1999 Land Rover Discovery recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. SOME OF THE REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLINGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE REQUIRED ENGINEERING DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXHIBIT THE ONSET OF JOINT SEPARATION, PRECLUDED BY DRIVE LINE VIBRATION.
What could happen: IF THIS INCREASED VIBRATION WARNING SIGN IS IGNORED, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVE COUPLING CAN OCCUR. THE DRIVESHAFT MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION RESULTING IN LOSS OF DRIVE AND LOSS OF TRANSMISSION PARK FUNCTIONALITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH AND/OR INJURY.
The fix: 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 AMERICA AT 1-201-818-8500.
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 1999 DISCOVERY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12E010000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-201-818-8500.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Summary: 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 FOR USE AS SERVICE PARTS FOR CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995-1999 DISCOVERY, 1999-2004 DISCOVERY II, AND 1995 RANGE ROVER CLASSIC VEHICLES. SOME OF THE REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLINGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE REQUIRED ENGINEERING DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXHIBIT THE ONSET OF JOINT SEPARATION, PRECLUDED BY DRIVE LINE VIBRATION.
Consequence: IF THIS INCREASED VIBRATION WARNING SIGN IS IGNORED, CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE DRIVE COUPLING CAN OCCUR. THE DRIVESHAFT MAY DETACH FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION RESULTING IN LOSS OF DRIVE AND LOSS OF TRANSMISSION PARK FUNCTIONALITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH AND/OR INJURY.
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 AMERICA AT 1-201-818-8500.
Notes: LAND ROVER'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS P024. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. 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.
What could happen: UNINTENTIONAL VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE PARK LOCK FUNCTION; REPOSITION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BREATHER TUBE; AND TEST THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FLUSH IF NECESSARY.
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 1999 DISCOVERY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V377000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: UNINTENTIONAL VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD RESULT IN A CRASH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE PARK LOCK FUNCTION; REPOSITION THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BREATHER TUBE; AND TEST THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FLUSH IF NECESSARY.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CONTACTS OF THE RELAY, WHICH OPERATES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PUMP, CAN STICK AND REMAIN CLOSED WHEN COMMANDED TO OPEN BY THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND AN AUDIBLE ALARM WILL SOUND.
What could happen: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING WILL STOP AND THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT BRAKING FOR LESS THAN A SECOND.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS RELAY.
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 1999 DISCOVERY.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 99V237000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- 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: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE CONTACTS OF THE RELAY, WHICH OPERATES THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PUMP, CAN STICK AND REMAIN CLOSED WHEN COMMANDED TO OPEN BY THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. THE WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND AN AUDIBLE ALARM WILL SOUND.
Consequence: ANTI-LOCK BRAKING WILL STOP AND THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE INADVERTENT BRAKING FOR LESS THAN A SECOND.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ABS RELAY.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION WAS MADE ON SEPTEMBER 24, 1999. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-301-731-9040. 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
- 1999 Land Rover Discovery owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (5), Hydraulic (5), Seats (3), Steering (3), Engine (3).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
01/24/2008 · Seats
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE SEAT HEATER BECAME ABNORMALLY WARM IN THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NEVER INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. SHE CALLED ANOTHER DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 175,000.
06/23/2006 · Steering
WHILE DRIVING ON THE I-10 EXPRESSWAY IN NEW ORLEANS, THE STEERING MECHANISM STOPPED WORKING, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I DID NOT CRASH INTO OTHER VEHICLES. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OFF THE I-10 HEADING TOWARDS MY BROTHER'S HOME TO TELL HIM ABOUT MY SITUATION. HE WASN'T HOME. I CALLED HIM ON THE CELL PHONE. HE TOLD ME TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND CALL TRIPLE A. AS I WAS…
10/11/2005 · Brakes
DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT AN ABS BRAKE PROBLEM. , THERE WAS A FAULTY RIGHT WHEEL SENSOR WHICH CAUSED THE HILL DESCENDENT CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, AND THE ABS LIGHT TO COME ON . CONTACT STARTED NOTICING THIS PROBLEM ON AUGUST 1, 2005. CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY CONFIRMED THIS WAS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT HAVE NOT ISSU…
07/10/2003 · Fuel system
CONSUMER NOTICED WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS HOT GASOLINE FILLER NECK DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO PUT MORE THAN 2 GALLONS. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
01/21/2003 · Engine
CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVER SHAFT BROKE CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FREZZE. TS
11/19/2002 · Body / structure
THE LIFT GATE DOOR HINGE RUSTED THROUGH THEN SNAPPED WHEN I OPENED THE DOOR. THE VEHICLE IS LESS THEN 5 YRS OLD BUT BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. MY BODY SHOP MECHANIC THAT THE DOOR IS TOO HEAVY FOR THE HINGES. THIS PROBLEM CAN'T BE SEEN UNTIL IT OCCURS. IF SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS OPENNING THE REAR CARGO DOOR CAN CAUSE THE HINGE TO SNAP.…
09/30/2002 · Transmission / drivetrain
OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT, #10-91-509 WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVESHAFT BROKE CAUSING THE DRIVE AXLE FROM THE TRANSFER CASE TO THE REAR WHEELS TO FALL OFF OF THE VEHICLE. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL HITTING A GUARD RAIL. *TT
08/08/2002 · Engine
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, DEALER REPLACED THE ROCKER ARMS.*JB THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT DIDN'T MOVE BACK AND FORTH, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED, THERE WAS A HISSING NOISE COMING FROM THE RADIO. UPDATED *JB