IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2004 Rover 75

The 2004 facelift brought revised front and rear styling, improved interior trim quality, and the introduction of the 2.0 CDTi diesel with 131hp (up from 116hp). The range was rationalised, and build quality improved under MG Rover's stewardship, though the company's financial troubles were mounting.

What changed for 2004

  • •Front and rear styling refresh
  • •2.0 CDTi diesel introduced with 131hp
  • •Improved interior trim quality
  • •Revised grille and light clusters

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Plenum chamber drains still require regular cleaning
  • !Check for rust on rear arches and sills on high-mileage examples
4
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2004 period has 3 more issues than the Rover 75 average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

ECU Flooding (Blocked Drains)

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

The plenum chamber below the windscreen has small drain holes that block with leaves. Water then rises and submerges the engine ECU.

Estimated cost: £400–£800Affects: 1999–2005Often appears around: Maintenance-dependent

Typical symptoms

  • •Car cuts out unexpectedly
  • •Refusal to start
  • •Random dashboard warning lights

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Reach into the plenum chamber and feel for water
  • ✓Ensure the rubber drain tubes are clear or have been modified

Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The slave cylinder is located inside the gearbox bellhousing (concentric slave). When it leaks, the gearbox must be removed to replace it.

Estimated cost: £600–£900Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Low clutch pedal
  • •Difficulty engaging gears
  • •Fluid leaks under the gearbox

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check the master cylinder level (behind the clutch pedal)
  • ✓Ask when the clutch and slave were last replaced

KV6 Plastic Thermostat Housing Leak

SeriousCooling System

The thermostat housing sits in the "V" of the engine and is made of plastic. It becomes brittle and cracks, leaking coolant invisibly.

Estimated cost: £200–£350Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Coolant loss with no visible leaks
  • •Sweet smell of antifreeze after a drive

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Look for pink/orange staining in the engine "V" using a torch

KV6 VIS Motor Failure

ModerateEngine

The 2.0 and 2.5 V6 engines use "Variable Intake System" motors. The internal plastic cogs or the motors themselves fail.

Estimated cost: £150–£400Affects: 1999–2005

Typical symptoms

  • •Lack of power at high revs
  • •Rattling "bag of marbles" sound from the intake manifold
  • •Poor fuel economy

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for rattling from the plastic manifold
  • ✓Use a specialized VIS tester if available

Buying Tips for the 2004 Rover 75

  • ✓Facelift cars look more modern and have the improved CDTi diesel
  • ✓The 2.0 CDTi is the pick for long-distance reliability
  • ✓Check service history carefully—MG Rover's final years saw inconsistent dealer support
2003 Rover 752005 Rover 75

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Other Rover 75 Year Periods

19992000–20012002200320042005

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