Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 22 | −33% | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 2003 | 63 | 2.1× | 2 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2002 | 34 | 1.2× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 31 | −18% | 5 | Brake | Average |
| 2000 | 40 | 1.4× | 9 | Brake | Caution |
| 1999 | 36 | −24% | 6 | Brake | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Discovery II year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Land Rover Discovery II problems
Latest Land Rover Discovery II recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems," and no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." the anti-lock braking system (ABS) modulator valve cover retaining bolts can crack due to stresses transmitted by the flexing…
Remedy: Dealers will strengthen the ABS modulator assembly valve covers and replace the retaining bolts. Owner notification is exepcted to begin during May 2004. Owners should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.
Engine and engine cooling
On certain sport utility vehicles, the active cornering enhancement (ace) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for leakage. If no leakage is evident, the banjo bolt will be re-tightened. If leakage is evident, the banjo bolt and dowty washers will be replaced.
Vehicle speed control
On some sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable could have become kinked during vehicle assembly, resulting in chaffing of the cable. Continued chaffing can lead to breakage of the interior cable strands.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the damaged cables where necessary. Owner notification began March 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
On certain sport utility vehicles, contamination of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor can cause the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) to incorrectly interpret the sensor signal, resulting in inappropriate ABS activation.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new ECU. Owner notification began March 6, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time…
Equipment › Mechanical › Winch
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with warn industries' winch kits. A power interrupt solenoid, possibly included in the winch assembly, can develop an electrical leak path to ground.
Remedy: Dealers will call owners to arrange for an inspection time to determine if a defective power interrupt solenoid was installed. If it was, the solenoid will be replaced. Owner notification began August 13, 2001.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Land Rover Discovery II should you avoid?
2003 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Discovery II years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Land Rover Discovery II?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Discovery II years at the same age, followed by 1999 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Land Rover Discovery II problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (68), brakes (65) and transmission & drivetrain (35). Engine complaints peak in the 2003 model year.
How many recalls has the Land Rover Discovery II had?
9 recalls across 1999–2004. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Land Rover Discovery II recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.