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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1999–2004

Land Rover Discovery II recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 226 owner complaints for the Land Rover Discovery II, covering model years 1999 to 2004. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (63), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Land Rover Discovery II VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 226 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 6 model years with data (1999–2004)
  • most complaints: 2003 (63 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (58 complaints)
  • latest recall 04V006000 (reported Jan 6, 2004)
  • 33 complaints reporting a crash (14.6%)
  • 10 complaints reporting a fire (4.4%)
  • 19 complaints reporting an injury (8.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Land Rover Discovery II complaints by model year

6 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 63 of 226, or 27.9%. Next come 2000 (40) and 1999 (36). The fewest are for 2004, with 22 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Land Rover Discovery II owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1999–2004Column chart of 226 complaints across 6 model years. The highest is 2003 with 63. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1999: 36 complaints3619992000: 40 complaints4020002001: 31 complaints3120012002: 34 complaints3420022003: 63 complaints6320032004: 22 complaints222004
Land Rover Discovery II complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Land Rover Discovery II complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1999365060
2000405360
20013112130
2002344310
2003635230
2004222100
All model years2263310190

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Land Rover Discovery II components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 58 complaints (25.7% of all 226), followed by Service Brakes, Hydraulic (54) and Power Train (35).

Components named most often in Land Rover Discovery II complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Land Rover Discovery II complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling5825.7%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5423.9%
Power Train3515.5%
Vehicle Speed Control156.6%
Air Bags135.8%
Electrical System125.3%
Engine104.4%
Steering83.5%
Structure62.7%
Latches/Locks/Linkages52.2%
Suspension52.2%
Traction Control System52.2%
Unknown or Other52.2%
Equipment41.8%
Seats41.8%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Land Rover Discovery II recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Discovery II, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 1999 to 2004. The 2000 model year appears in the most campaigns (9).

  • 9 recall campaigns
Land Rover Discovery II recall campaigns covering each model year
1999: 6 campaigns2000: 9 campaigns2001: 5 campaigns2002: 3 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.
  1. NHTSA campaign 04V006000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling

    Model years 2000–2003

    On certain sport utility vehicles, the active cornering enhancement (ace) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Land Rover

  2. NHTSA campaign 04V005000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model years 1999–2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Land Rover

  3. NHTSA campaign 02V028000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control

    Model years 1999–2002

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by Land Rover

  4. NHTSA campaign 02V022000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

    Model years 1999–2001

    On certain sport utility vehicles, contamination of an anti-lock braking system (ABS) sensor can cause the ABS electronic control unit (ECU) to incorrectly interpret the sensor signal, resulting in inappropriate ABS activation.

    Consequence:
    This can lead to an increase in braking distance that is unanticipated by the driver.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a new ECU. 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.

    Filed by Land Rover

  5. NHTSA campaign 01V229001

    Reported

    Equipment › Mechanical › Winch

    Model years 2000–2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with warn industries' winch kits. A power interrupt solenoid, possibly included in the winch assembly, can develop an electrical leak path to ground.

    Consequence:
    This can lead to the solenoid experiencing excessive heat, which could potentially lead to a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will call owners to arrange for an inspection time to determine if a defective power interrupt solenoid was installed. If it was, the solenoid will be replaced. Owner notification began August 13, 2001. 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.

    Filed by Land Rover

  6. NHTSA campaign 00V423000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with active cornering enhancement (ace). The high-pressure hydraulic pipe that runs from the ace pump to the ace valve block could fracture at its union with the pump.

    Consequence:
    This will result in a loss of hydraulic fluid. A low fluid level can subsequently result in system pump failure which will throw off the auxiliary drive belt, resulting in a loss of engine auxiliary functions (power steering assist, water pump, alternator, and air conditioning). In extreme circumstances, there is a possibility that the hydraulic fluid could ignite, resulting in an engine compartment fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new hydraulic tubing.

    Filed by Land Rover

  7. NHTSA campaign 00V142001

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (ASC)

    Model years 1999–2000

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The loading conditions on the vehicle's left side engine idler pulley can exceed the maximum calculated figure of the original design specification. The material of the pulley can fracture and ultimately fail. Failure of the pulley material can cause the pulley to throw off the serpentine belt.

    Consequence:
    This could result in a loss of engine auxiliary functions (power steering, water pump, alternator, air conditioning and ace).
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install an improved idler pulley.

    Filed by Land Rover

  8. NHTSA campaign 00V142000

    Reported

    Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (ASC)

    Model years 1999–2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with active cornering enhancement (ace). The loading conditions on the vehicle's left side engine idler pulley can exceed the maximum calculated figure of the original design specification. The material of the pulley can fracture and ultimately fail. Failure of the pulley material can cause the pulley to throw off the serpentine belt.

    Consequence:
    This could result in a loss of engine auxiliary functions (power steering, water pump, alternator, air conditioning and ace).
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install an improved idler pulley.

    Filed by Land Rover

  9. NHTSA campaign 00V036000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model years 1999–2000

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with active cornering enhancement (ace). The high-pressure hydraulic pipe that runs from the ace pump to the ace valve block could fracture at its union with the pump.

    Consequence:
    This will result in a loss of hydraulic fluid. A low fluid level can subsequently result in system pump failure which will throw off the auxiliary drive belt, resulting in a loss of engine auxiliary functions (power steering assist, water pump, alternator, and air conditioning). In extreme circumstances, there is a possibility that the hydraulic fluid could ignite, resulting in an engine compartment fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install new hydraulic tubing.

    Filed by Land Rover

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Land Rover Discovery II questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Land Rover Discovery II have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the Land Rover Discovery II, covering model years 1999 to 2004. The most recent, 04V006000, was reported on January 6, 2004 and is filed under “Engine and engine cooling”. The 2000 model year is covered by the most campaigns (9).

Which Land Rover Discovery II model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 63 of the 226 complaints in NHTSA’s file (27.9%). The next are 2000 (40) and 1999 (36). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Land Rover Discovery II complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 58 complaints, or 25.7% of all 226. Service Brakes, Hydraulic (54) and Power Train (35) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Land Rover Discovery II?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Land Rover dealer.

How many Land Rover Discovery II complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 226 complaints, 33 report a crash, 10 a fire, 19 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

8 models · most complaints first

The Land Rover models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Land Rover VIN decoder with every Land Rover model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Land Rover models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.