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2002 Land Rover Discovery II problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II is engine and cooling, typically around 87,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Discovery II model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
74/100
Owner complaints
34
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
9
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2002 Land Rover Discovery II problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    14
  • Transmission
    9
  • Brakes
    7
  • Steering
    3
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II

Overheating 8Engine failure 7ABS 6

Recalls 3

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported January 6, 2004 · 100,174 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This can produce an unexpected increase in stopping distance, with the potential for total loss of service braking function, which could result in a crash.
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.

Recall number 04V005000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported January 6, 2004 · 5,264 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, the active cornering enhancement (ace) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint.
Risk
The fluid from the pump joint can ignite, resulting in an under hood fire.
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.

Recall number 04V006000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed controlReported January 23, 2002 · 64,925 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
Breakage of the cable strands can result in the throttle being stuck in the open position, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Recall number 02V028000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 9

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

What 2002 Land Rover Discovery II owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 29, 2015 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · CT

Vehicle lost the brake fluid. No brakes. All lines and chassis rusted.

Filed Feb 6, 2012 · Transmission · 99,168 miles · MD

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.

Filed Nov 14, 2011 · Engine · 80,000 miles · WA

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.

Filed Nov 26, 2010 · Engine · 112,000 miles · MD

Land rover discovery ii well maintained at 112 miles presented slight coolant and oil leakage. Overheated twice. Coolant leak worsened resulting in visual inspection by owner. Severe coolant leak evident from right side rear head gasket and either left side front head gasket or front cover. Oil leak isolated to left side valve cover. Engine undergoing teardown to determine damage extent and repairability. Estimate $2,500 assuming steel cylinder liners have not moved out of position. Proposed repair action: replace left and right head, front cover, oil pan, valley, throttle body, gaskets, water pump, thermostat, and possibly radiator. Research suggests engine replacement with "top hat" cylinder liners.

Filed Nov 26, 2010 · Engine · 112,000 miles · MD

Land rover discovery ii well maintained at 112 miles presented slight coolant and oil leakage. Overheated twice. Coolant leak worsened resulting in visual inspection by owner. Severe coolant leak evident from right side rear head gasket and either left side front head gasket or front cover. Oil leak isolated to left side valve cover. Engine undergoing teardown to determine damage extent and repairability. Estimate $2,500 assuming steel cylinder liners have not moved out of position. Proposed repair action to replace left and right head, front cover, oil pan, valley, throttle body, gaskets, water pump, thermostat, and possibly radiator. Research suggests engine replacement with "top hat" cylinder liners.

Filed Oct 18, 2010 · Engine · 87,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 16, 2010 · Engine · 110,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Apr 1, 2010 · Engine · 124,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed Jul 5, 2009 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Mar 22, 2009 · Engine · 87,000 miles · CA

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.

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Questions about the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II

Is the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II reliable?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II, close to a typical Discovery II model year.

What is the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II year score?

The 2002 Land Rover Discovery II scores 74 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Land Rover Discovery II: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II?

Engine and cooling, with 14 complaints, typically around 87,000 miles. Next is transmission (9).

How many recalls does the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II have?

3 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine cooling and vehicle speed control.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Land Rover Discovery II engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V006000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Land Rover Discovery II have bad engine?

The Land Rover Discovery II model years with the most engine complaints are 2003 (32 complaints) and 2002 (14 complaints).

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