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2002 Land Rover Discovery problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Land Rover Discovery is engine and cooling, typically around 106,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Discovery model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
68/100
Owner complaints
17
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
5
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
13mpg

The worst 2002 Land Rover Discovery problems

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

  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    4
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Brakes
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery 5

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

2002 Land Rover Discovery fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.0L 8‑cyl4WD121613

What 2002 Land Rover Discovery owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 27, 2017 · Brakes, Transmission · 132,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Catastrophic injuries sustained!!!! Loss of life almost occurred! I was driving my land rover on a highway at 60 MPH when suddenly the vehicle experienced a catastrophic failure. The brake drum fell apart while the vehicle was in motion and parts from the brake drum pierced the under carriage of the vehicle and came in through the driver seat I was sitting in and cause me major internal injuries that LED to me being hospitalized for 52 days. The failure was sudden and unexpected there was no warning that this was going to happen or that there was anything was wrong with the vehicle the failure caused me to lose control of the car and I was struck by another vehicle. I have included pictures that help people better understand what happened to me. The pictures of the car parts that were removed from my abdominal area and pictures of the seat I was sitting on. I filed a law suit and it settled out of court so this is the best way I could think of to let the public know about the danger these vehicles posses.

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Acceleration, Transmission · 180,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery ii. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal traveled to the floorboard without warning. The vehicle accelerated to approximately 60 MPH. The contact shut off the vehicle and coasted to the shoulder. The contact exited the vehicle, looked underneath, and noticed the accelerator cable was shredded and disconnected and the throttle was in the open position. The contact connected the cable back to its original position, but the vehicle did not engage in gear. The vehicle was towed home. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission was damaged and needed replacement. The vehicle was at the shop being repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2016 · Steering · 70,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery. While driving 65 MPH, the rear of the vehicle vibrated violently without warning. The failure recurred each time the speed was above 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front shaft was replaced twice; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Dec 4, 2012 · Suspension · 25,600 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection when the mechanic stated that the frame and the suspension of the vehicle were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the vehicle was a safety hazard and would not let the vehicle leave the lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was 25,600. Updated 2/25/13 *cn updated 03/07/2013

Filed Jan 8, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 160,700 miles · TX

Oil leak on engine, oil pan leak, water pump leak, no power on engine it lost the power from over heating, mechanic wants to replace engine I was quoted 3700 dollars. How can I know if this engine was a defect.

Filed Nov 16, 2011 · Engine · 85,101 miles · MN

Of all the personal vehicles I've ever owned, I've never had one that causes me to drive like I was on "pins & needles". I was driving at highway speed when out of the blue the engine head gaskets let go, without warning. The engine shut down and I lost power steering and power brakes. After investigating with dealer inquiries and independent shops this is a common problem with land rover v8 aluminum engines.the dealership(s) I spoke with actually agreed with my concerns but said "talking to land rover is like talking to a dog, they hear you but won't do a thing about it". I could understand if this vehicle was high mileage or was really abused. Someone needs to address these people before someone gets killed.

Filed Jul 27, 2011 · Engine · 147,081 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 land rover discovery. While driving 70 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly overheated without warning and she noticed smoke coming from the vehicle. The dealer advised the contact to call the warranty company. No repairs were performed. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 147,081. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Mar 3, 2010 · Acceleration · MI

Unintended acceleration. Three times now our landrover discovery (2002) has accelerated without intent. Once pulling into our driveway nearly crashing into a person, another time from a dead stop and I had to swerve not to hit a house, and now a third time while my husband was driving slowly down a street -- all of a sudden our car accelerated and nearly hit the car in front of us.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Engine · 106,000 miles · NY

Catalytic converter.

Filed Dec 17, 2008 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · MI

I was traveling at approximately 45 MPH when my 2002 land rover discovery made a very loud grinding noise and stopped my car. I had vehicle towed and after inspection was told the drive shaft needs to be replaced. I have 55k miles and the repairs are over $1,000.00. Also I just had a mechanical inspection a few months ago and was told everything was fine.

Compare the 2002 Land Rover Discovery

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Questions about the 2002 Land Rover Discovery

Is the 2002 Land Rover Discovery reliable?

Owners have filed 17 complaints about the 2002 Land Rover Discovery, close to a typical Discovery model year.

What is the 2002 Land Rover Discovery year score?

The 2002 Land Rover Discovery scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Land Rover Discovery: 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?

Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints, typically around 106,000 miles. Next is transmission (4).

How many recalls does the 2002 Land Rover Discovery have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Land Rover Discovery have bad engine?

The Land Rover Discovery model years with the most engine complaints are 2003 (19 complaints) and 2017 (14 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Land Rover Discovery get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery range from 13 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 8-cyl, 4WD) gets 12 city and 16 highway.

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