1997 Land Rover Discovery Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 11%of 35 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Land Rover Discovery, 11% of the 35 complaints for this model year.
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.
“The car broke down on the highway bucking and hesitating while traveling approx. 35mph. After pulling into breakdown lane car was towed to landrover of hanover (ma). They reported that the transfer box split in half causing additional damage to the transmission. The quote received at that time was $14,000. Not trusting that dealer, the car was towed to Land Rover metrowest (ma). They replaced the transfer box and reported that the transmission should be ok. 2 weeks later the transmission failed. Metrowest then replaced the transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #742590, filed 2001-03“Vehicle from a standstill was put in reverse gear, while the brake was applied attempted to back the vehicle up, the truck accelarated at an high rate of speed in reverse gear on its own.”
NHTSA complaint #703181, filed 1999-02“When you put the vehicle in reverse, the engine accelerates to a high rate of speed and take off in reverse gear. The only way to stop the vehicle is turning the ignition off.”
NHTSA complaint #701843, filed 1999-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 36% |
| 2020 | 3 | 16% |
| 2019 | 4 | 10% |
| 2018 | 8 | 22% |
| 2017 | 6 | 11% |
| 2016 | 3 | 60% |
| 2003 | 10 | 21% |
| 2002 | 4 | 24% |
| 2001 | 1 | 8% |
| 2000 | 5 | 17% |
| 1999 | 2 | 12% |
| 1998 | 2 | 6% |
| 1997 | 4 | 11% |
| 1996 | 3 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Land Rover Discovery
13 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsFuel system
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