Home › Land Rover › Discovery › 2000
2000 Land Rover Discovery: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2000 Land Rover Discovery has 70 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and brakes lead them[1][2]. It also has 10 recalls, which is the most of any model year in our data, tied with 2020[3].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 70 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Twelve mention a crash, 5 a fire and 14 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts, so the groups below overlap.
| Component group | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes[2] | 24 | 4 | 2 |
| Power train[5] | 12 | 3 | 4 |
| Engine[6] | 11 | 2 | 1 |
| Electrical system[7] | 7 | 1 | 2 |
| Speed control[8] | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags[9] | 4 | 2 | 5 |
| Structure[10] | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension[11] | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Brakes. Brakes have the most complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 61,000[2]. In a sample of brake complaints we read, owners describe a pedal that sinks, hardens or goes to the floor, and ABS warning lights. Several also describe repeat dealer visits without a lasting fix[2].
Engine. In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe overheating, coolant leaks and head gasket or engine replacement[6]. One complaint in that sample describes a fire at highway speed[6].
Power train. In the sample we read, some owners describe the vehicle rolling or moving while parked. Others describe a drive shaft or universal joint failing and the vehicle losing drive[5].
Electrical. In the sample we read, owners describe ABS, traction control and hill descent control warning lights that stay on[7].
The other groups have only a handful of complaints each, so we do not draw conclusions from them[8][9][10][11].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for this model year[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. They are listed newest first. Some recalls cover only certain vehicles, so ask Land Rover whether yours was included.
- ABS valve cover bolts (04V005). The bolts on the anti-lock brake modulator valve covers can crack. That can lengthen stopping distance or cause a total loss of service braking, which could lead to a crash. Dealers were to strengthen the valve covers and replace the bolts[12].
- ACE pump bolt (04V006). A bolt on the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) pump can loosen and let fluid leak. The fluid can ignite and cause an under-hood fire. Dealers were to inspect for leaks, then re-tighten or replace the bolt and washers[13].
- Accelerator cable (02V028). The cable could have kinked during assembly and fray. A broken cable can leave the throttle stuck open and raise crash risk. Dealers were to inspect and replace damaged cables[14].
- ABS sensor and control unit (02V022). Contamination of an ABS sensor can make the control unit misread it and apply the ABS when it should not. That can lengthen braking distance. Dealers were to install a new control unit[15].
- Winch solenoid (01V229). Vehicles with certain Warn winch kits could have a solenoid with an electrical leak path that overheats and could cause a fire. Dealers were to inspect and replace it if needed[16].
- ACE hydraulic pipe (00V423). A high-pressure pipe from the ACE pump can fracture. Fluid loss can make the pump fail and throw off the drive belt, which stops power steering assist, the water pump, the alternator and air conditioning. In extreme cases the fluid could ignite. Dealers were to install new tubing[17].
- Transmission park lock (00V377). Water in the automatic transmission oil can cause the park lock to work incorrectly, so a vehicle parked without the handbrake set could roll away. Dealers were to check the park lock, reposition the breather tube, and test and flush the fluid if needed[18].
- Idler pulley (00V142, October 2000). The left engine idler pulley can fracture and throw off the serpentine belt, which stops power steering, the water pump, the alternator, air conditioning and ACE. Dealers were to install an improved pulley[19].
- Idler pulley (00V142, May 2000). The same issue was filed earlier for vehicles with ACE. The remedy is the same improved pulley[20].
- ACE hydraulic pipe (00V036). This is the earlier filing of the same pipe problem as 00V423. The remedy was new hydraulic tubing[21].
Two owner-reported experiences are worth knowing. In the complaints we read, one brake owner describes a dealer saying a recall was not valid[2], and one engine owner says no recall notice arrived[6].
Fuel economy
EPA rates the Discovery Series II with the 4.0L 8-cylinder engine, Automatic 4-spd, premium fuel and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive at 12 city, 16 highway and 13 combined MPG[4]. EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $6,300[4]. That figure uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.
Engine and size
The EPA test vehicle has a 4.0L 8-cylinder engine[4]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[22].
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 185 in |
| Width | 74 in |
| Height | 76 in |
| Wheelbase | 100 in |
| Curb weight | 4,575 lb |
These figures are for the Discovery Series II 4DR SUV 4X4[22].
How 2000 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 53 | 4 |
| 1996 | 75 | 3 |
| 1997 | 37 | 2 |
| 1998 | 33 | 1 |
| 1999 | 53 | 8 |
| 2000 | 70 | 10 |
| 2001 | 44 | 6 |
| 2002 | 51 | 3 |
| 2003 | 111 | 3 |
| 2004 | 51 | 1 |
| 2015 | 14 | 2 |
| 2016 | 57 | 2 |
| 2017 | 94 | 5 |
| 2018 | 59 | 5 |
| 2019 | 60 | 4 |
| 2020 | 32 | 10 |
| 2021 | 15 | 6 |
| 2022 | 15 | 6 |
| 2023 | 11 | 7 |
| 2024 | 8 | 7 |
| 2025 | 6 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 | 1 |
Counts below come from NHTSA. They are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so treat them as a rough guide[3].
- With 70 complaints[3], 2000 is not the worst year. 2003 has 111, 2017 has 94 and 1996 has 75[3].
- With 10 recalls[3], 2000 ties 2020 for the most. 1999 has 8 and 2023 has 7[3].
- Years with fewer complaints include 1997 (37), 1998 (33) and 2001 (44)[3].
Our list has no model years from 2005 to 2014[3].
Should you buy a used 2000 Discovery?
Brakes draw the most complaints, and two of the ten recalls are about braking[2][12][15]. Ask for proof that every recall was done, since our data does not show that for any given car. Check the cooling system and the drive shaft, because owners in the samples we read describe trouble there[5][6]. Fuel cost is also a real factor at 13 combined MPG and an estimated $6,300 a year[4]. A careful inspection by a mechanic who knows the model is a sensible step before buying.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2000 Land Rover Discovery?
- Brakes lead the 70 NHTSA complaints with 24, followed by power train with 12 and engine with 11[1][2][5][6]. These are unverified owner reports.
- How many recalls does the 2000 Land Rover Discovery have?
- NHTSA lists 10 recalls, including ABS brake issues, an accelerator cable, an ACE hydraulic pipe and a transmission park lock[12][14][17][18].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2000 Land Rover Discovery?
- EPA rates the 4.0L automatic at 12 city, 16 highway and 13 combined MPG[4].
- Is the 2000 Discovery worse than other model years?
- Not on complaints. 2003 has 111[3] and 2017 has 94[3], against 70 for 2000[3]. It does tie 2020 for the most recalls at 10[3].
- How big is the 2000 Land Rover Discovery?
- It is 185 in long, 74 in wide and 76 in tall, with a 100 in wheelbase and 4,575 lb curb weight[22].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on file for the 2000 Land Rover Discovery (12 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 14 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 24 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Land Rover Discovery model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Discovery Series II, 4.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $6,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 12 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,081). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 7 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the speed control component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 4 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 5 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the suspension component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 04V005, filed January 6, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V006, filed January 6, 2004: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V028, filed January 23, 2002: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 02V022, filed January 22, 2002: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 01V229, filed July 6, 2001: Equipment › Mechanical › Winch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V423, filed December 27, 2000: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V377, filed November 16, 2000: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V142, filed October 16, 2000: Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V142, filed May 17, 2000: Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (Asc). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 00V036, filed February 11, 2000: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DISCOVERY SERIES II 4DR SUV 4X4: length 185 in, width 74 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 100 in, curb weight 4,575 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov