1997 Land Rover Discovery Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 37%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 88,243miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Land Rover Discovery, 37% of the 35 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 88,243 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Right front ABS sensor malfunction. Unable to stop due to ABS engaging. Vibrated vehicle out into intersection. Lucky enough to avoid being t-boned by accelerating hard. Happened numerous times since. Upon researching problem found it to be common in 97 Discovery. Also found most people have wound ip removing ABS fuse due to problem recurring even after repair. Should have been a recall many years ago. Land rover needs to take responsibility and fix the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10459794, filed 2012-05, 88,243 miles“It has been impossible to keep these sensors in working condition for more than a month. After searching the internet newsgroups, it is clear that this is a very common problem across all 97 Discovery. The generally accepted advice is to disconnect the ABS because it will never work. In my opinion, if we have reached the point where the generally accepted advice is to disconnect this important safety feature, the manufacturer has a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #763056, filed 2002-06“Brakes frequently fail to stop vehicle at speeds under 20mph. Dealer stated it was a bad ABS sensor on right front wheel. It was replaced at a cost of $500.00 but the problem remained. I see from internet postings it is a common problem in '97 discoveries. The real hazard is that it does not matter how much force is applied to te brake pedal, the vehicle will not stop. I see from other complaints posted on this site that a suggestion is to disconnect theabs system. Is this acceptable to the NHTSA? How about a saftey recall before someone is killed. Including me.”
NHTSA complaint #763897, filed 2002-07“When vehicle comes to a stop ABS system would lock up wheels. Brake pedal would go to floor and feel mushy. There was extended stopping distance. Had taken vehicle to dealership at least 20 or more times for brake problems. Mechanic indicated either hand cable/ brake cable, t box or brake pads had to be replaced due to some type of enlargement during heat. Problem would always return.”
NHTSA complaint #894552, filed 2001-08“Abs brakes began to systematrically engage on smooth surfaces, ABS system engaged, instead of stopping the vehicle began to surge forward, to avoid colliding with other vehicles consumer drove onto the cement barrier until vehicle stopped. Possibly related to the fuel, throttle, linkages and control as well as the ABS system.”
NHTSA complaint #553688, filed 2000-08Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 5% |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 3 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 21% |
| 2003 | 9 | 19% |
| 2002 | 1 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 23% |
| 2000 | 8 | 27% |
| 1999 | 5 | 29% |
| 1998 | 5 | 15% |
| 1997 | 13 | 37% |
| 1996 | 19 | 29% |
| 1995 | 4 | 8% |
| 1994 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Land Rover Discovery
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Land Rover Discovery
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology