IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1998 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)

The Discovery 2 looked similar to its predecessor but was entirely re-engineered. It introduced sophisticated (and sometimes problematic) technology like Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) and rear air suspension.

What changed for 1998

  • •Launch of the completely re-engineered Discovery 2.
  • •Introduction of the Td5 five-cylinder diesel engine and advanced chassis electronics.

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Corrosion on the rear half of the chassis, which can fail MOTs entirely.
  • !Leaks from the ACE system and failure of the rear air suspension bags.
4
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

TD5 Head Gasket Failure

SeriousEngine

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
Warning Signs:

Overheating, White exhaust smoke, Coolant loss, Mayonnaise under oil cap

What to Inspect:
  • Service history for head gasket replacement
  • Metal vs plastic dowels
  • Coolant condition
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

TD5 Injector Harness Oil Migration

SeriousEngine

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
Warning Signs:

Rough idle, Misfires, Hard starting, Engine cutting out

What to Inspect:
  • Oil in ECU red plug
  • Injector harness condition
  • Injector seal condition
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Air Suspension and ACE System Failures

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

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
Warning Signs:

Vehicle sagging, ACE warning light, Fluid leaks underneath, Compressor running constantly

What to Inspect:
  • Air bag condition
  • ACE pipe condition
  • Compressor operation
  • Ride height sensors
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Three Amigos (ABS/TC/ HDC Warnings)

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Descent Control warning lights illuminate together. Usually caused by ABS sensor failures but can indicate more expensive 4WD system issues.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£800
Warning Signs:

Three warning lights on together, Loss of traction control, HDC inoperative

What to Inspect:
  • ABS sensor condition
  • Fault codes
  • Brake pedal switch
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 1998 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)

  • ✓Inspect the rear chassis rails meticulously; rust here is a major and expensive failure point.
  • ✓Check the engine wiring harness at the ECU for oil contamination, a known Td5 issue.
1999–2002
Check a 1998 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318) by Registration