Carlexica

1996 Land Rover Range Rover: problems, recalls and reliability

3 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (21% of complaints).

Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000

3
recalls
35
owner complaints
6
fire reports
152,000
typical failure mileage, mi

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

Problems tend to appear late (median 152,000 mi)Weak spot: engine and engine cooling (21%)6 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)21% · 7 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)12% · 4 complaints
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)12% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)12% · 4 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages (door locks, latches, hood release)9% · 3 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)6% · 2 complaints
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 land rover range rover. While driving various speeds, the vehicle started to overheat and then stalled. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact powered off the engine, poured antifreeze into the radiator, waited a few minutes, restarted the vehicle, and drove to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and fan clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.Owner report · Engine · Mar 2012
Tl* - the contact stated has 40 years of experience with auto glass repair and he felt that all land rover door windows were improperly designed. The reason why the windows wereimproperly designedwas because the medal was too thin and there was too much stress on the windows. *akOwner report · Visibility · Dec 2006
Front driver-side seat belt would not latch. Determined to be a broken stalk assembly. Replaced at land rover dealership at a cost of $283.*akOwner report · Seat Belts · May 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
Driver door is locked, all the doors open but the driver's does not ,regardless unlocking it with the keyless entry or the manual key turning. This issue is extremely dangerous!!. *nlmOwner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · May 2003
Eas fault; had in to dealer numerous times, replaced several parts. Always fails again within a few months. Spent over $2500 on it so far. Most recent failure nov 03; first failure may 02Owner report · Suspension · May 2002
Recall 98 v 149 000/underhood fire: shortly after recall repairs were done vehicle developed a cracked engine. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*akOwner report · Electrical System · May 2002
These components all failed while driving down the interestate, putting me and my passenger in danger. The dealership does not feel that it is responcible for fixing the problem, although they cliam that it is very common. My extended warranty company, chrysler service contracts does not have it listed as a defect they cover. I would appreciate it if someone could look into the complain record for these specific problems and help me to find a resolution with land rover. Thank you very much for your time.no safety defect.Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2001
While driving could not steer vehicle to left or right, and could smell smoke coming from hood. Then, pulled off to side of the road where engine was on fire then, had to be towed.*akOwner report · Electrical System · Mar 2001
While driving, air conditioner suddenly cut off, smoke coming from the glove box filled the cabin, the hood was lifted and there was a clicking noise, engine ignited and front end meleted to the ground, vehicle was totalled, fire department felt it was definately not the fuel line, however they did smell gas. *slcOwner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2000
Door locks when the-when the servo motor for the automatic door locks failed it failed in the dead bolt locked position.Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jul 2000

Recalls - 3 campaigns

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS00V328000 · Oct 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED IN AREAS WHERE THE COOLANT COULD BE SUBJECTED TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAKE A SERIES OF MODIFICATIONS TO SEVERAL UNDERHOOD HOSE COMPONENTS TO ELIMINATE THE RELEASE OF ENGINE COOLANT.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING98V149000 · Jul 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. CERTAIN UNDERHOOD HOSE AND TUBING COMPONENTS CAN FAIL ALLOWING FLUID TO LEAK, SUCH AS ENGINE COOLANT, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID, AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THESE COMPONENTS. NOTE THAT NOT ALL COMPONENTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING99V007000 · Jan 1999

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. AS A RESULT OF WATER INGRESS AND SUBSEQUENT ICE BLOCKAGE, THE TRANSMISSION BREATHER TUBE CAN BECOME CLOGGED, EXPELLING TRANSMISSION FLUID FROM THE DIPSTICK TUBE ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION BREATHER TUBE FROM THE INNER FENDER AND A SECTION OF THE HOSE WILL BE CUT AT AN ANGLE. THIS ACTION WILL REMOVE THE END OF THE BREATHER TUBE FROM ANY POOLED WATER AND WILL ELIMINATE WATER DROPLETS FROM CLINGING TO THE END OF THE TUBE.

How other years compare

Check your exact Range Rover by VIN

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

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Frequently asked questions

Is the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover reliable?

NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (21% of complaints).

At what mileage do 1996 Land Rover Range Rover problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 152,000 miles or less.

Does the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover have open recalls?

3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings. 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.