2004 Land Rover Discovery

The 2004 Land Rover Discovery, also known as the Discovery Series II, is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and distinctive design. The 2004 model year Land Rover Discovery Series II was only offered with one engine and transmission option, a 4.6L Rover V8 engine producing 217 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, paired with a ZF 4HP24 four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the vehicle’s robust build, go-anywhere attitude, and comfortable interior, while common complaints revolve around its reliability, maintenance costs, and fuel economy.

Engine

4.6L Rover V8

• Oil Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning light, engine knocking or ticking noises, potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pump, check for debris in the oil pan, and inspect the engine bearings for damage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ depending on additional engine damage.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Slipped Cylinder Liners
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Engine rebuild or replacement with an engine that has been properly sleeved.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4000 - $8000+ for engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Head Gaskets/Water Pump/Hoses)
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, milky oil (in severe cases), visible coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace leaking head gaskets, water pump, and/or hoses. Pressure test the cooling system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Head gaskets $1500 - $3000+; Water pump $300-$600+; Hoses $100-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 4HP24 4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, transmission warning light.
  • Solution: Fluid and filter change, valve body rebuild or replacement, transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid/Filter $150-$300, Valve body $800-$1500+, Rebuild $2500 - $4500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sags on one or more corners, air suspension inactive light, compressor fails to operate.
  • Solution: Replace faulty air springs, compressor, ride height sensors, or air lines. Convert to coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air springs $300 - $800+ per corner; Compressor $400-$800+; Coil Spring Conversion $1000-$2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Ball Joints and Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace worn ball joints, bushings, and control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$1000+ per corner depending on what’s replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Three Amigos (ABS, Traction Control, Hill Descent Control Lights)
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Descent Control lights illuminate on the dashboard. Often caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor, shuttle valve switch in the ABS modulator, or a failing ABS modulator.
  • Solution: Diagnose the fault using a Land Rover-specific diagnostic tool. Replace faulty wheel speed sensors, shuttle valve switch, or ABS modulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Wheel Speed Sensor $150-$400+ each; Shuttle Valve Switch Repair Kit $100-$300+; ABS Modulator $800-$1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Central Locking System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking/unlocking, key fob malfunction, alarm system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace faulty door lock actuators, repair or replace the key fob, diagnose and repair the central locking module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Door Lock Actuator $200 - $400+ each; Key Fob Programming/Replacement $100-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially Frame and Body Panels)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on the frame, rocker panels, door sills, and other body panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels, treat rust with rust converter, apply rust preventative coatings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable depending on the extent of the rust damage. $500-$5000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner material detaching from the backing and sagging.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin from the sunroof area.
  • Solution: Clean and unclog sunroof drain tubes, replace sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Land Rover Discovery, while capable and charming, is plagued by a number of potential issues. Engine problems such as oil pump failure and slipped cylinder liners can be very expensive to repair. Suspension issues, especially with the air suspension, are also common. Electrical gremlins and rust are other concerns. Overall, potential buyers should be prepared for higher-than-average maintenance costs and should thoroughly inspect any potential purchase for these common issues. The severity of the issues can range from minor inconveniences to major engine or transmission failures, with repair costs spanning from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.