Carlexica

1994 Land Rover Discovery: problems, recalls and reliability

2 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seats.

Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2012

2
recalls
15
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

Among the quietest Discovery years (#18 of 18 by complaints, age-adjusted)1 fire report

Common problems

Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Limited data: only 15 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Seats2 complaints
Tires2 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)2 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages (door locks, latches, hood release)1 complaint
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)1 complaint
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)1 complaint
Recall 04v203000 concerning land rover fuel tanks: consumer noticed fuel leaking from a crack in the plastic fuel tank. Dealer was notified, and informed the consumer that this vehicle was not covered under that recall due to VIN. *ak *nmOwner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2004
While driving at 25 mph consumer was upset and slammed the console, and both front air bags deployed, prior to this incident there was no light indication of any defects of the air bag. Also, horn was stuck as result consumer had to pull out a fuse. *ak *eh *jbOwner report · Air Bags · Aug 2004
Consumer complained about ABS brake problem. . Wheels lock when traveling on a non traction road. *ak....two year's ago the contact's daughter was involved in two collisions due to ABS failure on fresh wet snow. *akOwner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
The early model year lt230 transfer case input gear did not provide for lubrication to the mainshaft. This causes excessive wear on the mainshaft splines, eventually leading to failure of the mainshaft. Symptoms include excessive lash, and clonking when shifting. Once the mainshaft fails, there is no power to the drivetrain. This defect was corrected at the factory with a cross-drilled gear in 1997, but no recall was ever issued. The problem is well documented on the internet.Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2002
During manufacture an excessive amount of flexible gasket sealant material was used to seal the oil pan to the engine. The excess material ended up in the oil pan, and was picked up by the oil pump. This material blocked the oil pump pickup screen, starving the engine of oil until it eventually overheated, seized, and failed.Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2001
The tail door will not open. This vehicle has seven passenger seats. Two of these seats must enter and exit via the tail (rear) door. The exterior and interior door latches failed in the closed position and the door could not be opened for either side. I consider this a serious safety issue in that in an emergency the rear passengers would have had great difficulty in exiting the vehicle. Similarly, emergency personnel would have had great difficulty in extracting anyone from the rear seats.Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2001
Firestone wilderness at tire (p235 70 r16) experienced sidewall tire separation, dealer informed that the tire should be changed immediately, but later said that he couldn't assist the consumer in a timely manner and let the consumer drive on the bad tire, consumer feels the dealer should have changed the tire since it was an emergency. *slcOwner report · Tires · Sep 2000
Defective transfer case replaced three times. This may have caused a crash. Also, the throttle linkage failure caused sudden acceleration, could have resulted in a crash. *akOwner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 1999
My steering rod fell off and I could not steer the car! This is highly unusual and rare and I think it warrants an inquiry and response. This car is sold and advertised as the ultimate rugged off road vehicle. I do not drive under those conditions but rather ordinary conditions. This was a potentially fatal problem if I were driving under different conditions. *akOwner report · Steering
The active hydraulic corner enhancer which prevents the vehicle from leaning while turning corners broke, causing hydraulic fluids to release which resulted in a fire. Please give any further details. *akOwner report · Unknown Or Other

When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 2 campaigns

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT12E010000 · Mar 2012

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.

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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL98V040000 · Feb 1998

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.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK WHICH WILL PROTECT THE ROTARY COUPLER FROM OVERHEATING.

How other years compare

Check your exact Discovery by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1994 Land Rover Discovery reliable?

NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Land Rover Discovery. The most complained-about area is seats.

Does the 1994 Land Rover Discovery have open recalls?

2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:driveline:driveshaft. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.