Is the Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 engine reliable?

It's a robust engine with one major caveat: the oil pump housing. Pre-2010 vehicles are the highest risk; post-2012 Discovery 4 examples with the revised oil pump design are significantly safer. With preventative oil pump work and good maintenance, these engines are capable of high mileage.

What are the common problems with the Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6?

Oil pump housing failure (catastrophic), turbocharger failure (often linked to oil starvation), and EGR valve/intake carbon build-up. The oil pump is the single most critical issue — address it preventatively or risk a full engine replacement.

Is it worth replacing a Discovery 2.7 TDV6 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Discovery 3 and early Discovery 4 values range from £3,000–£12,000 depending on condition. A £5,000–£7,500 reconditioned engine can be 50–70% of the vehicle's value on older examples — apply the Land Rover 60% scrap threshold. If the chassis and body are good, replacement is often worth it.

How do I find my Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 engine code?

The engine code is 276DT — it's the only 2.7-litre V6 diesel used in the Discovery 3 and early Discovery 4. You can find it on the VIN plate, in the vehicle documentation, or on a label on the engine itself. Production years were 2004–2016.

Can I repair the 276DT oil pump, or does it need replacement?

Yes — preventative replacement of the oil pump housing (£1,500–£3,000) is the single most important investment you can make in a 2.7 TDV6. It's a labour-intensive job but far cheaper than a full engine replacement (£5,000+). If the oil pump has already failed and destroyed the bottom end, a full engine rebuild or replacement is required.

Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV62004–20162.7-litre V6 Diesel

Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

The Discovery 2.7 TDV6 is the original V6 diesel in the Discovery range — a robust 2.7-litre AJD-V6 with a well-documented oil pump housing weakness. Get quotes from UK specialists for reconditioned, rebuilt and used units today.

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Discovery 2.7 TDV6 Engines — from £2,800 to £9,500Code: 276DT

Discovery 2.7 TDV6 Engines — from £2,800 to £9,500· Code: 276DT

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

The 2.7 TDV6 THROUGH TIME — Era Map

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£5,000–£7,500

Fitted (Indie)£6,800–£9,200

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£2,800–£4,500£4,500–£6,5001–6 monthsBudget priority; lower‑mileage examples

Reconditioned Engine£5,000–£7,500£6,800–£9,20012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£6,500–£9,500£8,300–£11,50012–24 monthsLong‑term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer NewN/A — no longer availableN/A—N/A — specialist rebuild only

Figures above reflect the current Discovery 3/early Discovery 4 2.7 TDV6 market. This badge used one engine across two generations — see the Era Map above for generation‑specific pricing.

Labour estimate: Fitting a Discovery 2.7 TDV6 engine typically takes 14–18 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer).

→ Compare 2.7 TDV6 engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems

1. Oil Pump Housing Failure (The "Crankshaft Killer")

Symptoms: Sudden engine failure, loud knocking from the bottom end, low oil pressure warning light, engine cuts out while driving

Typical mileage: 80,000–140,000 miles

Repair cost: £1,500–£3,000 (preventative oil pump housing replacement)

Replacement cost: £5,000–£7,500 (catastrophic failure — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - any low oil pressure warning or bottom‑end knock on a 276DT requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

This is the single biggest risk on the 2.7 TDV6. The oil pump housing has a weak tensioner mount that can fail, causing the oil pump to stop. The result is rapid bottom‑end destruction. Preventative replacement of the oil pump housing is the most important investment you can make in a 276DT-engined Discovery. If you hear cold‑start knock or see the oil pressure warning, stop driving immediately and have it recovered. A full engine replacement (£5,000+) is significantly more expensive than a preventative £1,500–£3,000 repair.

Read the full oil pump failure guide

1. Oil Pump Housing Failure (The "Crankshaft Killer")

Symptoms: Sudden engine failure, loud knocking from the bottom end, low oil pressure warning light, engine cuts out while driving

Typical mileage: 80,000–140,000 miles

Repair cost: £1,500–£3,000 (preventative oil pump housing replacement)

Replacement cost: £5,000–£7,500 (catastrophic failure — full engine replacement)

🔴 Immediate - any low oil pressure warning or bottom‑end knock on a 276DT requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

Read the full oil pump failure guide

2. Turbocharger Failure

Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke, whistling or grinding noise from the engine bay, engine warning light

Typical mileage: 90,000–150,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£1,800 (turbocharger replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently

Our recommendation:

Turbocharger failure is a known issue on higher‑mileage 276DT engines, often caused by oil starvation (linked to the oil pump weakness above) or carbon build‑up. Replacing the turbo is a straightforward job for any JLR specialist. Ensure the oil feed pipe is also checked and cleaned or replaced. Don't ignore black smoke or loss of power — a failing turbo can send debris into the engine.

Read the full turbocharger failure guide

3. EGR Valve and Intake Carbon Build-up

Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy, engine warning light, occasional black smoke

Typical mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles

Repair cost: £400–£800 (EGR valve cleaning or replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only

🟡 Monitor - book inspection soon

Our recommendation:

Like most modern diesels, the 276DT suffers from EGR valve and intake manifold carbon build‑up, particularly if the vehicle is used for short journeys. Cleaning the EGR valve and intake can restore performance and fuel economy. Some owners choose to blank the EGR (where legally permissible) to eliminate the issue. Use a JLR specialist who understands the 276DT's intake system.

Read the full EGR valve failure guide

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Discovery 2.7 TDV6 — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Discovery 2.7 TDV6 — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseOil pump housing wear (preventative)✅ Yes£1,500–£3,000The single most important investment — prevents catastrophic failureOil pump failure (engine destroyed)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementNo oil pressure = bottom‑end wrecked; replacement requiredTurbocharger failure✅ Yes£800–£1,800Straightforward replacement — check oil feed pipeEGR valve and intake carbon✅ Yes£400–£800Simple cleaning or replacement — restores performanceInjector failure✅ Yes£500–£1,500 per injectorViable on a well‑maintained example; if 2+ fail, evaluate full engine health

Buying This Discovery 2.7 TDV6? Check These First

Buy If

Proven oil pump housing replacement history — the single most critical item on this engine
Post‑2012 Discovery 4 build date (improved oil pump design) — the safest era for the 276DT
Full service history with correct oil spec (5W‑30 or 0W‑30, always meeting Ford/LR spec)
No cold‑start knock and no oil pressure warning lights — this indicates a healthy bottom end

Avoid If

No evidence of oil pump housing work on pre‑2010 vehicles — this is a non‑negotiable check
Cold‑start knock or any bottom‑end noise — walk away unless you're budgeting for a full engine replacement
Poor service history or evidence of neglected oil changes — the 276DT is unforgiving of poor maintenance
Any oil pressure warning light without a documented fix — this often means catastrophic damage is imminent

Closing Verdict

The 276DT is a capable and torquey engine, but it has one catastrophic weakness: the oil pump housing. A Discovery 3 or early Discovery 4 with this engine must have proven oil pump history. If that's sorted, the engine is robust and dependable. If not, you're buying a time bomb. The post‑2012 revised oil pump design is a significant improvement, but even then, maintenance history is everything. This engine rewards diligence and punishes neglect.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

→ Compare 2.7 TDV6 engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1. Oil Pressure — Any warning lights? Cold‑start knock? This is the single most critical check on the 276DT

2. Service History — including which generation (Discovery 3 or 4) and evidence of oil pump work

3. Turbo Health — Any whistling, grinding, or black smoke under acceleration?

4. EGR Performance — Smooth idle? Any hesitation or rough running?

5. MOT History — Check for emissions‑related failures (EGR, DPF, or catalyst issues)

6. Coolant Condition — Any signs of oil in the coolant or coolant loss? (head gasket warning)

7. Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?

8. Transmission Link — The 6‑speed ZF auto is robust, but ensure it's not slipping (linked to engine torque)

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly — one engine code across two generations.

276DT

Years2004–2016

Power190–200 bhp

2025 Enquiries700 [EM-VERIFIED]

Avg. Recon Cost£5,000–£7,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

276DT2004–2016190–200 bhp700 [EM-VERIFIED]£5,000–£7,500 [EM-QUOTE]

Technical Specs

276DT

Displacement2,720cc (2.7‑litre)

CylindersV6 (60° configuration)

Compression Ratio18.0:1

Fuel SystemCommon‑rail direct injection

TurbochargerTwin‑turbo (two variable‑geometry turbos)

→ Compare 2.7 TDV6 engine prices for your Discovery

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Oil pump housing failure — the defining risk of the 2.7 TDV6

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

95,000

–130,000 miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£5,000

–£7,500 reconditioned, supply only

[EM-QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

276

DT — the original Discovery V6 diesel

[EM-VERIFIED]

Peak Enquiry Season

Autumn — pre‑winter vehicle preparation

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South West20%

Midlands18%

South East16%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

16%South East

FAQ

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12‑month unlimited‑mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

Trusted 2.7 TDV6 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real Discovery 2.7 TDV6 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across both the Discovery 3 and early Discovery 4 eras.
Compare 2.7 TDV6 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit, with specialists who genuinely understand the 276DT's critical oil pump housing weakness.
UK Engine Replacement Services for Discovery 2.7 TDV6
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Find the best Land Rover Discovery 2.7 TDV6 engine replacement UK owners rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and keep your Discovery on the road with confidence.

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No hidden fees

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UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available