2002 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER

Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no external leaks, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Overheating under load, Rough idle and misfires, Coolant in oil (milky dipstick), Loss of compression in one or more cylinders

Fix: The M62 V8 suffers from Nikasil-coated aluminum block liner failure where the thin liners slip down into the crankcase. Only real fix is complete engine replacement or short block swap with top-end rebuild. Expect 25-35 labor hours for complete engine R&R plus machine work if attempting liner repair (rarely successful long-term). Most shops recommend sourced replacement engine.

Estimated cost: $6,000-12,000

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant loss, Overheating, Rough running, Steam from exhaust, Oil and coolant cross-contamination

Fix: Often occurs after chronic overheating from cooling system neglect or as precursor to liner issues. Both head gaskets require removal of intake manifolds, valley pan, and extensive ancillaries on this transverse-mount V8. 16-22 labor hours if heads don't need machining. Problem: by the time heads are off, you often discover the liner problem too.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking near radiator, Sudden transmission fluid loss, Harsh or slipping shifts, Pink coolant or milky transmission fluid (internal cooler failure), Transmission overheating warning

Fix: The external cooler lines rust through or the internal radiator-mounted cooler fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. External line replacement is 2-3 hours; internal cooler failure requires radiator replacement and complete transmission fluid flush (8-12 hours total to prevent valve body damage). If fluids mixed significantly, expect transmission rebuild within 5,000 miles.

Estimated cost: $400-1,200 (lines only) / $2,500-4,500 (with radiator and flush)

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Vehicle sagging at one corner or entire side, Suspension won't rise after startup, Compressor runs constantly, Warning light and 'suspension fault' message, Harsh ride quality

Fix: Air springs crack and leak, compressor overworks and burns out. Common to replace all four bags preventively when one fails (6-8 hours labor). Compressor replacement adds another 3-4 hours. Many owners convert to coil springs ($1,200-1,800 parts/labor) to eliminate the system permanently.

Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500 (full air system rebuild) / $1,200-1,800 (coil conversion)

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive vibration at idle, Driveline shudder on acceleration, Visible transmission sag

Fix: The heavy ZF 4HP24 transmission destroys its rubber mounts, especially if engine mounts are also worn. Replacing transmission mount requires supporting transmission and is often done with engine mounts simultaneously. 4-6 hours labor for both engine and trans mounts.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: ABS and traction control warning lights, Loss of ABS function, Spongy or hard brake pedal, Brake fluid leaking from modulator

Fix: The Wabco-D ABS modulator corrodes internally and fails. Requires complete unit replacement (dealer programming needed). 3-4 hours labor plus expensive modulator unit ($800-1,200 parts alone). No rebuild option; must replace with new or quality remanufactured unit.

Estimated cost: $1,500-2,200

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Hard starting especially when hot, Stalling after refueling, Rough running under load, Check engine light with lean codes, Fuel smell from rear of vehicle

Fix: In-tank fuel pump fails or fuel filter housing (under vehicle near tank) corrodes and leaks. Filter housing is plastic and cracks from road salt exposure. Pump replacement requires tank drop (4-5 hours); filter housing is 2-3 hours but often requires cutting rusted lines.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200