Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 46 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Range Rover year — the 1995 model ranks #9 of 41 Range Rover years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (8), transmission (5), and engine (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
46
NHTSA complaints
7
Recalls
2
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 8 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 5 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Airbags | 3 | 7% | new |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 7% | new |
| Suspension | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | new |
| Brakes | 1 | 2% | — flat |
7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. COOLANT SYSTEM LEAKS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED IN AREAS WHERE THE COOLANT COULD BE SUBJECTED TO ELEVATED TEMPERATURES.
Consequence
CONSEQUENTLY, THE FLUID COULD IGNITE CAUSING AN UNDER-HOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL MAKE A SERIES OF MODIFICATIONS TO SEVERAL UNDERHOOD HOSE COMPONENTS TO ELIMINATE THE RELEASE OF ENGINE COOLANT.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION BREATHER TUBE FROM THE INNER FENDER AND A SECTION OF THE HOSE WILL BE CUT AT AN ANGLE. THIS ACTION WILL REMOVE THE END OF THE BREATHER TUBE FROM ANY POOLED WATER AND WILL ELIMINATE WATER DROPLETS FROM CLINGING TO THE END OF THE TUBE.
Defect
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.
Consequence
THIS LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THESE COMPONENTS. NOTE THAT NOT ALL COMPONENTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. AS A RESULT OF CHAFFING OF A CRUISE CONTROL WIRE, THE STEERING WHEEL ROTARY COUPLER CAN OVERHEAT AND INADVERTENTLY DEPLOY THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG.
Consequence
DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITHOUT WARNING CAN CAUSE A DRIVER TO LOSE VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK WHICH WILL PROTECT THE ROTARY COUPLER FROM OVERHEATING.
Defect
THE REAR RADIUS ARM, WHICH LOCATES THE REAR AXLE, CAN FAIL AT THE EXTRUDED ALUMINUM CHASSIS EYE END.
Consequence
A BROKEN RADIUS ARM CAN ALLOW MOVEMENT OF THE REAR AXLE AND VEHICLE INSTABILITY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR RADIUS ARM ASSEMBLIES.
Defect
THE IDLER PULLEY, PART OF THE ENGINE FRONT END SERPENTINE BELT SYSTEM, CAN FAIL RESULTING IN SERPENTINE BELT DAMAGE OR DISENGAGEMENT.
Consequence
DISENGAGEMENT OF THE PULLEY ON THE ROADWAY CAN CAUSE HARM TO PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES. ALSO, FAILURE OF THE BELT CAUSES ALOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHICH CAN INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IDLER PULLEY WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED IDLER PULLEY.
Defect
A FLEXIBLE BRAKE HOSE THAT CONNECTS THE HYDRAULIC PUMP TO THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) VALVE BLOCK ASSEMBLY CAN LEAK CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID.
Consequence
LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN THE INOPERATION OF PRIMARY BRAKE CIRCUIT, INCLUDING THE REAR BRAKES, AND LOSS OF ABS OPERATION WITH A CONSEQUENT REDUCTION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE AND POSSIBLE INCREASED BRAKING DISTANCES. ALSO, BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF THERE IS A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES TO DETERMINE IF IT IS FITTED WITH THE SUSPECT HOSE AND THEN REPLACE THE SUSPECT HOSE WITH THE LATEST DESIGN.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“FAILURE OF C.V. JOINT NEARLY CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. FAILURE OF C.V. JOINT DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF OIL SEALS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN QUIETLEY BEEN ADVISING UPGRADE TO SEAL SYSTEM AND REPALCMENT OF OIL WITH LIFE TIME GREASE. DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM OR ADVISE OF SAID…”
“FAILURE OF C.V. JOINT NEARLY CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. FAILURE OF C.V. JOINT DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF OIL SEALS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN QUIETLEY BEEN ADVISING UPGRADE TO SEAL SYSTEM AND REPALCMENT OF OIL WITH LIFE TIME GREASE. DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM OR ADVISE OF SAID…”
“FAILURE OF C.V. JOINT NEARLY CAUSED MAJOR ACCIDENT. STEERING BECAME IMPOSSIBLE. FAILURE OF C.V. JOINT DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN OF OIL SEALS. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN QUIETLEY BEEN ADVISING UPGRADE TO SEAL SYSTEM AND REPALCMENT OF OIL WITH LIFE TIME GREASE. DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM OR ADVISE OF SAID…”
“DRIVER,PASSENGER LATCH-WINDOW ASSEMBLY HAVED FAILED 4 TIMES (2 EACH DOOR). UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE. REPAIRED 2 TIMES ON EACH DOOR.*AK”
“CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45MPH ON A SIDE STREET AND SHE HIT A PATCH OF ICE AND LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND HIT GUARDRAIL. VEHICLE WAS UP SIDE DOWN. SEAT BELT LOCKED ON HER WHICH WAS A PLUS. BUT, DUAL AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY.*AK”
NHTSA data argues against it: 46 complaints put the 1995 model at #9 of 41 Range Rover years. It is one of the Range Rover years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (8 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), engine (5 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 Land Rover Range Rover. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Range Rover years to avoid are 2003, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2006, 2004, 2014, 1996, 1995, 2005, 2018, 1999, 2013, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. The cleanest record among Range Rover years belongs to 2026.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.