2015 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Overheating without obvious cause, Misfire codes, rough idle, loss of power

Fix: The 5.0L AJ-V8 can develop hairline cracks between coolant passages and cylinders, or fail head gaskets, leading to coolant mixing with oil. Once bearings are damaged, you're looking at short block replacement or full engine rebuild. Expect 24-35 hours labor for short block swap, more for full rebuild with machine work.

Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Milky or strawberry-colored transmission fluid, Engine coolant level dropping, Transmission overheating warnings on dash

Fix: The internal transmission cooler inside the radiator can fail, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the transmission if not caught early. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission flush or rebuild if contamination occurred, and all cooler lines flushed. If trans is damaged, add 18-22 hours for rebuild or replacement.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (cooler only), $5,500-8,500 (with transmission rebuild)

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, especially after sitting overnight, Suspension fault warnings on dash, Compressor running constantly or making loud groaning noise, Inability to raise or lower ride height

Fix: Air struts leak at the rubber bellows, and the compressor wears out from overwork trying to maintain pressure. Each strut is 2-3 hours labor; compressor is about 3-4 hours. Many owners do all four struts plus compressor and dryer as a complete system overhaul to avoid repeat failures.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400 per strut, $1,200-1,800 for compressor, $4,500-7,000 for full system

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Rattling or slapping noise from engine on cold start that fades after warmup, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Metal shavings in oil during oil change

Fix: The plastic timing chain guides wear and tensioners lose pressure over time, especially if oil changes are extended. If chains jump time, valves meet pistons. Preventive replacement of guides, tensioners, and chains requires removing front of engine. Book time is 18-24 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000

Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant puddles under vehicle, typically on passenger side, Sweet smell from engine bay, Low coolant warning light, Overheating if leak is severe

Fix: Water pump seals fail and plastic thermostat housings crack. These are not terrible jobs on the 5.0L V8 compared to supercharged variants—water pump is about 4-5 hours, thermostat housing 2-3 hours. Replace both together with hoses and a full coolant flush.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200

Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive drivetrain vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging of transmission if inspected on lift

Fix: The rubber transmission mounts deteriorate and allow excessive movement. Replacement is straightforward—support trans with jack, unbolt old mount, bolt in new. About 1.5-2 hours labor per mount.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Check engine light with EVAP system leak codes (P0455, P0442), Fuel smell around vehicle, Hard starting or loss of power under load, Rough idle or hesitation

Fix: Fuel filler necks crack, EVAP purge valves stick, and in-tank fuel filters clog with sediment. Fuel filter replacement requires dropping the tank (4-5 hours). EVAP leaks require smoke testing to locate; common culprits are neck seal and charcoal canister valve.

Estimated cost: $600-1,500