2004 Land Rover Range Rover
The 2004 Land Rover Range Rover is a full-size luxury SUV known for its off-road capability, opulent interior, and distinctive styling. It offered a blend of British refinement and rugged functionality, making it a status symbol for many. However, these vehicles also have a reputation for unreliability and high maintenance costs. The 2004 model year came with a 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 282 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. People often admired its comfortable ride, luxurious interior, and go-anywhere capability. Criticisms frequently revolve around its poor fuel economy, complex electronics, and susceptibility to breakdowns.
Engine
4.4L BMW M62 V8
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks are common, often originating from the expansion tank, radiator hoses, or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles under the vehicle.
- Solution: Replace the leaking component.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $800+ depending on the component and labor.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various seals and gaskets, including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. These leaks can lead to low oil levels, burning oil smell, and visible oil stains.
- Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ depending on the location and complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
- VANOS Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Camshaft Timing) system can experience issues, leading to rough idling, reduced power, and poor fuel economy.
- Solution: Replace or rebuild the VANOS unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Guide Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Plastic timing chain guides can become brittle and break, leading to rattling noises, potential engine damage, and eventual engine failure.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, and failure to shift can occur. These issues can be caused by low fluid levels, worn clutches, or a faulty valve body.
- Solution: Perform a transmission fluid flush, replace the valve body, or rebuild the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $4000+ depending on the severity and repair.
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering, stalling, or unusual noises when accelerating can indicate torque converter issues.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system is prone to failure, leading to the vehicle sagging, uneven ride height, or complete loss of air suspension function. This can be caused by leaking air struts, a faulty air compressor, or issues with the height sensors.
- Solution: Replace the air struts, air compressor, or height sensors. Consider converting to coil springs for a more reliable but less luxurious ride.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $4000+ depending on the component and if replacing with coil springs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Suspension Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Worn suspension bushings can cause clunking noises, loose handling, and premature tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the worn suspension bushings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: The complex electrical system can lead to parasitic battery drain, causing the battery to die prematurely.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the battery drain. This can involve checking for faulty modules, shorts in the wiring, or issues with the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the complexity.
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation System/Infotainment Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The navigation system and other infotainment features can experience glitches, failures, or outdated software issues.
- Solution: Update the software or replace the faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
- ABS Module Failure
- Description/Symptoms: ABS light illumination, loss of ABS functionality, and potentially erratic braking.
- Solution: Replace or repair the ABS module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Tailgate Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The tailgate latch or lift supports can fail, making it difficult to open or close the tailgate properly.
- Solution: Replace the faulty tailgate latch or lift supports.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner can sag or detach from the roof due to failing adhesive.
- Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- HVAC Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Common HVAC problems include blend door actuator failures, resulting in inconsistent or incorrect air temperatures, and blower motor issues, leading to weak or no airflow.
- Solution: Replace faulty blend door actuators or the blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Land Rover Range Rover, while luxurious and capable, is known for its high maintenance requirements and potential for costly repairs. The most significant issues often revolve around the engine (oil and coolant leaks, timing chain guides), transmission (slipping, harsh shifting), and air suspension (strut and compressor failures). Electrical problems like battery drain and infotainment glitches are also common. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Prospective buyers should be prepared for potentially expensive maintenance and repair bills.