1997 Land Rover Discovery I recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRESS CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS.
What could happen: CRACKS WHICH CONTINUE TO PROPAGATE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SIGNS OF LIQUID FUEL FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FILLING THE TANK, PARTICULARLY IF OVERFILLING IS ATTEMPTED. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 DISCOVERY I.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V203000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-637-6837.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRESS CRACK CAN DEVELOP IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANKS.
Consequence: CRACKS WHICH CONTINUE TO PROPAGATE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN SIGNS OF LIQUID FUEL FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN FILLING THE TANK, PARTICULARLY IF OVERFILLING IS ATTEMPTED. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes: LAND ROVER RECALL NO. B156. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 Land Rover Discovery I owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (1), Gasoline (1), Transmission / drivetrain (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (2)
11/16/2007 · Fuel system
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY I. WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS FILLED, THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT SMELLED OF GASOLINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE VIN APPEARED TO BE INVALID. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,940 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,500.
04/23/2007 · Transmission / drivetrain
DRIVING AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE, MY 1997 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY EXPERIENCED A CATASTROPHIC DRIVE SHAFT FAILURE. THE EXPLOSION CAUSED THE CRASH SENSORS TO ACTIVATE (BLINKERS, FUEL CUT). THE DRIVE SHAFT WENT THROUGH THE PASSENGER FLOOR RIPPING OUT WIRES. THANKFULLY, NOBODY WAS INJURED HOWEVER THERE WAS A REAL POSSIBILITY THAT THERE COUL…