2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Chassis rust or damage4.9× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  17.6% All 2004 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  25.1% All 2004 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.4% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  9.7% All 2004 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.8% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Transmission oil leaks3.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  5.5% All 2004 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Drag link end11.7× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  3.5% All 2004 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Common 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Brakes
  28% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Rust and bodywork
  24% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Tyres
  17% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Known faults on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Air suspension leaks and faults

  All engines

  The air suspension can leak or suffer electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Make sure it rises and lowers through every height and sits level at all four corners, including after standing.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Crankshaft failure (2.7 TDV6)

  2.7 TDV6 diesel

  The 2.7 V6 diesel's crankshaft can snap. It's very rare but very expensive, and can't be predicted.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full oil-change history. Regular oil changes matter on this engine.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Fuel leak recalls

  All engines

  There were 11 recalls on this Discovery, including five for fuel leaks (mainly on pre-2007 cars), plus seatbelt buckle and brake servo recalls.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg and ask for proof the work was done.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Electronic parking brake not holding

  All engines

  The electronic parking brake can fail to hold the car.

  At the viewing: Apply the parking brake on a slope and check it holds firmly.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

• Air con and interior electrics

  All engines

  Air con sensors, compressors and pipes give trouble. Central locking, electric windows and the rear wiper also commonly fail.

  At the viewing: Test the air con and every window, lock and wiper.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide, What Car?: Land Rover Discovery advice

• Wear from towing and off-roading

  All engines

  Hard towing and off-road use can lead to oil leaks and engine or gearbox noises.

  At the viewing: Look for a tow bar, underbody scrapes and oil leaks, and listen for drivetrain noises.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Land Rover Discovery 3 buying guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has any air suspension work been done, and does it sag overnight?
2. Can I see the service history with every oil change?
3. Has all the recall work been done, and can I see the paperwork?
4. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2004 Land Rover Discovery diesel as on other cars the same age.)