The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 20 of 53 complaints (38%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (5) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 33 in 1998 to 53 in 1999.
At a glance
- NHTSA complaints
- 53
- Recall campaigns
- 9
- EPA fuel cost per year
- $5,550–$5,950
- Combined MPG
- 13–14
Complaints by model year
Where owners report problems
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Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | vs. 1999 Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 5,550–5,950 | 5,550–5,950 | 5,550–5,950 | 5,950 | 5,950 | |
| Combined MPG | 13–14 | 13–14 | 13–14 | 13 | 13 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–12 / 16 | 12 / 15–16 | 12 / 15–16 | 12 / 16 | 12 / 16 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 635–684 | 635–684 | 635–684 | 684 | 684 | |
| Complaints filed | 35 | 33 | 53 | 70 | 44 | |
| Recalls issued | 2 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 7 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 9 | 7 | 9 | 12 | 14 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 9 | 8 | 14 | 18 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 1999 Land Rover Discovery have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Nov 7, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 1999 Land Rover Discovery?
Brakes: 20 of 53 NHTSA complaints (38%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Land Rover Discovery get?
EPA rates it 13–14 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 1999 Land Rover Discovery?
EPA estimates $5,550–$5,950 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | 14 mpg (high) | $5,550 (low) | 635 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg | 15 mpg (low) | 13 mpg (low) | $5,950 (high) | 684 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 20 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (9)
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Defect
- 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Defect
- CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRIC BRAKE SYSTEMS," AND NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULATOR VALVE COVER RETAINING BOLTS CAN CRACK DUE TO STRESSES TRANSMITTED BY THE FLEXING VALVE COVERS.
- Consequence
- THIS CAN PRODUCE AN UNEXPECTED INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE, WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR TOTAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKING FUNCTION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL STRENGTHEN THE ABS MODULATOR ASSEMBLY VALVE COVERS AND REPLACE THE RETAINING BOLTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXEPCTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Defect
- ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE ACCELERATOR CABLE COULD HAVE BECOME KINKED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY, RESULTING IN CHAFFING OF THE CABLE. CONTINUED CHAFFING CAN LEAD TO BREAKAGE OF THE INTERIOR CABLE STRANDS.
- Consequence
- BREAKAGE OF THE CABLE STRANDS CAN RESULT IN THE THROTTLE BEING STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE DAMAGED CABLES WHERE NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 6, 2002. 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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Defect
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION OF AN ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) SENSOR CAN CAUSE THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) TO INCORRECTLY INTERPRET THE SENSOR SIGNAL, RESULTING IN INAPPROPRIATE ABS ACTIVATION.
- Consequence
- THIS CAN LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE THAT IS UNANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ECU. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 6, 2002. 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Defect
- 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.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE LOADING CONDITIONS ON THE VEHICLE'S LEFT SIDE ENGINE IDLER PULLEY CAN EXCEED THE MAXIMUM CALCULATED FIGURE OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION. THE MATERIAL OF THE PULLEY CAN FRACTURE AND ULTIMATELY FAIL. FAILURE OF THE PULLEY MATERIAL CAN CAUSE THE PULLEY TO THROW OFF THE SERPENTINE BELT.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ENGINE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS (POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, AIR CONDITIONING AND ACE).
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED IDLER PULLEY.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACTIVE CORNERING ENHANCEMENT (ACE). THE LOADING CONDITIONS ON THE VEHICLE'S LEFT SIDE ENGINE IDLER PULLEY CAN EXCEED THE MAXIMUM CALCULATED FIGURE OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGN SPECIFICATION. THE MATERIAL OF THE PULLEY CAN FRACTURE AND ULTIMATELY FAIL. FAILURE OF THE PULLEY MATERIAL CAN CAUSE THE PULLEY TO THROW OFF THE SERPENTINE BELT.
- Consequence
- THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF ENGINE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS (POWER STEERING, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, AIR CONDITIONING AND ACE).
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED IDLER PULLEY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Defect
- VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACTIVE CORNERING ENHANCEMENT (ACE). THE HIGH-PRESSURE HYDRAULIC PIPE THAT RUNS FROM THE ACE PUMP TO THE ACE VALVE BLOCK COULD FRACTURE AT ITS UNION WITH THE PUMP.
- Consequence
- THIS WILL RESULT IN A LOSS OF HYDRAULIC FLUID. A LOW FLUID LEVEL CAN SUBSEQUENTLY RESULT IN SYSTEM PUMP FAILURE WHICH WILL THROW OFF THE AUXILIARY DRIVE BELT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF ENGINE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS (POWER STEERING ASSIST, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR, AND AIR CONDITIONING). IN EXTREME CIRCUMSTANCES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE HYDRAULIC FLUID COULD IGNITE, RESULTING IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW HYDRAULIC TUBING.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
- Defect
- 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.