Land Rover

Discovery 4 L319 inspection checklist

2009-2017 · 14 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highAir suspension fault / compressor failure

Look for: The EAS air suspension can throw faults from a weak/failed compressor, leaking air springs/bags or perished valve-block O-rings, leaving the car sitting low or in limp height. Compressors overheat when chasing leaks.

If you find it: Replace leaking air springs and reseal/replace the valve block; fit the upgraded AMK compressor (with software update) when the original fails.

From 100k+ km (any with leaks) · ~$800-3500

mediumElectronic park brake (EPB) failure

Look for: The rear-mounted electronic park brake module/actuator can fail, throwing a park-brake fault; worn rear brake shoes and cable resistance are often the real root cause, so a replacement module can fail again if shoes/cables aren't done.

If you find it: Replace the EPB module/actuator AND service the rear park-brake shoes and cables to prevent repeat failure.

Any · ~$1700-3000

mediumHeavy brake wear

Look for: A heavy 2.5-tonne 7-seater chews through brake pads and rotors, especially when towing or in the city.

If you find it: Quality pads and rotors; towing-spec pads if used for towing. Budget for it as routine.

From 40k+ km · ~$600-1500

mediumFront lower control-arm bushes / front-end wear

Look for: Front suspension control-arm bushes wear, giving uneven (edge-worn) tyres, clunks and vague steering.

If you find it: Replace worn control arms/bushes and do a wheel alignment.

From 100k+ km · ~$600-2000

mediumElectrical / engine-management gremlins

Look for: Being a feature-rich European vehicle, it can suffer sensor faults, reluctant hot-starts, stalling in traffic and assorted electrical niggles - more failures the more options fitted.

If you find it: Proper diagnostic scan by a Land Rover specialist; address faults early rather than clearing codes.

Any · ~$200-2000

3 of 4 engines

highTiming belt failure (interference engine)

Look for: 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.

If you find it: 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.

Service item; failure if neglected · ~$1800-2800 service / $12000+ if it breaks

2.7L TDV6 diesel

highCrankshaft bearing failure (early 2.7 TDV6)

Look for: 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.

If you find it: 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.

Can be early life (40k-100k km) · ~$12000-25000 (replacement engine)

3.0L TDV6 diesel

highTurbocharger failure

Look for: Turbo failures are reasonably common on the V6 diesels - worn bearings, oil feed issues or VGT problems causing smoke, whine, lost power or oil consumption.

If you find it: Turbo replacement; keep oil fresh and let the engine idle-down after hard work.

From 120k-180k km · ~$3000-6000

mediumEGR cooler failure / coolant loss

Look for: EGR coolers crack and leak, causing coolant loss, white smoke and overheating; intake carbon adds to running issues.

If you find it: Replace the EGR cooler (often both banks) and clean the intake; address promptly to avoid overheating damage.

From 100k+ km · ~$1500-4000

mediumDPF clogging (short trips)

Look for: Diesel particulate filter blocks if the car only does short stop-start trips and never completes a regeneration.

If you find it: Regular highway runs to allow regen; forced regen or DPF clean/replace if blocked.

Any (urban use) · ~$500-2500

3.0L SDV6 diesel (twin-turbo)

highTurbocharger failure (twin-turbo)

Look for: The SDV6 uses two turbochargers; either can fail with smoke, whine, oil use or lost power, and the twin setup makes replacement costlier than the single-turbo TDV6.

If you find it: Replace failed turbo(s); maintain oil quality and avoid hot shut-downs after towing.

From 120k-180k km · ~$3500-7000

mediumHigh-pressure fuel system / injector wear

Look for: Injectors and high-pressure fuel components wear at higher km, causing rough idle, smoke and hard starting; poor fuel quality accelerates it.

If you find it: Injector test/replacement and good filtration; use quality diesel.

From 150k+ km · ~$1500-4000

2 of 4 engines

mediumEGR cooler / intake carbon

Look for: EGR coolers can crack/clog and the intake builds carbon, causing coolant loss, rough running and limp mode.

If you find it: EGR cooler replacement and intake clean; catch-can helps reduce build-up.

From 120k+ km · ~$800-3000

5.0L V8 petrol

mediumCooling and ancillary maintenance at higher km

Look for: Like most performance V8s, water pump, thermostat, coil packs and other ancillaries need attention with age and km.

If you find it: Preventive cooling-system and ignition maintenance; use a marque specialist.

From 120k+ km · ~$800-3000

2 minor things (low severity)

lowCoastal / underbody rust

Look for: Beach and coastal examples can develop underbody and fitting rust over time.

If you find it: Underbody inspection pre-purchase; wash down after beach/saltwater use.

Any · Varies

lowFuel thirst / running cost

Look for: Real-world 14-18 L/100km (worse loaded/towing). Not a fault but the main reason almost nobody bought it here.

If you find it: Accept the fuel bill; it is a touring/luxury choice, not an economy one.

Any · Running cost

From FlamingCars' Land Rover Discovery 4 guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.