IsItAGoodCar
UK Reliability Directory

Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)

Production Years: 1998 - 20044 Documented Faults

More refined than the Discovery 1 but carries specific TD5 engine risks and the notorious "Three Amigos" warning lights. Better built than its predecessor but still showing its age.

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Common Faults & Reliability

These are the most common documented problems for the Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318), sorted by their typical impact and frequency.

TD5 Head Gasket Failure

high severity

Early TD5 engines used plastic dowels to locate the cylinder head, which can break and allow the head to shift, causing gasket failure. Metal dowels are the fix.

Est. repair cost:£800–£2,000

TD5 Injector Harness Oil Migration

high severity

Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug connector, causing rough running, misfires and potential ECU damage.

Est. repair cost:£100–£500

Air Suspension and ACE System Failures

high severity

Self-levelling suspension (SLS) air bags perish and compressors fail. The ACE system leaks from corroded pipes, causing handling issues and expensive repairs.

Est. repair cost:£400–£2,000
View All 4 Documented Issues

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