2002 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Sudden loss of coolant with no external leaks, White smoke from exhaust, sweet smell, Coolant mixing with oil (milky dipstick), Misfires on specific cylinders, rough idle, Overheating despite new thermostat and water pump

Fix: The Rover V8 uses thin-wall aluminum block with pressed-in cylinder liners that become porous or slip when overheated. Fix requires complete engine rebuild with new liners properly torque-plated and sealed, or short block replacement. 25-35 labor hours for full rebuild, 18-22 hours for short block swap.

Estimated cost: $4,500-8,000

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Persistent overheating even after cooling system service, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Bubbles in coolant reservoir when engine running, Exhaust gases detected in cooling system, Oil contamination in coolant or vice versa

Fix: Often caused by overheating from failed cooling components or slipped liners putting stress on gaskets. Both heads must come off—this is when you discover liner issues if present. Includes machining heads if warped. 16-20 labor hours plus machine work.

Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Temperature gauge climbing toward red, especially in traffic, Coolant leaks from water pump weep hole, Upper radiator hose collapsing when hot, Heater blowing cold intermittently, Radiator end tanks cracking and leaking

Fix: The plastic-tanked radiator fails, then water pump goes, then thermostat housing cracks, leading to overheating that causes the catastrophic engine damage above. Smart owners replace all cooling components proactively: radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, expansion tank. 6-8 labor hours for comprehensive service.

Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800

Typical onset: Any mileage (corrosion-driven)

Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under engine bay, Low transmission fluid level on dipstick, Harsh or delayed shifts, Transmission overheating warning (if equipped), Pink fluid leaking near radiator

Fix: The steel cooler lines rust through where they run along the frame rails or at the fittings. Requires replacement of hard lines and sometimes flexible hoses. Line routing is tight in places. 3-5 labor hours depending on which lines fail.

Estimated cost: $500-900

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Loud clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive driveline vibration under acceleration, Visible transmission sag when inspecting from underneath, Shifter feels loose or imprecise

Fix: The rubber transmission crossmember mount deteriorates, letting the transmission drop and stressing the driveshaft and transfer case. Requires lift to access. Replace both transmission and transfer case mounts while you're there. 2-3 labor hours.

Estimated cost: $400-650

Typical onset: Any mileage

Symptoms: ACE warning light on dash, Hydraulic fluid leak under vehicle, Increased body roll in turns, Whining noise from ACE pump, Hard steering or moaning when turning (pump struggling)

Fix: The hydraulic anti-roll system shares fluid with power steering and develops leaks at rams or lines. ACE pump failures are expensive. Many owners delete the system entirely and install solid sway bar links. Repair: 4-6 hours for pump or rams. Delete kit: 2-3 hours.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800 repair, $400-600 delete

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Vehicle sagging at one corner or completely, Suspension warning light illuminated, Compressor running constantly, Loud compressor cycling every few minutes, Inability to raise suspension for off-road mode

Fix: Air springs crack and leak, forcing compressor to run continuously until it burns out. Compressor replacement: 3-4 hours. Air spring replacement: 2 hours per corner. Many owners convert to coil springs (6-8 hours for full conversion).

Estimated cost: $600-1,200 per bag, $800-1,400 compressor, $1,200-1,800 coil conversion