Most common 1996 Land Rover Range Rover problems
Share of the 35 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Land Rover Range Rover complaints by model year
Best Range Rover years: 2022, 2012, 2011. Years to avoid: 2017, 2023, 2016, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
1996 Land Rover Range Rover recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Coolant system leaks have been identified in areas where the coolant could be subjected to elevated temperatures.
Remedy: Dealers will make a series of modifications to several underhood hose components to eliminate the release of engine coolant.
Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. As a result of water ingress and subsequent ice blockage, the transmission breather tube can become clogged, expelling transmission fluid from the dipstick tube onto hot engine components.
Remedy: Dealers will remove the transmission breather tube from the inner fender and a section of the hose will be cut at an angle.
Engine and engine cooling
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Certain underhood hose and tubing components can fail allowing fluid to leak, such as engine coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and automatic transmission fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles and replace these components. Note that not all components will need to be replaced.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover:
Underhood fires
Alleged flame erupted under the hood, while the vehicle wer being driven
Underhood fires
Alleged owners report that flames erupt underhood, while the vehicle is being driven
What 1996 Land Rover Range Rover owners say
Engine & cooling
On April 6 2006 at 1:30 am I pulled into my parking space. I noticed that there was smoke coming from under the hood of my car. My boyfriend to take a look. When he opened the hood there was a fire. We tired to put it out but had no success so a resident called the fire department and they came to control the fire. Until now we don't know what cause the fire. As I was checking on safety recalls we came across this web site and read up on a recall campaign-(coolant system durability 1995 to 1999 my Land Rover Range Rover). If this is the cause of the fire to my vehicle shouldn't (Land Rover) be responsible for our damage? Looking for to hearing from you and settling this matter. Sincerely yours.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Land Rover Range Rover. While driving various speeds, the vehicle started to overheat and then stalled. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact powered off the engine, poured antifreeze into the radiator, waited a few minutes, restarted the vehicle, and drove to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and fan clutch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
Locks & latches
Exhaust system malfunctioned. In addition, engine valve cover gasket failed, resulting in an oil leak. Also, sway bar bolts broke/transmission/door lock and latch/rear lamps and remote control failed.
Driver door is locked, all the doors open but the driver's does not ,regardless unlocking it with the keyless entry or the manual key turning. This issue is extremely dangerous!!.
Suspension
These components all failed while driving down the interestate, putting me and my passenger in danger. The dealership does not feel that it is responcible for fixing the problem, although they cliam that it is very common. My extended warranty company, Chrysler service contracts does not have it listed as a defect they cover. I would appreciate it if someone could look into the complain record for these specific problems and help me to find a resolution with Land Rover. Thank you very much for your time.no safety defect.
Exhaust system malfunctioned. In addition, engine valve cover gasket failed, resulting in an oil leak. Also, sway bar bolts broke/transmission/door lock and latch/rear lamps and remote control failed.
1996 Land Rover Range Rover engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 15 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover a good car?
Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Range Rover rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Range Rover at the same age. It is one of the Range Rover years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover?
The engine & cooling — 12 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the locks & latches (5) and suspension (5).
How many recalls does the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1996 Land Rover Range Rover, the most recent from October 16, 2000 (hoses/lines/piping/fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Land Rover Range Rover?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2012 and 2011. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2023, 2016, 2003 and 2004. See the full Land Rover Range Rover years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Land Rover Range Rover problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 152,000 miles; 0% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.