Engines ›
Land Rover 276DT engine: known problems
Used in 2 guides · 2720cc diesel · 7 known problems
Displacement
2720cc
Fuel
diesel
Known problems7
Everything our guides list for the variants with this engine: the engine itself plus the gearbox and ancillaries it's paired with. Each shows which cars it's listed for.
High
Timing belt failure (and oil-pump housing boss)
The TdV6 front timing belt drives the oil pump and must be replaced every 100,000km/7 years. If it lets go the engine is destroyed. Worse, the belt tensioner bolts to the oil-pump housing and the mounting boss can snap - so the belt can jump teeth even after a fresh belt if the (uprated) oil pump isn't replaced at the same time.
Fix: Replace the timing belt strictly on schedule AND fit the uprated oil pump at the same time (adds ~$600). Use a Land Rover specialist; demand documented belt history before buying.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 3 L319
High
Crankshaft snap / main-bearing failure
A well-known catastrophic failure where the crankshaft fractures between the 2nd and 3rd main bearings, often after oil starvation or a bearing shell rotating and blocking oil supply (linked to assembly/oil-pickup issues). Early warning is a dull knock from the crank area, oil-pressure warnings or metallic debris in the oil.
Fix: There is no cheap fix once it lets go - a reconditioned/replacement long engine is required. Religious oil changes with the correct oil and a clean oil pickup are the best prevention.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 3 L319
High
Crankshaft bearing failure (early 2.7 TDV6)
A number of early 2.7 TDV6 engines suffered spun/failed crankshaft main bearings, often heralded by start-up rattle, knocking and bearing material in the oil. Many affected cars received replacement engines under warranty when new.
Fix: Listen for start-up rattle/knock and check oil for metal; confirm whether the engine was replaced. Religious oil changes with correct-spec oil are essential.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 4 L319
High
Timing belt failure (interference engine)
The Lion V6 runs two timing belts. If the front belt jumps or breaks the pistons hit the valves and the engine is destroyed. A weak oil-pump-housing boss can let the tensioner fail, so specialists often replace the oil pump with the belt.
Fix: Have belts (and ideally the oil pump) done by a Land Rover diesel specialist on the recommended interval; get documented proof of the last change.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 4 L319
Medium
EGR cooler cracking / coolant loss
The EGR coolers crack and can leak coolant into the exhaust/intake side, causing coolant loss, white smoke and potential engine damage if ignored.
Fix: Replace cracked EGR cooler(s); some owners blank/upgrade where legal. Pressure-test the cooling system pre-purchase.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 3 L319
Medium
Turbo / VGT and injector wear
The variable-geometry turbo and the injectors wear and clog with age, causing lost power, smoke and limp-home modes. Injectors need periodic cleaning/replacement.
Fix: Diesel-specialist injector test and replacement; clean or replace the VGT/turbo as needed.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 3 L319
Medium
EGR cooler / intake carbon
EGR coolers can crack/clog and the intake builds carbon, causing coolant loss, rough running and limp mode.
Fix: EGR cooler replacement and intake clean; catch-can helps reduce build-up.
Listed for: Land Rover Discovery 4 L319
Cars with the 276DT2
From the FlamingCars guides for these cars. Specs are shown only where the guides agree and the value is verified.