Most common 2004 Land Rover Discovery problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Land Rover Discovery complaints by model year
Best Discovery years: 2016, 2025, 2022. Years to avoid: 2017, 2019, 2018, 1996. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2004 Land Rover Discovery:
Brake light switch failure
On June 16, 2005, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe05-034) to investigate alleged stop lamp (brake) switch failures in certain model year (my) 2004 Land Rover discovery series ii vehicles.on October 14, 2005, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis and the scope expanded to include certain my 2002 through 2005 freelander vehicles that use a substantially…
What 2004 Land Rover Discovery owners say
Brakes
The contact owns a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to immediately stop the vehicle. The contact aggressively slammed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was slightly drifting to the left. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the EVAP was leaking and needed to be replaced. The EVAP was replaced. The mechanic had not diagnosed the brake failure. The vehicle was picked up, and the dealer informed the contact to drive the vehicle for another 25 miles to see if the check engine warning light would illuminate again. The contact stated that after leaving the dealer, 48 miles later, the check engine warning light illuminated again. …
Seems as if either the brake booster or a part of the braking system is not providing ample stopping power. The vehicle has a difficult time stooping in a hard braking scenario either from highway speeds or from a complete stop at a stop sign when we realized a vehicle was coming and had to slam on the brakes the vehicle did not stop as it should have. I have heard of this being an issue and thought there was already a recall but your website says otherwise.
Engine & cooling
I purchased our Land Rover 6 months ago I bought it with 105000 miles on it and financed it that way ,on January 17 th my wife got in the vehicle and it shows 186000 miles on the vehicle. The previous owner fraudulently sold a vehicle that has bin tampered with and I need to find out how to pursue him?
Tl contact owns a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions. There was a loud knocking noise coming from the engine. The oil pressure warning light indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The warning indicator remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. The vehicle stalled while attempting to pull over to the side of the road. Roadside assistance was called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for inspection. The technician stated the engine required replacement. The vehicle has not been repaired for the failure. The failure and current mileages were 46,842.
Body & structure
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 (na) Land Rover Discovery. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for a windshield replacement. Upon retrieving the vehicle, the contact noticed a crack in the dashboard. The dealer diagnosed that the damage was due to the sun. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. In heavy rain conditions, water began leaking onto the dashboard, steering wheel, middle console, and the gear shift. If the vehicle is not being driven at the time of the wet conditions, mold begins to build up inside the vehicle. The vehicle has been in and out of the dealer numerous times. The first time the failure occurred, the mechanic stated that it was due to a clogged drain. The mechanic blew out the drain, but it did not correct the issue. During the second failure, the mechanic could not determine how the water was entering the vehicle. During the third visit, the mechanic stated that the failure was due to wear and tear. The further stated that there was an area on the driver's side that May have been the point of entry for the water. …
2004 Land Rover Discovery engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 14 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Land Rover Discovery a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Discovery rates average: 33% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Discovery at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Land Rover Discovery?
The brakes — 6 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (6) and body & structure (4).
How many recalls does the 2004 Land Rover Discovery have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Land Rover Discovery. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Land Rover Discovery?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2025 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2017, 2019, 2018 and 1996. See the full Land Rover Discovery years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Land Rover Discovery problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 77,000 miles; 32% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.