2001 Land Rover Discovery: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern suspension.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 land rover discovery. The contact stated that while driving at 55 mph, there was smoke emitting from under the hood. The contact coasted over to the side of the road, which an odor of burning rubber was coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 00v423000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2001 land rover discovery. While driving approximately 50 mph, when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to brake properly while the traction control, ABS, and down hill sensor warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to diagnose the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2014
“Truck ABS, downhill descent, traction control came on when brake applied. All three lights are on. In event I was driving during snow or slippery conditions down hill vehicle would of been very difficult to control resulting in crash and physical injury. The car was diagnosed as a shutter valve failure which can be result of brake fluid corroding electrical switches or just outright failure where repair estimates range from $1200 to $3800. This issue is notorious among 1999-2004 discovery's. Why wait until someone is killed eventually to issue a recall. The NHTSA should investigate now to prevent the death of its citizens in the near future. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jan 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 land rover discovery. While driving approximately 62 mph, the vehicle vibrated excessively, nearly causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. Several minutes later, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the driveshaft failed. She did not have the vehicle repaired because the dealer did not assume liability. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 83,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2008
“Dt: contact stated the ABS module was defective. The ABS warning light illuminated. The service dealer stated there was documentation that the brake pads were placed on corroded rotors, causing the module to become defective. One rotor was replaced. The dealership refused to replace the ABS module. Contact stated she was deceived when she purchased the vehicle. Dealer did not inform her that there was a problem with the vehicle. *ak *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2005
“While driving on the highway a red light next to the temperature gauge came on and the temperature lever went to high. Coolant pressure connection was disconnected, and all the coolant leaked out. This caused damage to several components. The official cause had not yet been determined although dealership acknowledged that this problem existed with the 1999 models. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2003
“While driving at 45 mph and upon approaching a turn in the road vehicle started swaying from side to side. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, and vehicle continued to sway, causing it to tip over. Then, vehicle flipped several times before coming to a stop. Consumer and family suffered minor scrapes and bruises. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2003
“While driving at 45 mph and when approaching a turn vehicle swayed from side to side. After losing control vehicle continued to sway from side to side. Then, vehicle tipped over and flipped several times into a ditch. Four persons were slightly injured in the incident. A land rover mechanic informed the consumer that stabilizer bar was the likely cause of the problem. Ak”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2003
“When the consumer tried to by pass and object in the road, the vehicle rolled over, the driver suffered minor injuries.*jb”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2003
“The consumer was pulling into a parking space when the front driver side wheel had given away and folded under the vehicle. The dealer stated the upper ball joint had failed and the consumer must have hit an object. Mr scc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." WATER CONTAMINATION OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL CAN LEAD TO VARIOUS FAILURE MODES OF THE TRANSMISSION. ONE OF THESE FAILURE MODELS RESULTS IN INCORRECT OPERATION OF THE PARK LOCK FUNCTION THAT COULD ALLOW A VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY IF PARKED WITHOUT THE HANDBRAKE PROPERLY SET.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE PARK LOCK FUNCTION; REPOSITION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BREATHER TUBE; AND TEST THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FLUSH IF NECESSARY.
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 decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2001 Land Rover Discovery. The most complained-about area is suspension.
Does the 2001 Land Rover Discovery have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. 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.