This article is concerned with the reliable output tracking control problem for a class of two‐dimensional (2‐D) discrete systems with actuator faults. The systems are described by the well‐known Roesser model. The aim of the problem addressed is to design a reliable controller such that the output of the 2‐D discrete systems tracks the output of a given reference model well in the sense. By resorting to a Lyapunov function and some zero equations, a new criterion on tracking performance analysis is presented. This criterion is then applied to design the tracking controller, for both cases known and unknown actuator failures. Finally, two examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.