2004 Land rover Discovery problems
The Land Rover Discovery is a series of seven-seater family SUVs, produced under the Land Rover marque, from the British manufacturer Land Rover, and later Jaguar Land Rover. The series is currently in its fifth iteration (or generation, according to the manufacturer), the first of which was introduced in 1989, making the Discovery the first new model series since the launch of the 1970 Range Rover – on which it was based – and only the third new product line since the conception of the Land Rover (vehicle and brand) by Rover in 1948. The model is sometimes called influential, as one of the first to market a true off-road capable family car.
Although the Range Rover had originally been designed as an everyday four wheel drive car that could be used as both a utility vehicle and a family car, it had progressively moved upmarket through its life to evolve into a luxury vehicle sold at a much higher price point. The Discovery was intended to fulfill the role the Range Rover originally was intended for; a segment which was now dominated by Japanese rivals such as the Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser. Although positioned below the Range Rover in the company's line-up, the vehicle was both longer and higher, offered more room in the back, and optionally also more seats. Space utilization became more sophisticated in later iterations, but the series keeps offering seats for seven occupants. Despite originally being sold as an affordable alternative to the Range Rover, the Discovery has also progressively moved upmarket through its successive generations to become a bonafide luxury SUV.
The second Discovery (1998) was called the Series II, and though featuring an extended rear body, was otherwise an updated facelift, which carried on the 100 in (2,540 mm) wheelbase frame and rigid, live front and rear axles of the original Range Rover into 2004.
The third iteration – succeeding the series I and II in 2004 - was either titled the Discovery 3 or simply LR3 (in North America and the Middle East). This was the first all-original design for the Discovery. Although it followed the 2002 third generation Range Rover, also switching to fully independent suspension, it still received a separate, but integrated body and frame (IBF) structure. The fourth iteration, as of 2009 – like the series II, was again mainly an update of the new generation – marketed as the Discovery 4, or Land Rover LR4 for North American and Middle Eastern markets.
The fifth iteration of the Discovery, introduced in 2017, no longer sports a numeric suffix. Unlike the previous two generations, it now benefits from a unitized body structure, making it lighter than its predecessor.
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Common 2004 Land rover Discovery problems
The Land Rover Discovery 2004 is a popular SUV known for its rugged ability and luxurious features. However, it has some common problems that affect its reliability and performance.
One of the most significant problems with the Land Rover Discovery 2004 is the all-wheel-drive system. The system is a real puzzle, and its modernization was a complete chaos during the design work. The torque is transmitted constantly to all four wheels through the center differential until about 2001, when a lock was installed. However, there was not enough leverage to turn it on, and the driver had to leave the salon to activate it. In 2001, the lock was removed from the list of equipment and returned only at the very end in 2004, with full civilized management. This system is prone to failure, and many owners have reported issues with it
The Land Rover Discovery 2004 is also known for its oil leaks, especially from under the camshaft seals. Given the age of the model, leakage from under the engine and transmission seals is a common occurrence. Even during the warranty period, German services recorded all kinds of oil leaks in about half of the Disco SUVs
The engine is another common problem area in the Land Rover Discovery 2004. Many owners have reported premature wear on bearings and heads, especially in petrol modifications with av-8 of 4.0 and 4.6 liters. Both engines have a timing chain drive, and common problems include oil leaks from under the camshaft seals. Many gasoline units have been converted to run on liquefied gas, and serious investments will require specific equipment, such as an air suspension compressor or an AC valve block
The Land Rover Discovery 2004 is also known for its electronic gas pedal failure, wear of the cardan shaft joints, jamming of the door and trunk lid locks, failure of the ABS sensors, and contamination of electrical contacts. The immobilizer, which is sensitive to external sources of interference, has caused troubles for many owners, and the SUV has been paralyzed more than once due to power lines, garage door radio signals, and the light
The air suspension compressor is another common problem area in the Land Rover Discovery 2004. It may fail to 250,000 kilometers, and there are problems with the wiring of the pneumatic system. A cascade of errors appears on the display, and the receiver can rot in 12 to 15 years. Front and rear air suspension valve blocks may require attention, and usually, it is enough to sort and clean them before buying a Land Rover Discovery 3
The steering rack is also prone to leakage and backlash in the Land Rover Discovery 2004. After 250,000 kilometers, it is prone to leakage and backlash, and the effect of biting the steering wheel may occur due to wear of the steering shaft cross pieces. Factory front wheel bearings reach 150 to 200,000 kilometers, and the rear ones will last over 250,000 kilometers. The front ones are changed as an assembly with the Hub, and the rear ones separately. Over time, the brake activator may grunt loudly after 12 to 15 years, and the brake pipes of the rear circuit become unusable
The Land Rover Discovery 2004 is not only a very complex car but also full of unusual solutions that force you to contact only Specialized Service Centers. A simple example is inversions with air suspension after replacing the steering rods, it is impossible to adjust the wheel alignment angles without a specialized computer. Sometimes corrosion is found on the frame, and repair thresholds will cost twenty thousand. The footboards also fall into disrepair after 200 to 250,000 kilometers, and the instrument panel may mope. The Tidy is treated by soldering the processor and peripherals, and the generator has to be repaired after 250 to 300,000 kilometers
The Land Rover Discovery 2004 is also known for its high center of gravity, which makes the car feel unstable and prone to tipping over. However, the AC active cornering enhancement system, a hydraulic system for controlling the stiffness of the stabilizers, helps to control the suspension travels off-road and when driving on the freeway, the body does not roll much
In conclusion, the Land Rover Discovery 2004 is a popular SUV known for its rugged ability and luxurious features. However, it has some common problems that affect its reliability and performance. The all-wheel-drive system, oil leaks, engine problems, electronic issues, and air suspension compressor are some of the most significant problems that affect the Land Rover Discovery 2004. Owners of this SUV should be aware of these problems and take necessary precautions to maintain their vehicles properly.
What are the main problems with Land Rover Discovery?
What are the most common problems with a used Land Rover Discovery 4x4?
- Reason for recall: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature will not be available.
- Reason for recall: The fuel return hose may leak. ...
- Reason for recall: Vehicles failed to routinely achieve the required levels of CO2 emissions.
How many miles does a 2004 Land Rover Discovery last?
Land Rovers have an average life span of 13 years or 200,000 miles when well cared for.
Does the 2004 Land Rover Discovery have air suspension?
Due to Land Rover enthusiasts complaining about the lack of a CDL on the Discovery II, Land Rover brought it back in late 2003 and 2004. Both the Discovery I and the Discovery II have a radius arm style suspension. However, the Discovery II comes with air suspension in the rear.
What is the best Land Rover Discovery engine?
The P360 petrol version takes the title for best performer in the Discovery range. Its 3.0-litre straight six unit produces 355bhp and manages the 0-62mph sprint in 6.5 seconds, before topping out at a 130mph maximum.
2004 Land rover Discovery complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Land rover Discovery.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2004 Land rover Discovery car reviews
Positive 2004 Land rover Discovery car reviews
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The maintenance cost can be high, but I have found a non-dealer mechanic who can work on it for less. Despite this, I absolutely love this vehicle! It's perfect for my family of four, with easy access to the rear seats. Unlike other SUVs, getting to the third row is a breeze! It combines the convenience of a minivan with the cool appeal of an SUV. The ride is smooth and it handles well, making it a joy to drive. While the gas mileage and acceleration could be improved, the benefits of this vehicle more than make up for any shortcomings.
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Congratulations on your new purchase! We recently sold our 2001 Discovery 2 with 200k miles and upgraded to an '04 model with 155k miles. We absolutely love these cars and have found that with proper care and a bit of research, finding the necessary parts and a reliable mechanic won't break the bank. While it's true that Land Rovers can have a bit of a love-hate relationship with their owners, if you're looking for a vehicle that's safe, versatile, and makes a statement, this is the car for you. Even if you're on a tight budget, with the right care and maintenance, owning a Land Rover is definitely achievable. By the way, I purchased my 2001 model with 139k miles and only spent around 5k over the course of four years of ownership. Best of luck with your new ride!
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This Land Rover is a great vehicle, but it requires frequent maintenance and in-depth engine work. If you cannot work on your own or afford frequent repairs, it may not be the best choice for you. However, if you do decide to drive one, you will fall in love with its smooth ride, excellent 4wd system, comfortable interior, great stereo, and overall coolness. When looking for one, make sure to find a well-maintained vehicle with records and no head gasket issues. If it does have head gasket issues, you can do the repairs yourself fairly cheaply. The vehicle handles great, with no issues with braking or cornering. The back doors may be a bit small, but that is a minor issue. Overall, I love my Land Rover and will keep it. Good luck!
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This car was a Parts can be expensive. However, if you are unable to do the work yourself or don't have enough money to pay someone else to do it, it's best to find a local Land Rover specialist mechanic and build a good relationship with them. It's also recommended to get a code reader. As I have 18s, snow tires can be costly, so I'm considering getting some 16s from an S trim level. Although there are some features that my two previous cars had that this car doesn't, such as the wing mirrors not auto-dimming and being too small, and the window switches in the front being located in a strange spot, there are still many features that I really like. For instance, the heated seats work very well, the car has 2 sliding sunroofs and two curved panes over the rear jump seats, and the A/C works really well. The heated windshield is also a godsend, especially when it starts to fog up when the A/C is on. Additionally, the car has Hill descent control and one of the most sophisticated traction control systems at the time. Overall, I think this is the best-looking Land Rover Discovery generation and perhaps the coolest 7-seater car you can buy. Although I haven't been through a winter yet or taken it off-road, I'm excited to take it on many adventures!If you come across a good one, go for it! Just remember to be prepared to maintain it.
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I think Land Rover products are great and I'm not sure why some people have negative opinions about them. My wife and I bought an '04 LR Discovery SE7 as our daily driver because we needed a vehicle that could comfortably seat our three children and handle off-road conditions, since we love the outdoors. We definitely made the right choice! Although it can be expensive to purchase and maintain, if you take care of it properly (just like any other vehicle), you shouldn't have any issues. We've never been stranded or experienced any catastrophic failures. My Disco is almost at 100K miles and I plan to put many more miles on it. It's amazing off-road and just as amazing on the highway.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Land rover Discovery problems:
Land rover peeps would you buy a 2004 discovery two?| Grassroots ...
Also didn't he have some serious issues with the engine he paid 10 grand for? That is not necessarily inherent to the vehicle or engine but the ...
What do you guys think of the 2001-2004 Land Rover Discovery? : r ...
Feb 17, 2013 ... Don't piss on the Discovery's reliability record and then recommend an old VW/Audi product. Upvote
Discovery Reliability - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast ...
Jan 14, 2009 ... Oh, I'm thinking about a 2004 or a 99-01 (of coursetrying to avoidthe lack of CDL and oil pump issues). Any input would be appreciated. Feel ...
2004 Land Rover Discovery Reviews - Carsurvey.org
Apr 28, 2022 ... Major problems with the engine and cooling system, leaking power steering pump, worn front axle components, replaced front drive shaft twice.
2004 Land Rover Discovery Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
Problem with your 2004 Land Rover Discovery? Our list of 16 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2004 Land Rover Discovery.
Other years of Land rover Discovery
Are you having problems with your 2004 Land rover Discovery?
Irving Farrell 2025-06-20
The 3rd eye tail light stopped working after the first 3 months. Additionally, the windshield washer pump did not work from the beginning, but it has already been replaced with a pump that works occasionally. The upper corners of the front windshield leaked from the beginning and have stained the headliner. I am currently trying to get it replaced. I have also experienced problems with the front passenger compartment being soaked. I was told that this is a common occurrence with LRs, so I will need to get it drained. It is odd for this to be common on a $40k+ auto. The brake pads and rotors have already needed replacement, which is costly and not covered under warranty. The left front headlight has also gone out. Luckily, all these problems (minus brakes) are covered under the 50k warranty.
Manuela Fisher 2025-06-19
I recently sold my beloved 04 D2 and upgraded to a Toyota FJ with only 1800 miles on it. My wife had been encouraging me to get a newer vehicle for three years, and I finally took the plunge. Although I have owned over 30 vehicles, my Disco has always been my favourite. As an avid outdoorsman who also wears a suit and tie for work, my Disco has taken me to terrains that most people would never dream of exploring. I even added a 2
Terrance Pacocha 2025-06-06
I have always admired Land Rovers and have always wanted one. However, my experience with my own Land Rover has been a bit of a love/hate relationship. It seems to need a trip to the dealer every six months or so, although it's usually for minor issues. The gas mileage isn't great, even on highway trips, and I typically only get around 14 mpg with an average speed of 66 mph. While the ergonomics could be better, the off-road performance is fantastic. It handles snow, mud, and water with ease. Unfortunately, I purchased it with the older style nav system and Land Rover has decided not to make map upgrade DVD disks for updating. This renders the system useless for up-to-date maps and such. Thanks, Land Rover.
Merlin Hane 2025-06-01
I don't do much everyday driving, except for trips to the off-road rally sponsored by the retailer. It's such an exceptional and true off-road vehicle, with a distinct style that sets it apart. Even though it needs a long list of upgrades, I still absolutely love it. Perhaps the most noteworthy of the upgrades is in the technology department.
Rusty Littel 2025-05-24
This car has had some issues since day one, including water leaks and electrical malfunctions. LR once offered to take it back, but I decided to keep it. Unfortunately, there were more problems such as rear wiper failures, jack failure, window insulation failure, and ABS modulator failure, which was an expensive repair. Despite my appeals to LR, they were unable to provide assistance. It's worth noting that there was an ABS modulator recall for some models. Overall, while this car has had its challenges, I believe it's still a reliable vehicle.