Recalls: Land Rover L318 Discovery II
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Land Rover L318 Discovery II
1998-99 Land Rover L318 Discovery II: ABS malfunction
In September 1999, a recall was issued for Land Rover L318 Discovery II models manufactured from 1 May 1998 and 18 June 1999. In these vehicles, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) could give the feeling of the vehicle self-braking under normal driving conditions with no application of the brake pedal following normal brake pedal operation, caused by the electrical contacts sticking momentarily (PRA 1999/4093). The affected vehicles were in the VIN ranges:
- XA200000 to XA227449; and,
- XA900000 to XA907212.
1999 Land Rover L318 Discovery II: ACE fluid leak #1
In February 2000, a recall was issued for certain Land Rover L318 Discovery II models fitted with Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) and manufactured from July 1999 to December 1999. In these vehicles, the high pressure hydraulic pipe may fracture at its union with the pump, resulting in a loss of hydraulic fluid; if sufficient fluid was expelled into the engine bay and an ignition source was present, the fluid could ignite. The recalled vehicles had serial numbers in the range YA233202 to YA258267 (PRA 2000/4244).
Land Rover L318 Discovery II: ACE fluid leak #2
In April 2001, a recall was issued for Discovery II vehicles fitted with the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system. In these vehicles, the high pressure hose for the ACE system may fracture and leak fluid due to the absence of an attenuator spring within the hose assembly (PRA 2001/4719).
Land Rover L318 Discovery II: ACE fluid leak #3
In March 2004, a recall was issued for L318 Discovery II models fitted with the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) system. In these vehicles, the ACE pump banjo bolt may loosen due to insufficient torque at manufacture, enabling fluid to leak past the joint (PRA 2004/6876).
Land Rover L318 Discovery II TD5 with manual transmission: flywheel failure
In June 2000, a recall was issued for certain Land Rover L318 Discovery II Td5 variants fitted with manual transmissions as high energy inputs into the clutch and flywheel could lead to structural failure of the flywheel assembly. This would result in a loss of drive and, in extreme conditions, the flywheel could fragment and cause extensive damage to the clutch housing (PRA 2000/4372). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- SA145775 to YA181042;
- XA200000 to YA244547; and,
- XA900000 to XA907209.
1998-00 Land Rover L318 Discovery II V8: loss of power steering
In June 2000, a recall was issued for certain Land Rover L318 Discovery II vehicles with V8 engines that were manufactured between 27 August 1998 and 3 April 2000. In these vehicles the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE), air conditioning and power steering applied additional loading to the idler pulley; this could cause the pulley to fail, resulting in drive belt damage and a loss of power assisted steering and electrical charging (PRA 2000/4373). The affected vehicles had serial numbers in the following ranges:
- XA200611 to XA900000; and,
- YA277051 to XA907212
1998-00 Land Rover L318 Discovery II: park brake failure
In May 2001, a recall was issued for Discovery II vehicles that were manufactured between June 1998 and December 2000. In these vehicles, water could enter the automatic gearbox breather pipe and cause the park lock function to corrode and become inoperative. As a result, the vehicle could roll away (PRA 2001/4727).
1998-01 model year Land Rover L318 Discovery II: incorrect wheel speed signal
In April 2002, a recall was issued for Land Rover L318 Discovery II V8 and Td5 variants produced from model year 1998 to model year 2001. For these vehicles, the wheel speed sensor for the ABS could be deceived by metallic debris and transmit an incorrect wheel speed signal (PRA 2002/5304).
1998-02 Land Rover L318 Discovery II: damaged throttle cable
In April 2002, a recall was issued for L318 Discovery II vehicles manufactured from 1998 to 2002 due to a potentially damaged throttle cable during manufacture. This could cause the inner throttle cable to rub, causing individual cable strands to break (PRA 2002/5305).
1998-02 model year Land Rover L318 Discovery II: park brake malfunction
In April 2002, a recall was issued for L318 Discovery II V8 and Td5 variants with manual transmissions produced from model year 1998 to model year 2002. In these vehicles, the handbrake application may vary by up to two clicks between successive applications and the adjuster wedge in the back plate may misalign, changing the brake shoes’ required travel (PRA 2002/5306).
1999-04 model year Land Rover L318 Discovery II: longer brake pedal travel
In March 2004, a recall was issued for Land Rover L318 Discovery II models produced from model year 1999 to 2004. After use of the traction control system in off road conditions, these vehicles may exhibit longer brake pedal travel and require greater braking effort (PRA 2004/6875).
2003 model year Land Rover L318 Discovery II V8: sticking throttle
In March 2004, a recall was issued for model year 2003 Land Rover L318 Discovery II vehicles fitted with the V8 petrol engine. The affected vehicles could experience intermittent throttle sticking, resulting in higher engine speeds than expected (PRA 2004/6877).
2001-04 model year Land Rover L318 Discovery II Td5: potential fuel leak
In August 2004, a recall was issued for L318 Discovery II Td5 variants produced from model year 2001 to model year 2004 and in the VIN range LT736101 to LT865281. In these vehicles, the rear fuel line had the potential to chafe against the ABS/water sensor harness and fuel pump harness. Prolonged chafing could result in a fuel leak from the main fuel feed line; this could cause the vehicle to fail to start (PRA 2004/7191).
Problems and faults: Land Rover L318 Discovery II
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Land L318 Rover Discovery II Td5: radiator top coolant hose leak
In January 2004, Land Rover issued technical bulletin 0015 (L8895bu) for Land Rover Discovery II TD5 vehicles fitted with the Active Cornering Enhancement (ACE) systems and from VIN XA 200412 onwards. In these vehicles, the top coolant hose to the radiator may leak because of chafing against the ACE high-pressure hose – this could occur because the foam protector that covered the ACE hose crimp could wear through, allowing the crimp to contact the top coolant hose. The resultant abrasion could damage the coolant hose. To fix, the radiator top coolant hose was to be replaced and secured with a clip spacer; the foam protector for the ACE high pressure hose could be removed.
Land L318 Rover Discovery II Td5: poor starting/noisy fuel pump
In October 2004, Land Rover issued technical bulletin LT310-001 for Land Rover Discovery II Td5 vehicles with VINs in the range 4A 833457-4A 838204. These vehicles may experience difficulty starting and/or a noisy fuel pump, particularly after the vehicle has not been used for several hours; the affected vehicles were typically low mileage. According to the service bulletin, the O-ring seal on the fuel filter air bleed valve may split, allowing air into the fuel system. To fix, the fuel return pipe was to be removed from the fuel filter. If the O-ring was damaged, it was to be replaced.
Land L318 Rover Discovery II V8: engine oil leak
In June 2004, Land Rover issued technical bulletin 0035 (L8927bu) for Land Rover Discovery II vehicles with V8 engine that had VINs in the range 3A 767790 to 4A 851115. In these vehicles, an oil leak path could develop down the threads of the sump front fixings. As part of the rectification procedure, sealant was to be applied to the threads.
2003 Land Rover Discovery II 4.6L V8: oil pump failure
In March 2003, Land Rover issued Technical Alert TA031201 for 2003 Land Rover Discovery II vehicles that had 4.6-litre V8 engines and serial numbers in the range 3A771801 to 3A808362. According to the Technical Alert, these vehicles may experience oil pump failures due to a manufacturing error. Specifically, locating dowel pins in the engine block may have been slightly misaligned – this could place stress on the oil pump housing, leading to leakage or failure.
If the oil pump failed on these vehicles, the only effective repair was to completely replace the engine assembly, including the front cover/oil pump.
Problems and faults: Land Rover L318 Discovery II
- For Land Rover L318 Discovery II models fitted with the 4.0-litre V8 engine, insufficiently tightened clamps may cause coolant to leak onto the intake manifold.
- The 4.0-litre V8 engine may develop carbon build-up on the exhaust valve stems, causing intermittent missing or staggering of the engine (usually on long drives and at high speed).
- The idler pulleys on the belt drive can become noisy and, in extreme cases, come apart.
- The rocker shafts are prone to failure, resulting in engine raps as the steel cup comes loose inside its aluminium cover.
- Water may enter the passenger compartment during heavy rain or car washes due to plugged drain holes in the fresh air intake plenum.
- Where fitted, the sunroof may jam and require the assemblies (front and/or rear) to be replaced.
- The rear-window glass may fracture from stress caused by the centre high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) housing.
