1988 Land rover Range rover problems

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

The Land Rover Range Rover, generally shortened to Range Rover, is a 4x4 luxury SUV produced by Land Rover, a marque and sub-brand of Jaguar Land Rover. The Range Rover line was launched in 1970 by British Leyland and is now in its fifth generation.

Additional models have been launched under the Range Rover name, including the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque, and Range Rover Velar.

History

The Rover Company (originator of the Land Rover marque) was experimenting with a larger model than the Land Rover Series in 1951, when the Rover P4-based two-wheel-drive "Road Rover" project was developed by Gordon Bashford. This was shelved in 1958 and the idea lay dormant until 1966, when engineers Spen King and Bashford set to work on a new model.

The first Range Rover prototype was built in 1967 with plate number SYE 157F. The design of the Range Rover was finalised in 1969. Twenty-six Velar-badged engineering development vehicles were built between 1969 and 1970 and were road registered with the number plates YVB151H through to YVB177H.

Though being chassis no. 3, YVB 153H is believed to have been the first off the production line as a vehicle in that colour was urgently required for marketing. (The Range Rover with chassis no. 1 was a green model with the registration "YVB 151H", and is now on exhibition at Huddersfield Land Rover Centre, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire). The Velar name was derived from the Italian "velare" meaning to veil or to cover. Range Rover development engineer Geof Miller used the name as a decoy for registering pre-production Range Rovers. The Velar company was registered in London and produced 40 pre-production vehicles that were built between 1967 and 1970.

The Range Rover was launched in 1970. In the early 1970s, the Musée du Louvre in Paris exhibited a Range Rover as an "exemplary work of industrial design".

In 1971, ex-Cream drummer Ginger Baker used the unproven Range Rover to drive from Algeria to Lagos, Nigeria, to set up a recording studio and jam with Fela Kuti. Predating the Paris-Dakar rally the subsequent documentary is replete with such terrain, documenting the vehicle's endurance.

In 1972, the British Trans-Americas Expedition became the first vehicle-based expedition to traverse the Americas from north to south, including traversing the roadless Darién Gap. The specially modified Range Rovers used for this expedition are now on display in the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust collection at Gaydon, Warwickshire.

Range Rover sub-brands have been launched. In 2004, Land Rover debuted the Range Rover Sport, based on the Land Rover Discovery platform. Later models received the latest Range Rover platform. In 2011 came the Range Rover Evoque, and in 2017 the Range Rover Velar (re-using the name of the very first, pre-production Range Rovers).

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Common 1988 Land rover Range rover problems

The Land Rover Range Rover 1988 is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues mainly involve the transmission, air suspension, cooling system, and ignition system.

Air Suspension: Air suspension is a common problem in Range Rovers of all generations, including the 1988 model. After a decade of usage, air suspension issues can result in the vehicle leaning to one side, causing an uncomfortable ride and safety concerns. Having a trusted mechanic fix any issue with air suspension is highly recommended to ensure safety and comfort in the vehicle.

Cooling Malfunctions: Cooling malfunctions are common in the 1988 Range Rover, as with many other vehicles. However, it is important to note that the Classic requires specific parts unique to its specifications. If a cooling malfunction occurs, it should be diagnosed by a reliable mechanic, and the specialized replacement parts needed to fix the problem should be ordered.

Ignition System: The ignition system can also be a source of problems in the 1988 Range Rover. If the vehicle does not start, it may be due to a faulty selector switch, which can be replaced to solve the problem.

Fuel Filter: If the vehicle has stood for more than 12 months, a blocked fuel filter may be the cause of starting problems. Replacing the fuel filter may be necessary to resolve the issue.

While these common problems can be frustrating for 1988 Range Rover owners, understanding them can help in maintaining the vehicle for optimal safety and performance.

Are 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.

Are Land Rover Range Rovers reliable?

According to Autotrader executive editor Brian Moody, the Range Rover is not the most reliable and faces significantly more problems than other used cars — especially with the electronics. “Used Range Rovers are often less reliable than other types of used cars,” Moody said.

What are the disadvantages of a Range Rover?

The most commonly reported issues include problems with the electrical system, suspension, and transmission. While there are some clear pros and cons to owning a Range Rover, it's ultimately up to the individual to decide whether the vehicle's luxury and capability are worth the cost of repairs and maintenance.

Does Range Rover have engine problems?

All engines are in V6 configuration with common-rail technology and turbochargers. Those units are found in Discovery and Range Rover Sports. The main problem with these motors are failing oil pumps; often leading to inadequate lubrication if the vehicle wasn't used for too long.

1988 Land rover Range rover car problems categorized by type of issue

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

Fuel system problems
Gasoline problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Land rover Range rover vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1988 Land rover Range rover complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Land rover Range rover.

2003-05-27

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: SALHV1148JA
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: THERE IS CORROSION AROUND THE FUEL TANK. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS.*AK

Add Complaint

1996-01-26

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: RECALL REPAIRS FOR LEAKY FUEL TANK REFUSED DUE TOUNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS. *DSH

Add Complaint

1988 Land rover Range rover recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 1988 Land rover Range rover.

1995-08-11

Manufacturer: RANGE ROVER NA., INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Summary: THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK CAN CORRODE OVER TIME ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK AND REPLACE THE TANK IF NEEDED.

1989-01-31

Manufacturer: RANGE ROVER NA., INC.
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
Summary: INCORRECT INSTALLATION OF A CIRCLIP HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT SHAFT COULD ALLOW THE CIRCLIP TO DISENGAGE AND THE PIVOT SHAFT TO MOVE ENOUGH FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MOVE FROM ITS DESIGNED POSITION.
Consequence: ALTHOUGH FULL BRAKING ACTION CAN STILL BE OBTAINED,DRIVER ALARM FROM THE INCORRECTLY POSITIONED PEDAL COULD RESULT IN ANINAPPROPRIATE ACTION BY THE DRIVER WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPAIR CIRCLIP INSTALLATION TO PREVENT ITS DISENGAGEMENT.

1988-12-19

Manufacturer: RANGE ROVER NA., INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Summary: INFLATION PRESSURE RECOMMENDED FOR REAR WHEELS WILL NOT SUPPORT REAR GAWR.
Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 120.
Remedy: SEND NOTIFICATION LETTER WITH A REVISED TIRE PLACARD INDICATING APPROPRIATE TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES.

1988-07-22

Manufacturer: RANGE ROVER NA., INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Summary: CORROSION COULD OCCUR BETWEEN THE FUEL FILTER AND ITS RETAINING BRACKET.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN PERFORATION OF THE FILTER CASINGAND FUEL LEAKAGE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE.
Remedy: INSTALL MODIFIED FUEL FILTER BRACKET.

1988-03-16

Manufacturer: RANGE ROVER NA., INC.
Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
Summary: A NYLON PIVOT PIN IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR LOCK MECHANISM MAY BE TOO LARGE IN DIAMETER.
Consequence: THE NYLON MATERIAL SWELLS IN THE PRESENCE OF ATMOSPHEREHUMIDITY AND CAN RESTRICT MOVEMENT OF A LOCKING PAWL WHICH ACTIVATES THE BELTLOCKING MECHANISM.
Remedy: INSPECTION OF ALL VEHICLES AND REPLACE ANY SUSPECT BELT ASSEMBLY.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1988 Land rover Range rover problems:

1988 Land Rover Range Rover Reviews - Carsurvey.org

http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/land_rover/range_rover/1988/

Jan 17, 2010 ... Few major faults, although the fuel tank and sender units failed, although after 125000 miles, who can complain. The nearside and offside front ...

Range Rover Classic 1988 | Range Rovers Forum

https://www.rangerovers.net/threads/range-rover-classic-1988.343178/

Jul 1, 2020 ... Assuming everything is wired up properly, possible spark problems include bad leads, bad distributor cap/rotor, bad coil, bad ignition amplifier ...

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”. ... Range Rover Sport HSE ... im not here to vouch for land rovers ...

EFI light came on in my Â´89 RR - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover ...

https://landroverforums.com/forum/general-range-rover-discussion-archived-19/efi-light-came-my-%C2%B489-rr-3849/

Sep 23, 2006 ... (See also Sensor Failure section of Common Problems and Fixes page). EFI Light: (See also Check Engine/ EFI/ Service Engine Lights Page) The ...