Land Rover Discovery L462
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Discovery L462 replaced the boxy L319 in 2017 and marks a clear change of character: away from the utilitarian off-road workhorse toward a rounded, monocoque aluminium SUV with family-friendly ambitions. It remains a large seven-seat SUV with serious off-road ability but presents itself as more road-oriented and modern. As with all newer JLR models, the technology is ambitious and reliability does not always keep pace.
The engine picture is mixed. The 2.0L Ingenium diesel (204DTD) is common but tends to stretch its timing chain (particularly before 2019) and suffers oil dilution from DPF regeneration plus EGR coking. The far more advisable diesel is the DT306, a 3.0-litre inline-six with 48-volt mild hybrid that runs more refined and smoother. The older 306DT V6 diesel still carries the familiar crankshaft-bearing weakness. Among the petrols, the PT306 mild-hybrid inline-six is regarded as the most mature modern JLR engine. Both the DT306 and PT306 are subject to recall N908 (cracking oil filter housing, fire risk) — confirming it was carried out is essential. The 5.0-litre 508PS supercharged V8 delivers epic performance, but replacing the timing chain set is a question of when, not if; add supercharger clutch wear, a bursting coolant pipe, and leaking valve stem seals.
On the vehicle side, the air suspension with leaking bags and an overworked compressor remains the recurring fault. The InControl Touch Pro infotainment freezes or fails to start, leaking rear lights let water into the boot, and the battery drains via infotainment standby. Add heavily corroded rear brake discs, a leaking windscreen with water in the footwell, contact corrosion at the aluminium body's join points, and torque converter slip and shudder from the ZF 8HP automatic.
Buyers should demand a complete service history, clear the N908 recall and any other open actions, and check the car for water ingress (windscreen, rear lights) and the infotainment from a cold start. On the V8, the condition of the timing chain set is decisive. Verdict: a comfortable, capable family SUV with a modern drivetrain but the well-known JLR electronic and chassis weaknesses. The inline-six with a documented history is the most sensible choice — the L462 is no set-and-forget machine.
525 PS
Discovery · Benzin
Discovery 5 V8 SC: for families with V8 appetite
Legendary!179–241 PS
2.0L Ingenium Diesel Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Land Rover Discovery L462 is available with 11 engine variants — from 180 to 525 hp.
3.0-litre successor to the 276DT with the same structural crankshaft bearing weaknesses. Timing chains and injectors add further problem areas. Engine replacement costs of £5,000–£10,000 are a real possibility. Very short oil change intervals (max. 8,000 km) are mandatory. Only buy with complete documentation.
- !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km
The 306DT inherits the narrow crankshaft design of the 276DT. Bearing shells spin in operation and block oil galleries. Service bulletin SSM71816 covers 3.0L versions as well. Engine replacement costs £6,000–12,000.
Symptoms: Rhythmic knocking from the lower engine block (worse under load), oil pressure loss, metal particles in the oil filter - !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km
From around 80,000 km the 306DT chain tensioners and guides can wear. Rattling on cold start is the typical early warning. Left unattended, chain jump and engine damage follow.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (disappears once warm), check engine light, P0008/P0016/P0017 - !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km
Certain 306DT injectors can over-fuel, causing extreme heat buildup in the cylinder and piston melting. Metal particles from the resulting damage destroy other engine components.
Symptoms: Individual cylinder power loss, rough engine noise, fault codes on individual injectors, metallic sounds
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 2.0L Ingenium four-cylinder diesel has been widely used since 2015 but suffers from structural weaknesses: timing chain (particularly vulnerable pre-2019), oil dilution from DPF regeneration on short trips, and turbocharger problems caused by poor oil quality. Oil changes every 10,000 km instead of the recommended 21,000 km are strongly advised.
- !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 90,000 km
The 204DTD timing chain stretches prematurely due to worn plastic guides and degraded lubrication from oil dilution. Chains fitted before 2019 are particularly affected. Chain snap is possible.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, engine warning light, power loss, fault codes P0016 or P0341 - !! Oil dilution from DPF regeneration from 30,000 km
Incomplete DPF regeneration cycles allow unburnt fuel to drip into the sump. Particularly critical on short trips with the transversely mounted engine — the distance between turbo and DPF is too great for passive regeneration.
Symptoms: Early service warning well before interval, oil level above max mark, fuel smell in oil, increased engine wear - !! Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation from 100,000 km
Turbochargers fail due to oil dilution-related lubrication degradation and plastic debris from timing chain guides. A second turbocharger can be destroyed by debris from the first.
Symptoms: Blue or black exhaust smoke, whistling or hissing noise, severe power loss, engine warning light
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.0-litre successor to the 276DT with the same structural crankshaft bearing weaknesses. Timing chains and injectors add further problem areas. Engine replacement costs of £5,000–£10,000 are a real possibility. Very short oil change intervals (max. 8,000 km) are mandatory. Only buy with complete documentation.
- !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km
The 306DT inherits the narrow crankshaft design of the 276DT. Bearing shells spin in operation and block oil galleries. Service bulletin SSM71816 covers 3.0L versions as well. Engine replacement costs £6,000–12,000.
Symptoms: Rhythmic knocking from the lower engine block (worse under load), oil pressure loss, metal particles in the oil filter - !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km
From around 80,000 km the 306DT chain tensioners and guides can wear. Rattling on cold start is the typical early warning. Left unattended, chain jump and engine damage follow.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (disappears once warm), check engine light, P0008/P0016/P0017 - !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km
Certain 306DT injectors can over-fuel, causing extreme heat buildup in the cylinder and piston melting. Metal particles from the resulting damage destroy other engine components.
Symptoms: Individual cylinder power loss, rough engine noise, fault codes on individual injectors, metallic sounds
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 2.0L Ingenium four-cylinder diesel has been widely used since 2015 but suffers from structural weaknesses: timing chain (particularly vulnerable pre-2019), oil dilution from DPF regeneration on short trips, and turbocharger problems caused by poor oil quality. Oil changes every 10,000 km instead of the recommended 21,000 km are strongly advised.
- !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 90,000 km
The 204DTD timing chain stretches prematurely due to worn plastic guides and degraded lubrication from oil dilution. Chains fitted before 2019 are particularly affected. Chain snap is possible.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, engine warning light, power loss, fault codes P0016 or P0341 - !! Oil dilution from DPF regeneration from 30,000 km
Incomplete DPF regeneration cycles allow unburnt fuel to drip into the sump. Particularly critical on short trips with the transversely mounted engine — the distance between turbo and DPF is too great for passive regeneration.
Symptoms: Early service warning well before interval, oil level above max mark, fuel smell in oil, increased engine wear - !! Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation from 100,000 km
Turbochargers fail due to oil dilution-related lubrication degradation and plastic debris from timing chain guides. A second turbocharger can be destroyed by debris from the first.
Symptoms: Blue or black exhaust smoke, whistling or hissing noise, severe power loss, engine warning light
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil under pressure onto hot components such as the turbocharger. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles after parking, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km
The DT306 electronic turbocharger actuator develops faults from overheating and deposits. Repair is labour-intensive due to the engine layout.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, uneven acceleration, delayed turbo response - !! Injector failure from 150,000 km
The DT306 common rail injectors can fail from fuel contamination and internal wear. On the inline-six diesel all 6 injectors are affected.
Symptoms: Rough idle, diesel knock, black smoke, misfires, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil under pressure onto hot components such as the turbocharger. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles after parking, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km
The DT306 electronic turbocharger actuator develops faults from overheating and deposits. Repair is labour-intensive due to the engine layout.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, uneven acceleration, delayed turbo response - !! Injector failure from 150,000 km
The DT306 common rail injectors can fail from fuel contamination and internal wear. On the inline-six diesel all 6 injectors are affected.
Symptoms: Rough idle, diesel knock, black smoke, misfires, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil under pressure onto hot components such as the turbocharger. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles after parking, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km
The DT306 electronic turbocharger actuator develops faults from overheating and deposits. Repair is labour-intensive due to the engine layout.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, uneven acceleration, delayed turbo response - !! Injector failure from 150,000 km
The DT306 common rail injectors can fail from fuel contamination and internal wear. On the inline-six diesel all 6 injectors are affected.
Symptoms: Rough idle, diesel knock, black smoke, misfires, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
5.0-litre V8 Supercharged with excellent performance but well-known weaknesses. Timing chain set replacement is a matter of when, not if. Supercharger coupling and coolant pipes are further cost items. Running costs are substantial — only justifiable with a complete service history and low mileage.
- !! Timing chain guide plastic failure from 110,000 km
The most critical issue on the 508PS: plastic timing chain guides and hydraulic tensioners fail from around 100,000 km — faster on the supercharged engine due to higher load. Full repair costs €6,000–10,000.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (>5s), P0008/P0016/P0017, engine light, power loss - !! Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts from 100,000 km
Several plastic coolant pipes (crossover pipes, thermostat housing) behind and under the supercharger become brittle from thermal cycling. Sudden failure often causes engine damage before the driver can react.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, limp mode - !! Supercharger torsional coupler wears out from 90,000 km
The Eaton supercharger torsional coupler — a plastic and metal spring assembly — breaks apart over time. Land Rover issued a TSB. The rattling sounds like gravel inside the supercharger and disappears under higher load.
Symptoms: Rattling from the supercharger at idle (sounds like stones in a blower), decreasing supercharger output
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol from the Ingenium range shares its timing-chain architecture with the diesel — here too the chain tends to stretch early, so periodic checks pay off. A leak at the thermostat housing is common, causing coolant loss and potentially provoking secondary damage at the piston-cooling valve. The particulate-filter oil-dilution issue does not apply to the petrol, but oil consumption rises noticeably at higher mileages. The turbocharger and the electric coolant pump (service action N451) are further candidates. A lively, smooth-running engine that rewards regular cooling-system inspection.
- !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 90,000 km
The 204PT petrol shares its timing chain architecture with the diesel counterpart. Chains pre-2019 are particularly susceptible. Repair requires gearbox removal (20–30 hours labour).
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, engine warning light, rough idle, misfires - !! Thermostat housing leak and coolant loss from 70,000 km
The Ingenium petrol thermostat housing is known for coolant leaks. Escaping coolant can drip onto hot engine components and damage secondary parts.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external leak, fluctuating engine temperature, steam from the engine bay, sweet smell - !! Turbocharger failure from 110,000 km
Turbocharger failure from oil starvation and bearing damage. On the 204PT the turbo oil supply is closely linked to the timing chain lubrication situation.
Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, power loss under acceleration, oil warning light
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist is regarded as the most polished modern JLR engine: smooth, strong and effortless with a healthy 340 to 400 hp on tap. The critical item is recall N908 — the oil filter housing can crack and pose a fire risk, so confirm the remedy was carried out. Beyond that, a timing chain rattle can develop over time, oil consumption may creep up, and the turbocharger, water pump and thermostat are typical wear points. The 48V DC-DC converter fails occasionally. Regular oil changes and a short cool-down after spirited driving noticeably extend its life.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 3.0L petrol oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil onto hot components. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Timing chain — rattle and wear from 120,000 km
The PT306 inline-six shows timing chain wear with rattling on cold start. Although more robust than the 2.0L four-cylinder, wear and tensioner issues are documented at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, rough idle, engine warning light with camshaft correlation errors - !! Turbocharger bearing and seal wear from 120,000 km
PT306 turbochargers develop bearing wear and oil blow-by particularly with insufficient oil change intervals. Allow cool-down time after spirited driving.
Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, smoke from exhaust, power loss, elevated oil consumption
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air suspension — air springs leaking, compressor overloaded The Discovery 5 also suffers from the typical Land Rover air suspension weakness. Air springs become porous after 80,000–120,000 km. The compressor becomes overloaded and early system failures occur. Symptoms: Vehicle sags after parking, air suspension warning light, rough ride, compressor runs unusually long at start-up from 100,000 km | High |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the Land Rover Discovery L462 (2017–2026) — 34 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 6 problem engines: 204DTD (2.0L Ingenium Diesel), DT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Diesel), 306DT (3.0L V6 Diesel), 204PT (2.0L Ingenium Benzin Turbo), PT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Benzin Turbo), 508PS (5.0L V8 Supercharged). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Body, Brakes.
Discovery (204DTD, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation. Power: 241 PS.
Discovery (204DTD, 2017–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation. Power: 179 PS.
Discovery (306DT, 2017–2018) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 256–258 PS.
Discovery (306DT, 2018–2020) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 306 PS.
Discovery (204PT, 2017–2020) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Thermostat housing leak and coolant loss, Turbocharger failure. Power: 300 PS.
Discovery (508PS, 2017–2019) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 525 PS.
Discovery (PT306, 2020–2026) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Timing chain — rattle and wear, Turbocharger bearing and seal wear. Power: 360 PS.
Discovery (DT306, 2020–2026) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 300–306 PS.
Discovery (DT306, 2020–2026) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 249–258 PS.
Discovery (DT306, 2024–2026) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 350 PS.
What to watch out for with the Land Rover Discovery? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Land Rover Discovery L462 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Land Rover Discovery L462? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Land Rover Discovery L462 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Land Rover Discovery L462 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Land Rover Discovery L462? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee