Land Rover Discovery bonnet release at 60 km/h

Travelling at 60 km/h on the Glow Worm Tunnel Rd, Newnes State Forest
several weeks ago, the bonnet smacked into the windscreen without
warning. Luckily the road was straight and there were no on-coming
cars-I stopped the vehicle without further incident. Upon inspection,
two bolt/screws that hold a bonnet plate that engages into the
release levers were found loose in the engine bay (on the bar above
the radiator).

See photos at: http://home.people.net.au/~wabbaly/Disco%20Bonnet%
20Release%20at%2060%20kmh/

With some difficulty the three of us lowered the bonnet, carefully
manipulating the wipers under the bonnet's lower edge (they were in
that position because of the accident). Because there was no phone
reception, we couldn't call Land Rover's Roadside Assist, therefore
we tied the bonnet down and drown slowly home and called there.

Had the bonnet spontaneously released itself minutes before or after,
the three of us could have crashed into a pine tree or sandstone road
cutting. We are so fortunate the accident took place where it did.

The car: Was I driving an old Disco. No, it's a 2003 Land Rover
Discovery, Series II, purchased Dec 2003,
under warranty until Dec 2006. Serviced by the book by Land Rover
service centres.

Land Rover "Customer Care" were initially reluctant to provide us
with a replacement car or cover the costs of towing. This, and other
behaviour, was totally disrespectful considering that the three of us
could have died due to the malfunction had it occurred elsewhere.
Particular mention must be made of Andrew Howard and Maggie
(Margaret) Horesch (National Customer Care Manager for LRA) both of
whom work in Melbourne--they have shown complete disreguard for our
circumstance--I hope none of you have to deal with them when it
really matters.

Has anyone heard of this happening to Land Rovers?

The most important issue for me and my family is, why did this
accident happen? Furthermore, what will stop it happening again?