CarBrief

The 2002 Land Rover Discovery has 51 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, led by engine and power train reports[1][2][3]. It also has 3 recalls on file, so check that the recall work was done before you buy or keep one[4][5][6].

51owner complaints[1]
3recalls[7]
13MPG combined (EPA)[8]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 51 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Six mention a crash, 6 mention a fire, 3 mention injuries and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Engine (20 complaints[2]). This is the biggest group. Four of the complaints involve a fire and one involves a crash, and the median mileage at failure is 86,050[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe coolant leaks, overheating and head gasket trouble. Some describe smoke or fire under the hood, and one owner points to a leaking coolant hose[2].

Power train (13 complaints). Two involve crashes, one a fire and one an injury[3]. The median mileage at failure is 74,500[3]. In the sample we read, owners describe the front driveshaft or a u-joint failing, and some say it happened without warning[3]. One complaint in the sample describes a broken accelerator cable, which matches recall 02V028 below[3][6].

Brakes (8 complaints[9]). Two involve crashes and one an injury, with a median mileage of 83,395[9]. In the sample we read, owners describe ABS and traction control warning lights, a soft pedal and loss of braking. Some link this to the ABS recall below[9][4].

The other groups are small: steering (4), structure (2), air bags (2), visibility (2) and electrical system (2)[10][11][12][13][14]. The two air bag complaints both mention a crash and an injury[12]. With counts this low, we do not call any of these a common problem.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[4][5][6]. Newest first:

The recall notices apply to "certain" or "some" vehicles, so ask a dealer to confirm the work on a specific car[4][5][6].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the Discovery Series II with the 4.0L 8-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic at 12 MPG city, 16 highway and 13 combined[8]. It needs premium fuel and has four-wheel or all-wheel drive[8]. EPA estimates the annual fuel cost at $6,300[8]. That estimate uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Engine and size

The EPA listing is for a 4.0L 8-cylinder engine[8]. Size comes from Transport Canada specifications, so treat these as Canadian-market numbers that can differ slightly from US models[15].

Measurement Value
Length[15] 185 in
Width[15] 74 in
Height[15] 76 in
Wheelbase[15] 100 in
Curb weight[15] 4,575 lb

How 2002 compares with other years

1995: 53 complaints, 4 recalls19951996: 75 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 37 complaints, 2 recalls19971998: 33 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 53 complaints, 8 recalls19992000: 70 complaints, 10 recalls2001: 44 complaints, 6 recalls20012002: 51 complaints, 3 recalls5120022003: 111 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 51 complaints, 1 recalls2015: 14 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 57 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 94 complaints, 5 recalls20172018: 59 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 60 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 32 complaints, 10 recalls2021: 15 complaints, 6 recalls20212022: 15 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 11 complaints, 7 recalls20232024: 8 complaints, 7 recalls2025: 6 complaints, 3 recalls20252026: 1 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Discovery model year. The 2002 is highlighted[7].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995534
1996753
1997372
1998331
1999538
20007010
2001446
2002513
20031113
2004511
2015142
2016572
2017945
2018595
2019604
20203210
2021156
2022156
2023117
202487
202563
202611

NHTSA data for the Discovery lists many model years. The 2002 model has 51 complaints and 3 recalls[7]. Complaint totals run from 1 in 2026 to 111 in 2003[7]. The 2004 model also has 51, and 9 model years have more complaints than 2002[7]. For recalls, 2000 and 2020 have the most with 10 each, and 1999 has 8[7]. 2002 has 3, and 12 other model years have more[7]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2002 Discovery?

The record shows a few areas to check closely. These are the engine cooling system, the front driveshaft and the ABS and brake system[2][3][9]. Ask for proof that all three recalls were done, since each one involves a fire, braking or throttle risk[4][5][6]. Expect high fuel costs, with EPA estimating $6,300 a year[8]. Complaint data cannot tell you how reliable one particular car is, so a careful inspection matters more than the averages.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Land Rover Discovery?
Engine is the largest complaint group with 20 of the 51 complaints, followed by power train with 13 and brakes with 8[1][2][3][9]. In a sample we read, owners describe coolant and overheating trouble, front driveshaft failures and ABS warning lights[2][3][9].
Does the 2002 Land Rover Discovery have recalls?
Yes, 3 are on file: ABS valve cover bolts (04V005), an ACE pump bolt that can leak fluid and cause a fire (04V006), and the accelerator cable (02V028)[4][5][6].
What is the gas mileage of a 2002 Land Rover Discovery?
EPA rates it at 12 city, 16 highway and 13 combined MPG on premium fuel[8].
Is the 2002 Discovery the worst year for complaints?
No. NHTSA lists 111 complaints for 2003, versus 51 for 2002[7].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 51 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery (6 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 20 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 13 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 04V005, filed January 6, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 04V006, filed January 6, 2004: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 02V028, filed January 23, 2002: Vehicle Speed Control. NHTSA recall database
  7. Owner complaints and recalls for every Land Rover Discovery model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  8. 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
  9. 8 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,395). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 4 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 2 complaints name the air bags component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 2 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 2 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DISCOVERY SERIES II 4DR SUV 4X4 SD/LE/SE: 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

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.