rover Discovery i.

2007-11-16

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-11-05
  • VIN: SALJY1245VA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY I. WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMELLED OF GASOLINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,940 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,500.
2007-04-23

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-04-18
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE, MY 1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED THE CRASH SENSORS TO ACTIVATE (BLINKERS, FUEL CUT). THE DRIVE SHAFT WENT THROUGH THE PASSENGER FLOOR RIPPING OUT WIRES. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS INJURED HOWEVER THERE WAS A REAL POSSIBILITY THAT THERE COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS INJURY FROM THIS. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS DUE TO THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE. *JB

1997 Land rover Discovery i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Land rover Discovery i.

2004-04-12
  • Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRESS CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS.
  • Consequence: CRACKS WHICH CONTINUE TO PROPAGATE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SIGNS OF LIQUID FUEL FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FILLING THE TANK, PARTICULARLY IF OVERFILLING IS ATTEMPTED. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Land rover Discovery i problems:

Most All Of The PROBLEMS With My Wife's LAND ROVER ...
Most All Of The PROBLEMS With My Wife's LAND ROVER ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68hbnFXrZpk

Oct 19, 2020 ... This week, we are taking a look at all the problems with my wife's Land Rover Discovery 1. We took it to an independent Land Rover mechanic ...

Good Purchase? 1997 Discovery with a couple issues | Land Rover ...
Good Purchase? 1997 Discovery with a couple issues | Land Rover ...
https://www.landroversonly.com/threads/good-purchase-1997-discovery-with-a-couple-issues.54878/

Nov 17, 2011 ... The problems: anti-lock brake dash light on (and brakes feel spongy when used), power steering fluid leak, and muffler sounds ok but "exhaust ...

Major items to watch for on Land Rover Discovery 1 & 2! CAR ...
Major items to watch for on Land Rover Discovery 1 & 2! CAR ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgz5omUfRMQ

May 30, 2023 ... Land Rover Discovery 1 and 2's are beautiful SUV's; however, they can have some very serious and expensive issues to correct.

Looking into a 97' Land Rover Discovery : r/LandRover
Looking into a 97' Land Rover Discovery : r/LandRover
https://www.reddit.com/r/LandRover/comments/vuic0d/looking_into_a_97_land_rover_discovery/

Jul 8, 2022 ... The Discovery 1 is very sensitive to rust. From the sills to the chassis to the cargo area floor and everything in between it rots like it's ...

What are known/common problems with the Land Rover Discovery 1 ...
What are known/common problems with the Land Rover Discovery 1 ...
https://www.quora.com/What-are-known-common-problems-with-the-Land-Rover-Discovery-1

Jan 22, 2019 ... How long do most Land Rover Discovery's last? I have a 1997 Discovery 300TDi. It is used for towing trailers (gliders & classic cars) and as ...

Other years of Land rover Discovery i

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Discovery i 1995
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land rover discovery i 1996 photo
Discovery i 1996
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land rover discovery i 1997 photo
Discovery i 1997
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1997 Land rover Discovery i photo