What are the most common problems on the Discovery 2?

Frequent issues include air-suspension failure, fuel pressure regulator leaks, and head-gasket faults on TD5 engines. Many owners also report rust on chassis rails and floor pans due to age and moisture exposure.

Can Discovery 2 parts fit the Discovery 1 or Discovery 3?

Only a few components overlap. Most Discovery 2 parts are model-specific, especially drivetrain, suspension, and electrical items. Always check part compatibility by VIN or part number before ordering.

What are the best upgrades for Discovery 2 owners?

Popular upgrades include heavy-duty air springs, stainless exhausts, upgraded TD5 intercoolers, and chassis repair sections. These enhance performance, durability, and value for long-term ownership.

What years was the Land Rover Discovery 2 produced?

The Discovery 2 was built from 1998 to 2004, marking a major evolution from the original model with improved refinement, suspension, and the introduction of the TD5 engine.

Genuine & Aftermarket Parts for Land Rover Discovery 2

6 Common Issues, & Reliable Parts for the Land Rover Discovery 2 (1998–2004)

The Land Rover Discovery 2 remains one of the most capable 4×4s ever built, a true workhorse combining rugged off-road ability with family-friendly comfort. However, with most models now approaching two decades old, owners often face recurring mechanical and structural issues that demand quality replacement parts. This section highlights the most frequent Discovery 2 faults, verified by community data and our own sales trends, and links them directly to the parts that keep these vehicles performing at their best.

1. Air-Suspension and Ride Height Problems

Rear air-suspension failure is one of the most widely reported Discovery 2 issues. Leaking air springs, aging compressors, and water ingress in the air-filter system can cause the vehicle to sag unevenly or lose height overnight. Our best-selling replacements: air springs, compressors, and height sensors ... match genuine specifications and are among the top-moved items in the Budget Parts database. Many owners also choose to replace rubber lines and fittings at the same time to prevent repeat leaks.

2. TD5 Engine Reliability and Gasket Issues

The TD5 diesel engine is robust but known for certain vulnerabilities, including head-gasket failure, dowel misalignment, and coolant loss. We’ve tracked high sales of gasket and seal kits (RTC3254, ERR3340, ERR6768) and oil filters (ERR3340R, ERR6299G) - confirming these as common service and repair needs. Preventative maintenance with OEM gasket sets and proper torque-spec installation helps reduce the risk of overheating or combustion leaks.

3. Fuel System Leaks and Pump Failures

Owners of diesel models frequently experience fuel pressure regulator leaks and in-tank pump failures. These issues often present as starting difficulties, diesel odor, or visible leaks at the back of the cylinder head. Our inventory data reflects strong movement in fuel pressure regulators (LR016318R) and sealing washers, as well as OEM in-tank pumps and connectors. Replacing the regulator assembly with a quality OEM unit ensures reliable fuel pressure and cleaner operation.

4. Drivetrain and Clutch Wear

Aging driveline components, particularly the clutch release system and prop-shaft joints - show up often in both owner forums and our sales logs. Top-moving Discovery 2 components include FTC5200 clutch bearings, FTC4822 drive-shaft seals, and ICV100000G transfer-box seals. Regular gearbox oil changes and the use of fresh output-shaft seals significantly extend the lifespan of these assemblies.

5. Cooling System Weak Points

The Discovery 2’s cooling circuit can suffer from corrosion and hose fatigue, especially in regions with hard water or long-interval coolant changes. Thermostat housings (PEM100990R) and coolant connectors (ERR6761) are among our most requested items. When refreshing the system, owners typically replace the water pump, viscous fan coupling, and all heater hoses to prevent cascading leaks.

6. General Rust and Chassis Fatigue

Although Discovery 2 models fare better than earlier generations, rust remains a threat, particularly on rear chassis rails, floor pans, and suspension mounts. We stock chassis repair sections, hardware kits, and anti-corrosion primers designed specifically for structural restoration. Combining these with new suspension bushes and shock absorbers gives the vehicle a noticeably firmer and safer ride.

Verified Sources and Community Data

Independent resources such as LandyZone’s D2 Faults List confirm these real-world problem areas. Our two-year sales analysis supports the same pattern- high demand for suspension, gasket, and fuel-system parts, proving that these issues aren’t theoretical but genuinely affect long-term owners.

Keeping Your Discovery 2 Reliable

With consistent maintenance and the right parts, a Discovery 2 can easily surpass 400 000 km. At Budget Parts, we offer both OEM and aftermarket alternatives sourced from trusted brands like Delphi, Britpart, and MAHLE. Whether you’re restoring a daily driver or preparing an off-road build, our range covers everything from air-suspension rebuild kits to TD5 service parts and chassis repair solutions.