Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Land Rover Discovery Series II, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 14% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 14% |
| Engine | 6 | 12% |
| Structure | 5 | 10% |
| Vehicle speed control | 4 | 8% |
| Suspension | 3 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 3 | 6% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 6% |
| Steering | 3 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 2 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2004 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While driving approximately 35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to immediately st
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
SEEMS AS IF EITHER THE BRAKE BOOSTER OR A PART OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS NOT PROVIDING AMPLE STOPPING POWER. THE VEHICLE HAS A DIFFICULT TIME STOOPING IN A HARD BRAKING SCENARIO EITHER FROM HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM A COMPLE
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 (NA) LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT. UPON RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD. THE DEALER DIAGNO
NHTSA complaint: Structure
VEHICLE IN MOTION TRAVELING AT APPROX 5-7 MPH. ZIP CODE 06615 WHEN 3 ABS SENSOR LIGHTS WENT ON 1. HILL DESCENT 2. ABS 3.TRACTION CONTROL. RECENT ABS SHUTTLE SWITCH REPLACED FOR SAME REPORTED SENSOR LIGHTS FAILURE. VEHIC
NHTSA complaint: Service brakes
THE REAR DRIVE SHAFT FELL APART AT LOW SPEED. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY AT HIGH SPEED
NHTSA complaint: Suspension
CPSC: I1540160A. 2004 LANDROVER DISCOVERY. CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE BAY FUSE BOX SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED. *LN
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
WHILE DRIVING, POWER TO THE AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER FAN SHUT OFF. UPON PARKING 2 MILES LATER, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM THE HOOD. THE UNDER HOOD FUSE/RELAY BOX APPEARS TO HAVE SHORTED AND CAUGHT FIRE. VISIBLE DAMAGE I
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I PURCHASED OUR LAND ROVER 6 MONTHS AGO I BOUGHT IT WITH 105000 MILES ON IT AND FINANCED IT THAT WAY ,ON JANUARY 17 TH MY WIFE GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOWS 186000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. THE PREVIOUS OWNER FRAUDULENTLY
NHTSA complaint: Engine
| Reliability raw | 87 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 76 | good |
| Maintenance | 56 | average |
| Depreciation | 41 | below average |
| Performance | 74 | good |
| Efficiency | 21 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine and engine cooling is the most reported area with 7 of them (14%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 87/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 76/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2004 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 64/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.