Land Rover Ireland has written to owners of Land Rover Discovery 3 & 4 models as well as Range Rover Sport models requesting a voluntary but urgent recall to examine the quick release ball hitch system. The models built between 2005 and 2015 have a problem with wear and in some cases detachment of the tow ball, which could have disastrous consequences for those owners with trailers on tow, not to mention other road users in the event of a trailer becoming detached from the vehicle.

In its letter to owners, Land Rover Ireland stated that during monitoring it has been found that users have reported rattling and loose quick release tow ball system and in some cases detachment. In an equally worrying note it has also told users that where they are regularly towing heavy or multi-axle trailers, the towing equipment fitted to the vehicle may not be optimum for this type of use. Land Rover has reported that Engineering analysis has revealed that detachable quick release tow balls have failed as a result of customers unknowingly overloading the trailer hitch nose.

A number of Land Rover Discovery owners have already changed from the quick release ball hitch system to a more durable heavy-duty fixed hitch system where they are regularly towing to the vehicle maximum towing rating of 3.5 tonnes.

Land Rover’s letter states that if the quick release tow ball system is continuously overloaded, or left permanently attached to the vehicle, the tow ball can wear prematurely causing the system to become loose and exhibit a rattle. If these signs of wear are ignored, it noted that the quick release tow ball could detach from the vehicle.

Land Rover has confirmed if wear is identified the dealer will install a heavy duty multi height tow bar system and a rear cross member if required at no additional cost to owners. Land Rover had been made aware of the problem prior to the issue of the recall notice.

The recall is not listed on either the Irish Consumer Agency or on the British Driver and Vehicle Standard’s Agency websites. The most recent Land Rover Discovery recall on the British Driver and Vehicle Standard’s Agency website, relates to the fact the road wheel nuts may not have been manufactured to the correct specification and may crack, when subject to shock loads, and detach from the stud.

There are more than 10,700 Land Rovers registered in Ireland according to the latest Irish Bulletin of Vehicle and Driver Statistics, not all of which are Discovery and Rane Rover Sport models. Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover Sport sales have topped 2,800 vehicles in the past 5 years, according to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry’s (SIMI’s) statistics service. Many of the vehicles affected by the recall may have changed ownership and may have been imported as used vehicle, and their current owners may not be aware of the urgency of the recall notice.