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Land Rover Range RoverModel year report

2004 Land Rover Range Rover Problems

Complaints
51filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
73,000miles, 45 complaints with mileage
Recalls
1campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
12 mpgcombined, 4.4L 8-cyl 4WD/AWD · 11 city / 15 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe front differential or driveshaft failures that cut drive suddenly, sometimes with a message to shift into neutral. Steering wheel or column failures, where the wheel drops toward the driver's lap, along with transmission warnings and air suspension problems, are the next most common complaints. Complaints for this model year are described as trending down.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    Front differential or driveshaft failure

    • 22 complaints (43%)
    • median 55,000 mi at 4.7 yrs old (20 state mileage)
    • filed 2008–2016

    Owners describe the front differential or front driveshaft failing with little or no warning, cutting drive to the wheels or stopping acceleration. Some describe a message telling them to put the vehicle in neutral, after which it could not be shifted back into gear or park. Some describe splines shearing off or repeat failures after replacement, and some say the failure followed recall work. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 43,000 to about 112,000 miles, and several happened while driving at highway speeds or pulling away from a stop.

    Recall 08V6350002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the front differential and propeller shaft recall work (campaign 08V635000) was completed, and request the dealer records. During a test drive, check for grinding, cracking, or thumping from the front end and for any loss of drive when pulling away.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 2004 Range Rover and my brother has a 2003. I just had my car towed today to Land Rover to fix a diff problem that obviously most 2002-2005 models have and Land Rover wants to do nothing about it! Mine has 64k on it and my brothers had 58k on it. Total bs that it breaks like that so quickly if at all. These are 78k trucks brand new. Totally unacceptable!”

    NHTSA complaint #10235713, filed 2008-07, 64,503 miles

    “I was driving at about 75 miles/hr on the interstate when my car made a loud noise and completely stopped accelerating. I was almost rearended trying to get out of the road. I was told that my by the Range Rover dealership that my front differential failed. I could have been killed and I was barely able to get of the road.”

    NHTSA complaint #10227018, filed 2008-05, 49,406 miles
  2. Steering

    Steering wheel or column failure, wheel drops toward lap

    • 6 complaints (12%)
    • median 100,000 mi at 10.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2015

    Owners describe the steering wheel dropping toward the lap while driving, sometimes after the tilt or column lock failed, leaving drivers struggling to steer and brake. Some complaints say a worn plastic gear, a failed tilt mechanism, or a fractured wheel was found, and that the column or wheel needed replacement. Some owners say the vehicle was not repaired, and some say they were still waiting on the manufacturer. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 11,000 to about 146,000 miles, and some happened at about 25 mph during normal driving.

    5 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the steering column was replaced or inspected for tilt and lock mechanism faults, and request the repair records. During a test drive, check that the tilt and telescope adjustments lock securely and that the wheel stays in position.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Steering column failure, the wheel dropped onto my lap as I was driving. Almost lost control. Very scary, I had to hold wheel up which has full range of un/down motion, while trying to get to the side of the road. There was a failure of the steering wheel tilt mechanism. I disconnected the wheel tilt drive motor and rigged the wheel so it could be driven home.”

    NHTSA complaint #10678641, filed 2015-01, 140,000 miles

    “Grand-daughter was driving my Range Rover. While driving the steering wheel dropped down into her lap. Was able to brake and slowly turn wheel to pull off road. Steering column would telescope but not raise/lower. Turned vehicle off, restarted, kept trying adjustment lever until finally column retracted then raised to normal position.”

    NHTSA complaint #10731114, filed 2015-06, 146,000 miles
  3. Transmission and drivetrain

    Transmission warnings, limp mode, or unexpected downshifts

    • 9 complaints (18%)
    • median 56,000 mi at 5.9 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2008–2023

    Owners describe a transmission warning such as 'trans prog error' or 'failed trans program', followed by sudden shifts into limp mode with a thud or a loss of power. Some complaints describe unexpected downshifts or jerks without warning, including a surge forward followed by rolling backward, and in some cases a complete loss of forward movement. Some owners say the transmission was replaced after repeated visits, and some say the dealer first called it a sensor issue. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 24,000 to about 154,000 miles, and some happened in traffic or at highway speeds.

    What to check: Ask whether any transmission program or sensor repairs were done, and request the dealer records showing the diagnosis. During a test drive, check for warning messages, sudden downshifts, and jerks when accelerating from a stop.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I purchased a new 2004 hse Range Rover along with a warranty extension for 100,000 miles. During the second year of ownership, the failed trans. Program warning started to appear, the car would suddenly shift into limp mode (2nd gear) with a loud thud. Each time I took it to the dealership (3 different dealers) I was told it was just a sensor. Nothing to worry about. I have taken it in for repair for this issue more than 8 times, my warranty just expired, and now I am told that I need a new transmission. I am livid.”

    NHTSA complaint #10225805, filed 2008-04, 24,000 miles

    “It started about 2 months ago after I brought my car in for a recall issue I received in the mail regarding the differentials and front drive shaft. I figure it was a good idea to have it fixed as a preventable measure. Shortly after (about 2 weeks) I started noticing trans prog error appear on my dashboard display but it would disappear and reappear and figure if the light does not stay on it should not be an issue. Than my car one day while driving on the fast lane of the highway just lost power and displayed to put car in neutral. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10283587, filed 2009-09, 67,000 miles
  4. Suspension

    Air suspension failure or uneven ride height

    • 5 complaints (10%)
    • median 74,670 mi at 8.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2009–2014

    Owners describe air suspension problems, including a front air spring that ruptured, the front of the vehicle rising or sagging on its own, and warnings that the air suspension is inactive. Some complaints say a ruptured front spring affected handling while cornering, and that the anti-lock brakes were deactivated when the air system failed. Some owners report front-end noise over bumps or turns, and some say the front lower arm, strut, and ball joint were replaced without fixing the sound. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 61,000 to about 75,000 miles, and some describe the ride height changing while parked or sitting in traffic.

    3 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the front air spring or other air suspension parts have been replaced, and whether the ride height sensors were checked. During a test drive, check whether the front end rises or the air suspension warning appears after startup.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driving at 35 MPH on a slightly slope blvd. The 2004 Range Rover experience a sudden lack of control by driver. Immediately felt Range Rover weave slightly out of control and rear end dipping downward. The driver had to react quickly to compensate and regain control to continue driving safely. Immediately contacted (other-foreign) repair shop and drove 5 minutes to shop. Shop ase tech diagnosis problem as ABS control module failed. Reason for spontaneous air suspension lifts to vehicle when sitting in traffic. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10501000, filed 2013-03, 73,956 miles

    “Suspension: sound coming from the front end suspension when making turns at low speeds. It's happens mostly when slowing down to pull into a parking lot or when you hit a bump or go over railroad tracks. Had lower control arm, lower strut and lower ball joint to try fix problem but not the case still having issue. Suspension: front/rear imbalance the eas will intermittently raise the front of the car and not the rear. Could be parked-I get in and start and it will pop up-leaving the rear down so the car appears to squat . …”

    NHTSA complaint #10291975, filed 2009-11

Buying note. When considering this model year, ask for proof that the front differential and propeller shaft recall work was completed, and request records of any steering column or air suspension repairs. During a test drive, check for grinding or thumping at the front end and for any transmission or suspension warning messages.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover. 45 of the complaints include a mileage, and 22% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 73,000 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 54 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Lane departure (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “Failure of front differential of 2004 Range Rover. These failures are chronic and due to a design failure, but Land Rover has done nothing to correct the problem. I've asked my local dealer to replace the front end as an 'extended warranty' but have not heard if they will. If not, its a $5,000 repair item.”

NHTSA complaint #10223593, filed 2008-04, 53,000 miles

Steering: “I notice when I am driving anytime I brake my car veers to the left and I almost crashed two times because of this my car is properly aligned and it has brand new brakes and rotors that's the reason I changed them because I thought that maybe the brakes or rotors were bad but the problem is still present so I would like to know if there has been any recalls on my particular vehicle because this is a very frustrating and dangerous problem I would very much appreciate it if someone please helped me out and contacted me as soon as possible thank you and have a great day :)”

NHTSA complaint #10594458, filed 2014-05, 111,375 miles

Engine cooling: “I purchased a 2004 Range Rover on the evening of 05/12/11 from momentum Land Rover in texas. On the morning of 05/13/11 the car began to over heat and stopped. Took it back to the dealer and they claimed that the wrong type of coolant was placed in the car. Mind you, that I did not service the car within the 10 hours I drove off the lot. The car was in the shop for 4 days. Picked the car up and two days later the same thing occurred. It over heated and stopped. This time the dealer st that the thermostat needed replacing. The car was there for 15 days. …”

NHTSA complaint #10405815, filed 2011-06, 75,801 miles

Suspension: “Bought this vehicle for wife brand new for $80,000. First 38,000 miles best car ever owned. Then the landslide began. First bad vibration front end we pay $1,300 for wheel bearings. The transmission cooler rusted out. Our fault salty roads $1,100.00 next the radiator goes $1,800 on us. By now 72,000 miles on it. Keep in mind my wife only uses to goto grocery store and pick kids up from school. God forbid we ever took it off road or thru the plains of africa. Now the biggy starts engine surging for no reason, vibration in steering wheel. Yes tires are new and balanced. …”

NHTSA complaint #10459968, filed 2012-05, 64,356 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

22% of the 45 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 54,000 and 100,000 miles.

0%0–107%10–2516%25–5031%50–7520%75–10022%100–1504%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (45 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 73,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

16200920112013201520192023
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2004 Land Rover Range Rover version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Range Rover 4WD/AWD4.4L 8-cyl5-speed automatic111512$6,850

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 54 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 54 bulletins →

Other model years of the Land Rover Range Rover

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
202593,3005—23—Too new
20241021,00010—20—Too new
20232217,00011———Too new
20211237,0005—18—Not enough data
2020279505—1853 · TypicalRising
20191517,0003—18—Rising
2018284,7504—1843 · TypicalStable
20176253,0008—1653 · TypicalRising
20167961,00013—1948 · TypicalRising
20157170,0008—1952 · TypicalRising
20144232,00010—1954 · TypicalRising
20132640,5006—1635 · FewerFalling
20122051,9064—15—Falling
20111588,9363—15—Rising
20101475,0005—14—Not enough data
20095111,3034—14—Not enough data
20083098,5003—140 · FewerFalling
20071472,9533—14—Not enough data
20065391,8362—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20053560,0201—12Not compared (before 2008)Stable
20045173,0001—12Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20039766,0521—13Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20021472,7300—12—Not enough data
2001780,0001—13—Not enough data
20002679,5003—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19992992,5905—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19982478,5003—13—Stable
199721100,0003—13—Stable
199635152,0003—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19952579,6507—13Not compared (before 2008)Stable
199410110,0000—13—Not enough data
1993893,0000—12—Not enough data
19926151,0000—13—Not enough data
199013—3—13—Not enough data
19895213,0001—12—Not enough data

All Land Rover Range Rover model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover?

Owners of this model year most often describe front differential or driveshaft failures that cut drive suddenly, sometimes with a message to shift into neutral. The issues reported most often: Front differential or driveshaft failure; Steering wheel or column failure, wheel drops toward lap; Transmission warnings, limp mode, or unexpected downshifts.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover have?

NHTSA recorded 51 consumer complaints for the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 25 complaints (49% of the total), followed by steering with 8.

Has the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover been recalled?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover get?

The EPA rates the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover (Range Rover, 4.4L 8-cyl) at 12 mpg combined, 11 city and 15 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $6,850 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Land Rover Range Rover reported?

Among the 45 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 73,000 miles and the middle half falls between 54,000 and 100,000 miles; 22% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.