1996 Land rover Discovery problems
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.
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Common 1996 Land rover Discovery problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are the common problems with the Land Rover Discovery 1996 based on complaints from owners:
- Brake Issues:
- Owners reported various brake problems such as ABS light activation, ABS activation under normal braking, comprehensive brake failure, and poor emergency braking at low speeds .
- Electrical Problems:
- The 1996 Land Rover Discovery faced issues with electrical components like the ignition, radio, and power seats, which were reported as broken or malfunctioning by owners .
- Mechanical Faults:
- Complaints included engine-related problems like intermittent loss of power, erratic idling, and engine electrical issues requiring costly repairs.
- Comfort and Convenience:
- Owners mentioned non-functional features like faulty power seats, broken passenger door locks, and non-working air conditioning systems in the 1996 Discovery.
- General Wear and Tear:
- The vehicle showed signs of aging with issues like major oil leaks, broken components like the instrument cluster light switch, and mold growth due to potential leaks.
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.
Are older Land Rover Discovery reliable?
For example, the Discovery Series I vehicles, which were produced from 1989 to 1998, are considered to be the least reliable generation in aggregate. If possible, ask the seller of a used Land Rover Discovery whether they encountered any of these faults in their time driving it.
What is the value of a 1996 Land Rover Discovery?
The value of a used 1996 Land Rover Discovery ranges from $1,067 to $5,475, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
Are Land Rover discoveries expensive to fix?
A Land Rover Discovery Sport will cost about $16,147 for maintenance and repairs during its first 10 years of service.
1996 Land rover Discovery complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Land rover Discovery.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
1996 Land rover Discovery recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1996 Land rover Discovery.
- Manufacturer: JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: ROVER GROUP, LIMITED
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING CAN CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK WHICH WILL PROTECT THE ROTARY COUPLER FROM OVERHEATING.
- Manufacturer: RANGE ROVER NA., INC.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
- Summary: THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR CAN FAIL TO LATCH FULLY WHEN CLOSING, CAUSING THE DOOR TO "BOUNCE" BACK OFF THE DOOR SEALS.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE UNEXPECTED OPENING OF THE DOOR INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT OR PERSONAL INJURY.
- 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.
Negative 1996 Land rover Discovery car reviews
Positive 1996 Land rover Discovery car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you're a Land Rover enthusiast! It's always important to prioritize quality over price when shopping for a vehicle. I would highly recommend having a Land Rover technician inspect any potential purchases, even if you don't buy from a dealer. They have the expertise to identify any issues, such as with the constant velocity joint or swivel pin assembly. Thanks for sharing your love for Land Rovers!
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I've only had one hose go bad since owning my Rover. It handles well in the dirt, mud, and all the challenges that come with it. I wonder if the person who complained never washed or took care of it after getting it dirty. Overall, it's not a bad vehicle, just not great with fuel (averaging 14 MPG). This is a fun, eye-catching vehicle that can be affordable if purchased used. However, as with any used car, buyer beware should be the first order of business. Additionally, these vehicles are fun to customize and turn into a Daktari car.
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I've been really pleased with this vehicle. Since I purchased it, I've only taken it to the dealer for minor check-ups. It's built very solidly and drives great everywhere. Even driving during the Michigan winters is no longer a challenge and is actually quite enjoyable.
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share a story with you about my Land Rover. Recently, a young woman accidentally backed into it and damaged one side. Instead of just fixing the damage, I decided to take the opportunity to restore the entire vehicle, including the upholstery. I'm actually the second owner of the car, but now it feels like a brand new car with an odometer reading of 'O'! I love driving it around locally and getting comments on how great it looks. However, I'm curious - since I'm 93 years old, if I were to sell it, what do you think I could expect to get for it? Thanks for your help!
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I really have mixed feelings about this car. Unfortunately, I blew the engine at around 80k, and it cost me a pretty penny to rebuild it with all new parts - about $4600. However, owning a European car can be expensive, and this is true for most models. On the bright side, this car has a lot of advantages. The parts are easy to find, reasonably priced, and simple to install. It's also great off-road - I've taken it on some challenging terrain and it's performed better than some modified Jeeps and Toyotas I've driven. Overall, it's a unique and capable vehicle that I enjoy driving.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Land rover Discovery problems:
What are known/common problems with the Land Rover Discovery 1 ...
Jan 22, 2019 ... The cabin is cramped and awkward. · Fit difflocks all around and don't use the electonic traction aids · Increase payload by 50% · Put a better ...
1996 Land Rover Discovery Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
Problem with your 1996 Land Rover Discovery? Our list of 16 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1996 Land Rover Discovery.
I just got to test drive a 1996 Discovery SE 4.0 and now I want one ...
Aug 22, 2022 ... As title states, I got to drive the car around for maybe half an hour and I love it! I've heard in the past that Land Rover's aren't super ...
Discovery Reliability - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast ...
Jan 14, 2009 ... Feel free to get specific with common problems/frequency, etc. Man, this became a longer post than I originally intended!! Whew...
Saw a 1996 Land Rover Discovery 1 for $5k and have questions for ...
May 2, 2023 ... It was the 4.0l v8 with a manual transmission and I want to know what are the main issues and how would it do in mud, water, and sand?
Other years of Land rover Discovery
Are you having problems with your 1996 Land rover Discovery?
Ramiro Klein 2024-11-19
My previous vehicle, a 4Runner, never gave me any issues, unlike this one which has required multiple trips to the shop. Although I had to spend $6000 to repair the valves at 45,000 miles and $3000 for some leaking a couple of years later, I have spent an average of $1500 per year on maintenance and minor repairs. It is frustrating to have to use the highest grade gasoline and still face these problems. Additionally, the cupholder is not very sturdy and can barely hold two cans of coke.
Jedediah Douglas 2024-10-26
I had a disappointing experience with my car. Despite being told by my salesman, Michael Kane, that it wouldn't be fully broken in until it reached 100k miles, the car began to deteriorate rapidly at just 60k miles. Unfortunately, I've had to deal with a number of issues, including the check engine light coming on twice, the rear 02 filters failing, and the brakes going out. I expressed my concerns to Michael Kane, but unfortunately didn't receive the level of service I was hoping for. This is surprising, given the company's emphasis on excellent service. In the past, I've owned two Hondas for a total of six years and never had to take them to the mechanic. In contrast, I've had to take my Discovery to the mechanic three times in just half the time.
Danny Moen 2024-10-21
If you're looking for reliability, the Land Cruiser or Lexus LX 470 might be a better option than the Discovery. While the Discovery has a cool look, it may not be as reliable as it appears. Over the last three years, I have had to make 3-4 non-preventive visits a year for unexpected problems. Although nothing too serious, it has been a hassle to keep taking it to the garage every few months. After careful research, I plan to go in a different direction for my next purchase.
Rashad O'Hara 2024-09-19
I've had my Rover for about 4 months now and I must say, it's a great vehicle! However, it's important to keep in mind that repairs can be quite costly, unless you're handy and have the time to fix it yourself. My suggestion would be to buy a Rover that comes with a warranty. If you plan on going off the beaten path with your Rover, it's important to note that certain parts may wear out more quickly. This may seem like obvious advice, but I learned the hard way and I'm kicking myself now. On the bright side, the seats sit higher than many other SUVs, allowing for great visibility and relatively few blind spots, which is uncommon for many other SUVs. Overall, it's a good ride if you can afford to upkeep it and quench its ever-present thirst for 93 octane fuel.
Emmett Deckow 2024-08-27
This SUV may not be the best option for you. While the frame and body are sturdy, some of the components may not be as reliable. For example, cork gaskets are still used which may lead to leaks and costly repairs. It may be worth considering other options.