IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
1998–2002 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 1998–2002 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318). 3 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
3
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

The 1998–2002 period has 2 more issues than the Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318) average across all year periods.

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.

Most affected: TD5 diesel

Estimated cost: £800–£2,000Affects: 1998–2002Often appears around: 80,000–120,000 miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Service history for head gasket replacement
  • ✓Metal vs plastic dowels
  • ✓Coolant condition

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.

Most affected: TD5 diesel

Estimated cost: £100–£500Affects: 1998–2004Often appears around: 60,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Rough idle
  • •Misfires
  • •Hard starting
  • •Engine cutting out

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Oil in ECU red plug
  • ✓Injector harness condition
  • ✓Injector seal condition

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.

Most affected: All models with air suspension/ACE

Estimated cost: £400–£2,000Affects: 1998–2004Often appears around: 60,000–100,000 miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Air bag condition
  • ✓ACE pipe condition
  • ✓Compressor operation
  • ✓Ride height sensors

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.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £100–£800Affects: 1998–2004Often appears around: 50,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

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

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓ABS sensor condition
  • ✓Fault codes
  • ✓Brake pedal switch

Buying Tips for the 1998 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)

  • ✓On TD5 models, check for oil in the injector wiring loom - a very common and cheap fix if caught early
  • ✓The head gasket is a known failure on early TD5s with plastic dowels; look for metal dowel replacements
  • ✓ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) pipes leak and are expensive; some owners delete the system entirely
  • ✓Check the chassis carefully for rot, especially around towbar mounting points
2003–2004 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)

Browse 1998–2002 Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318) in our Directory

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Other Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318) Year Periods

1998–20022003–2004

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