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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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my thoughts on Land Rovers with you. As someone who grew up in the back of Land Rovers (what most people know today as Defenders), I can tell you that the off-road heritage that has been passed down to today's LRs is just as mud, snow, sand, and rock gripping as in the past. Even though the daily commute in a LR is quite different from the original LR tractor/all-around farm vehicle the Brits first developed, it hasn't lost any of its utility. The LR Disco may now be a people-ferrying vehicle, but it is still first and foremost a utility vehicle. Thanks for listening!
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This was my second Land Rover Discovery and I loved it. Never had any major problems with it and the service at the dealership was always great.
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I see that you have purchased the Westminster Edition with a premium sound system, which is amazing. It's great to hear that you find the car easy to drive in congested traffic, thanks to its high seating position and excellent visibility. It's also impressive to hear that the car retains solid surefooted road performance in harsh rain. Furthermore, it's great to know that this 'tank' is surprisingly easy to park.
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The car is amazing!
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The vehicle is safe and fun to drive. I live in the Texas hill Country and love to hunt. This is a great SUV for going into the hard-to-get-to areas. Although the gas mileage could be better, it's a small price to pay. My Irish Setter fits well into the cargo space. Overall, I would purchase another Land Rover in a minute.
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?
Dawson Boyer 2024-09-16
I bought my Discovery back in 2006 with only 20k miles on it. Unfortunately, I had to replace all of the rotors and pads at the same time when it reached 50k miles. It was quite expensive since you can't just replace the pads, but must replace both pads and rotors. Recently, it overheated in Atlanta and the dealer informed me that I needed to replace the head gaskets ($2800), Mass airflow sensors ($600), Thermostat ($470), and the window regulator ($435) since my window wouldn't roll down anymore. While it may seem like a lot, I would advise against purchasing one of these cars. Although they look great, they can be quite problematic on the inside.
Kellen Glover 2024-08-27
I have been researching Land Rover problems extensively and I am confident in my assessment that my 2004 LRD's engine needs to be replaced. Despite only driving it to and from work, the car overheated and shut down, requiring a costly repair. While disappointed, I understand that this is a known issue with these vehicles. I am currently seeking a reputable mechanic in north Texas to handle the repair. I remain optimistic about the future performance of my Land Rover.
Braden O'Reilly 2024-06-06
We initially believed that we had purchased a well-built car, but unfortunately, we experienced some issues. The front brakes needed to be replaced after only 35,000 miles, and the cost of replacing the rotors was $130 each. The brake job for the front alone cost us $650. At 56,000 miles, just 6,000 miles after the warranty ended, the dealer informed us that the head gaskets were leaking, and it would cost $2,500 to fix. We believe that head gasket leaks indicate a poor seal at the factory or a poor design. Additionally, the rubber guards on the front headlights and tail light broke off, but the dealer fixed them for free. Unfortunately, the quality of the car from the factory was poor, and we cannot trade it in due to its low gas mileage of about 14. Furthermore, the car insurance is very high, and the value of the car has decreased significantly from $34,000 to $11,000 in just 4 years, costing us $5,700 per year in depreciation.
Vidal Prosacco 2024-06-05
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with the 2003 model we purchased in August. While it had some great features, we found it difficult to drive due to its poor turning radius and it was a bit of a challenge to get a baby seat in and out of the back seat. Additionally, it was quite expensive to fill up the tank at $50.00 a pop and we only managed to get 250 miles per tank. Overall, we decided to trade it in last week. While it wasn't the right fit for us, I'm sure there are other models out there that might work better for different needs. Thanks for listening! PJH
Wyman Konopelski 2024-04-05
I am confident that Land Rover products are not suitable for my needs. Despite having the engine replaced at 57,000 miles, I am now experiencing issues with the O2 sensor and ABS system at 58,000 miles. The brakes that were replaced at 40,000 miles are now squeaking and the fold-out seats in the back are also making noise. The gas tank door has broken multiple times and the CD player is now malfunctioning. The recurring problem with the front left headlight, as mentioned in several reviews, is also a concern. Therefore, I have decided to explore other options.