1998 Land Rover Discovery
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 15 |
| 1995 | 49 |
| 1996 | 65 |
| 1997 | 35 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 17 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2002 | 17 |
| 2003 | 48 |
| 2004 | 29 |
| 2006 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 36 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
9% of complaints: electrical system — 3 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1998 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. WHILE DRIVING AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, FLAMES APPEARED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190404
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE DRIVER SIDE DASH. THE CONSUMER SMELLED SMOKE, THEN VIEWED LIGHT GRAY SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE DASHBOARD BELOW THE STEERING COLUMN. SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20030408
6% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE. AS MY CAR CLEARED THE PARKING SPACE, I WAS TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL AS I BACKED OUT, I HEARD A CLICK AT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUDDENLY HAD NO STEERING WHATSOEVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20131215
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 98V040000 — check if this car was fixed
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 FO
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 AMERI
Campaign 12E010000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Land Rover Discovery — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V040000 (air bags, vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12E010000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Land Rover Discovery is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Land Rover Discovery?
The most-reported component is electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Land Rover Discovery have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.