1989 Land rover Range rover problems

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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).

1989 Land rover Range rover

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Common 1989 Land rover Range rover problems

Based on the information gathered from various sources regarding the 1989 Land Rover Range Rover Classic, several common problems have been reported by owners. Here is a detailed list of these issues:

  • Air Suspension: The air suspension system in Range Rovers, including the 1989 Classic model, is known to cause issues as the vehicle ages. Problems with the air suspension can result in the vehicle leaning to one side, affecting the driving experience and safety. Regular maintenance and inspection of the air suspension system are crucial to prevent such issues.
  • Transmission: The transmission in the 1989 Range Rover Classic can experience various problems, such as being stuck in one gear, limited acceleration due to faulty transmission seals, or issues with the selector switch causing starting problems. Regular maintenance, including changing the transmission filter and fluid, is essential to prevent these transmission-related issues.
  • Cooling System Malfunctions: Cooling system malfunctions are fairly common in the Range Rover Classic, including the 1989 model. Specific parts unique to the Classic's specifications are required for repairs. If a cooling malfunction occurs, it is crucial to have it diagnosed by a reliable mechanic and use specialized replacement parts to address the issue effectively.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt repairs to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of the 1989 Land Rover Range Rover Classic. Owners should be vigilant in addressing these issues to prevent further damage and maintain the vehicle's reliability and functionality.

1989 Land rover Range rover engine

What engine is in a 1989 Range Rover?

Engines. Originally, the Range Rover was fitted with a detuned 135 hp (101 kW) version of the Buick-derived Rover V8 engine. The 3,528 cc (3.5 L; 215.3 cu in) engine was increased to a displacement of 3,947 cc (3.9 L; 240.9 cu in) for the 1989 model year, and 4,197 cc (4.2 L; 256.1 cu in) in 1992.

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.

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.

1989 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
  • Electrical system problems
  • Steering problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Land rover Range rover vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Land rover Range rover complaints

The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Land rover Range rover.

2014-11-04

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2014-09-24
  • VIN: SALHV1240KA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, FUEL LEAKED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V155000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
2007-06-08

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2007-05-18
  • VIN: SALHV1246KA
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1989 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 176000. THE FUEL TANK IS CORRODED AT THE BOTTOM AND LEAKS GAS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS REPAIRED FOR NHTSA RECALL # 95V155000 NINE YEARS AGO AND THEY WILL NOT MAKE THE REPAIR.
2000-08-29

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-27
  • VIN: SALHV1147KA
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: PARTS SUPPLIER SAYS THIS IS A PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THAT SHORTS MAY CAUSE FIRE. MANUFACTURER STATES "IT'S NOT A PROBLEM UNTIL THEY SAY IT'S A PROBLEM". PER THEIR RECOMMENDATION, PART WILL BE TAKEN TO SERVICE DEALER FOR INSPECTION.
1999-11-19

STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
  • VIN: SALHV1243KA
  • Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: NO SUMMARY INCLUDED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1995-06-15

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-04
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT/INJURY. (ATTORNEY FOR CLIENT) *SKD

1989 Land rover Range rover recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1989 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.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Land rover Range rover problems:

What do I need to know about buying a 90s Range Rover Classic ...
What do I need to know about buying a 90s Range Rover Classic ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/LandRover/comments/y093j1/what_do_i_need_to_know_about_buying_a_90s_range/

Oct 10, 2022 ... ... the land rover forums will offer up some knowledge. Britanica Restorations on youtube is a solid source for all things Land Rover. Look at ...

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 ... ... the Land Rover Range Rover in 1970, in the Defender in 1983 and the Discovery in 1989. I bought my first Disco in 1997 and my f. Continue ...

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

1989 Land Rover Range Rover Reviews - Carsurvey.org
1989 Land Rover Range Rover Reviews - Carsurvey.org
http://www.carsurvey.org/reviews/land_rover/range_rover/1989/

Dec 5, 2008 ... Faults: Head lining began to sag badly in the rear. While driving on the motorway the passengers side wing mirror blew off due to cheap ...

2006 Range Rover Land Rover HSE - With the 4.4l motor - Do these ...
2006 Range Rover Land Rover HSE - With the 4.4l motor - Do these ...
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/2006-range-rover-land-rover-hse-with-the-44l-motor-do-these-have-the-liner-issue/124448/page1/

The conversion to coil springs is my fall back option. These are known to have issues with the airbags so I would look at fixing that first.

Other years of Land rover Range rover

land rover range rover 1990 photo
Range rover 1990
Land rover

14

3

3

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  • 1
land rover range rover 1992 photo
Range rover 1992
Land rover

6

0

6

  • 5
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  • 3
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  • 1
land rover range rover 1993 photo
Range rover 1993
Land rover

20

0

10

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
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  • 1
land rover range rover 1994 photo
Range rover 1994
Land rover

14

0

13

  • 5
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  • 3
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  • 1
land rover range rover 1995 photo
Range rover 1995
Land rover

38

7

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
land rover range rover 1996 photo
Range rover 1996
Land rover

39

3

21

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1989 Land rover Range rover photo