2008 Land Rover Discovery: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Land Rover Discovery?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Land Rover Discovery than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Steering rack inner joints4.6× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  12.5% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 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. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  19.3% All 2008 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses2.5× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  9.1% All 2008 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Chassis rust or damage3.8× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  7.2% All 2008 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.5% of all 2008 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.

• Wheel bearings2.6× usual
  Land Rover Discovery

  6.5% All 2008 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2008 Land Rover Discovery MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Land Rover Discovery MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  40% 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.

• Brakes
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Steering
  15% of testsRough price £100–£450

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

• Rust and bodywork
  12% 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.

Known faults on the 2008 Land Rover Discovery

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 2008 Land Rover Discovery

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 steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2008 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Land Rover Discovery as on other cars the same age.)