Most common 1997 Land Rover Range Rover problems
Share of the 21 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 →
1997 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.
What 1997 Land Rover Range Rover owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 1997 Land Rover Range Rover. While driving 55 MPH, the contact was informed by another motorist that his vehicle was on fire. The contact pulled over, opened the door, and noticed flames underneath the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The dealer stated that they needed to inspect the vehicle to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed and has not yet been taken to the dealer. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, smoke began to emit through the vents and the hood. The contact discovered that there was fire coming from under the hood. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 00V328000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
1997 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 1997 Land Rover Range Rover a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Range Rover rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Range Rover at the same age. 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 1997 Land Rover Range Rover?
The engine & cooling — 7 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year, most often about cooling system. Next are the brakes (2) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 1997 Land Rover Range Rover have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 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 1997 Land Rover Range Rover problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 20% 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.