10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
0 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #11

Jul 042004

Discovery 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Surging at fully closed throttle accompanied by ABS failure is a real issue with this vehicle. This is a common problem acknowledged by the manufacturer. Prm chip replacement to fix the surge problem should be a safety recall. My 1997 Land Rover Discovery would not stop at a stop light when letting off the accelerator because the rpms surged on the vehicle. Upon attempting to depress the brakes the ABS malfunctioned causing the vehicle to continue to accelerate due to lack of brakes and an elevated RPM level. This is an electronic defect that needs immediate attention due to the number of vehicles which experience this problem and the acknowledgment by the manufacturer that RPM surging at fully closed throttle requires the replacement of a revised chip to remedy this. This vehicle is of no use to me because it is unsafe to operate and thus unsuitable for road use. I am seriously considering contacting other sources/media outlets to investigate this common problem.

- Rocky Mount, NC, USA

problem #10

Sep 011998

Discovery 4WD

  • miles
Brakes frequently fail to stop vehicle at speeds under 20mph. Dealer stated it was a bad ABS sensor on right front wheel. It was replaced at a cost of $500 but the problem remained. I see from internet postings it is a common problem in '97 discoveries. The real hazard is that it does not matter how much force is applied to te brake pedal, the vehicle will not stop. I see from other complaints posted on this site that a suggestion is to disconnect theabs system. Is this acceptable to the NHTSA? how about a saftey recall before someone is killed. Including me.

- Pompano Beach, FL, USA

problem #9

Mar 152000

Discovery 4WD

  • miles
It has been impossible to keep these sensors in working condition for more than a month. After searching the internet newsgroups, it is clear that this is a very common problem across all 97 Discovery. The generally accepted advice is to disconnect the ABS because it will never work. In my opinion, if we have reached the point where the generally accepted advice is to disconnect this important safety feature, the manufacturer has a problem.

- Uniontown, OH, USA

problem #8

Jun 052002

(reported on)

Discovery

  • miles
While driving at low speed applies brakes and vehicle does not come to a complete stop. Dealer has been notified, mechanic states ABS system sensors are not operating properly, and need to be replaced because defective ABS brakes cause extended stopping distance.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #7

Sep 012001

Discovery 4WD

  • miles
At low rates of speed, in dry weather conditions, the brakes fail to work properly. On many occasions, soon after starting to drive in a forward gear, not yet in reverse (usually on a warm motor, after a short time not running) the brakes fail to engage fully and the vehicle fails to stop. The driver can literally stand on the pedal, and the vehicle slows only slightly. It has always occurred after backing out of a parking space.

- Grand Haven, MI, USA

problem #6

Aug 162001

(reported on)

Discovery

  • miles
When vehicle comes to a stop ABS system would lock up wheels. Brake pedal would go to floor and feel mushy. There was extended stopping distance. Had taken vehicle to dealership at least 20 or more times for brake problems. Mechanic indicated either hand cable/ brake cable, "T"box or brake pads had to be replaced due to some type of enlargement during heat. Problem would always return.

- Seal Beach, CA, USA

problem #5

May 252000

Discovery

  • miles
ABS brakes began to systematrically engage on smooth surfaces, ABS system engaged, instead of stopping the vehicle began to surge forward, to avoid colliding with other vehicles consumer drove onto the cement barrier until vehicle stopped. Possibly related to the fuel, throttle, linkages and control as well as the ABS system.

- Hopkinton, MA, USA

problem #4

Sep 202000

Discovery 4WD

  • miles
Anti-lock system activates at low speed after reversing from a parking space while traveling forward at random times. Full pedal force is required to stop vehicle speeds 10-20 mph then condition clears for hours or days.

- Elk Ridge, MD, USA

problem #3

Jan 242000

(reported on)

Discovery

  • miles
When the brake pedal is applied sometimes the pedal goes to the floor, and sometime it's hard. Brakes do not respond in some situations. Also, the anti-lock system makes a grinding noise when it activates, but it does not respond. Vehicle has been in three accidents because of this problem. The dealer has been notified.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #2

Nov 121997

(reported on)

Discovery

  • miles
While applying ABS brakes they failed to stop vehicle which was being driven at 40 mph, resulting in an accident. Also brake pedal went completely to floor of vehicle. There was no deployment of driver's or passenger's side airbags.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #1

Jun 051997

Discovery

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving vehicle hit a bump. Applied the brakes and the ABS brakes locked up. This vehicle is only 3 months old.

- Dallas, TX, USA