1997 Land Rover Defender 90

Introduction:

The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is a rugged and capable off-road vehicle. It is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 111 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Defender 90 is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. It is known for its excellent off-road performance, but it has also been plagued by a number of reliability issues.

Engine

2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine

• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and loss of coolant. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000.
• Timing belt failure: The timing belt can fail, causing the engine to stop running. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power and a ticking noise from the engine. The solution is to replace the timing belt. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Fuel pump failure: The fuel pump can fail, causing the engine to stop running. Symptoms include a sudden loss of power and difficulty starting the engine. The solution is to replace the fuel pump. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Turbocharger failure: The turbocharger can fail, causing a loss of power and increased fuel consumption. Symptoms include a whistling noise from the engine and a decrease in performance. The solution is to replace the turbocharger. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500.

Transmission

5-speed manual transmission

• Synchronizer failure: The synchronizers can fail, causing difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include grinding or popping noises when shifting gears. The solution is to replace the synchronizers. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

4-speed automatic transmission

• Solenoid failure: The solenoids can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. Symptoms include harsh shifting, slipping gears, and a lack of response from the transmission. The solution is to replace the solenoids. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip and overheat. Symptoms include a loss of power, increased fuel consumption, and a whining noise from the transmission. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1,500 - $2,500.

Suspension

• Leaf spring failure: The leaf springs can fail, causing the vehicle to sit lower and handle poorly. Symptoms include a sagging suspension, a rough ride, and difficulty steering. The solution is to replace the leaf springs. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Shock absorber failure: The shock absorbers can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and a loss of control on rough roads. The solution is to replace the shock absorbers. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Electrical

• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, dimming lights, and a lack of response from the electrical system. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200.
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power and the battery to drain. Symptoms include dimming lights, a loss of power, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to be unable to start. Symptoms include a clicking noise when the key is turned, a lack of response from the engine, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Exterior

• Rust: The body of the Defender 90 can rust, especially on the undercarriage and around the wheel wells. Symptoms include bubbles or flaking paint, holes in the metal, and a loss of structural integrity. The solution is to repair or replace the affected areas. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+.
• Plastic trim failure: The plastic trim on the Defender 90 can fade, crack, or break. Symptoms include a loss of color, a rough texture, and missing or damaged pieces. The solution is to replace the affected trim. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500.

Interior

• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard of the Defender 90 can crack, especially on the passenger side. Symptoms include a visible crack in the dashboard, a loss of structural integrity, and a rattling noise. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.
• Seat upholstery failure: The seat upholstery on the Defender 90 can fade, tear, or become worn. Symptoms include a loss of color, holes in the fabric, and a sagging or misshapen appearance. The solution is to replace the affected upholstery. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000.

Recalls:

• NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V025000 - Fuel tank filler neck may allow fuel to leak in certain conditions.
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 97V203000 - Brake fluid loss may result in extended stopping distances.
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V080000 - Front seat belts may not restrain occupants in the event of a crash.
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 98V173000 - Child restraint anchorage system may not meet specifications.
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 99V155000 - Left rear door latch may not engage properly.
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 00V021000 - Power window control switch may not operate properly.

Summary:

The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is a rugged and capable off-road vehicle, but it has also been plagued by a number of reliability issues. The most common issues include head gasket failure, timing belt failure, fuel pump failure, turbocharger failure, synchronizer failure, solenoid failure, torque converter failure, leaf spring failure, shock absorber failure, battery failure, alternator failure, starter failure, rust, plastic trim failure, dashboard cracking, and seat upholstery failure.

The severity of the issues varies, but some of them can be expensive to fix. For example, head gasket failure can cost $1,000 - $2,000 to repair, and turbocharger failure can cost $1,500 - $2,500 to repair.

Overall, the 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 is a vehicle that should be purchased with caution. Potential buyers should be aware of the potential problems and be prepared to spend money on repairs.