2002 Land Rover Discovery II: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery ii. The contact stated that he smelled a strong odor of anti freeze while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that a head gasket was blown due to a coolant leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2011
“While driving on the highway at 55 mph, the driveshaft came apart without warning and I was almost got in an accident which I was able to avoid. I contacted the dealership in alexandria, va about the problem and I was told that it was most common in land rover and range rover. It should be recalled because it would cause severe accidents if there is no warning beforehand. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery ii. The contact stated that in february 2010, the vehicle began losing oil pressure when idling and the oil pressure light would illuminate. The engine was replaced regarding the identical symptoms. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle may need bearings but recommended that the engine be replaced. The oil pump was replaced but the problem continued. The manufacturer advised the contact that they would not assist with the repair costs. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. The current mileage was approximately 125,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2010
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving our land rover it started to overheat. I pulled of to the side of the road while smoke came from under the hood. I had it towed to a repair shop since it would not start after allowing it to cool. The repair shop indicated that the aluminum cams had melted and that they alone could not be repaired. They stated an engine replacement would be necessary. Cost $5600 - $7300. Miles on vehicle at time of incident 87,000. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2009
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery ii. Approximately one year ago, the contact began to notice that after driving one mile, the vehicle would overheat. He would then move the vehicle off the roadway and allow it to cool. The contact was able to drive the vehicle after cooling off until the failure would recur. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified and advised the contact that since the vehicle was outside of warranty they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2009
“I own a 2002 discovery series 2 at about 92000 miles the front drive shaft failed, with no warning. I have replaced it with a used one from a 2002 also and not even 1 month later the replacement also failed now I'm reluctant to replace it again at another 900 dollars. Also I have the old one that failed, hoping to get it fixed as a replacement as I have been reading they seem to fail alot. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · May 2009
“Began hearing a small squeaking noise from under vehicle at low to moderate speeds. Driveshaft ujoint was going out. It went out at 45k miles, and recently at 87k. Common problem with this suv. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2009
“Head gasket leak. Common problem with this suv. Local lr repair said $1650 - $2500. Head gaskets on this engine can go out every 35k. Coolant leaks from the back of the cylinder head. Not detrimental, but can cause the constant smell of coolant. No puddles. My coolant level drops about a quart a month. Hardly worth $1650 to repair. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 2009
“My 2002 landrover discovery began to over heat. The engine has 68k on it, they stated the head gasket is blown and fluids leaked internally. Cost to replace engine is 10,500.00, refurbished engine runs 7,300.00. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2008
“The antilock brakes, hill descent and traction control lights illuminate on my land rover discovery on a regular basis. After research on the internet this is due to the ABS modulator, and is a common problem with this vehicle. However, no recall has been issued as yet with this part. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, INC. (LAND ROVER) IS RECALLING CERTAIN REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLINGS, LAND ROVER BRANDED PART NUMBER TVF100010, MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 2011 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2011, SOLD FOR USE AS SERVICE PARTS FOR CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 1995-1999 DISCOVERY, 1999-2004 DISCOVERY II, AND 1995 RANGE ROVER CLASSIC VEHICLES. SOME OF THE REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLINGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO THE REQUIRED ENGINEERING DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXHIBIT THE ONSET OF JOINT SEPARATION, PRECLUDED BY DRIVE LINE VIBRATION.
Remedy: LAND ROVER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED REAR DRIVESHAFT COUPLERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA AT 1-201-818-8500.
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. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
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 VALVE COVERS.
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.
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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-301-731-9040.
How other years compare
Check your exact Discovery II by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II reliable?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Land Rover Discovery II problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 79,500 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:driveline:driveshaft. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.