Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2002 Land Rover Discovery
NHTSA data on file today
try.vin couldn't confirm NHTSA's recall list for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery, so this page doesn't state a recall count — check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for current campaigns. 17 owner complaints are on file.
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 6 complaints
- Power Train 4 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 2 complaints
- Visibility 2 complaints
- Air Bags 1 complaint
- Electrical System 1 complaint
Of the 17 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 3 a fire; across all 17 complaints, owners report 2 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Below average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $9,000–$15,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2002 Land Rover Discovery struggles with multiple mechanical issues, particularly in the engine and power train areas. Frequent complaints and a lack of recalls addressing these concerns contribute to a below-average reliability rating.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| engine | 80,000–120,000 miles | $1,500–$4,000 | very common |
| transmission | 90,000–130,000 miles | $2,000–$5,000 | common |
| cooling system | 70,000–110,000 miles | $600–$1,200 | common |
| air conditioning system | 80,000–120,000 miles | $800–$1,500 | occasional |
| brakes | 70,000–100,000 miles | $300–$800 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change every 5,000 miles
- Replace brake pads every 30,000 miles
- Transmission fluid change at 60,000 miles
- Cooling system check annually
- Replace timing belt at 90,000 miles
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Engine overheating or coolant leaks
- Transmission slipping or rough shifts
- Unusual engine noises
- Air conditioning failure
- Warning lights on dashboard
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2002 Land Rover Discovery at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.