Land Rover’s Discovery 4 High Mileage Problems

Land Rover’s Discovery 4 (LR4 in North America) is a luxury SUV known for its impressive off-road capabilities, design, and plush interiors. However, like any vehicle, it’s not immune to problems, especially as it racks up mileage. Here’s a deep dive into common high mileage problems faced by Discovery 4 owners and some potential solutions.

1. Cooling System Issues:

The cooling system, particularly the water pump and plastic components, can start showing signs of wear around the 100,000-mile mark. Both front and rear crossover pipes can crack and leak in V8 and SCV6 versions around this mileage.

Solution: Land Rover recommends replacing the entire cooling system around the 100,000-mile mark to avoid potential overheating.

2. Suspension and Air System:

The vehicle’s suspension, especially the air system, tends to leak over time and will need replacements.

Solution: Regularly check for slow leaks. When off-roading with larger tyres, suspension bushings may need to be replaced every 40-60,000 miles. For regular road use, this interval is longer, between 80-120,000 miles.

3. Tailgate Actuator:

The lower tailgate actuator can fail faster if frequently exposed to off-roading conditions and dust. This might result in the rear door getting jammed.

Solution: Proactively change the actuator before it gives out, especially if the vehicle is frequently off-roaded.

4. Sensor Replacements:

Many sensors might need replacement once the car goes beyond the 100,000-mile mark, including the O2 and MAF sensors. Some of these can be quite pricey.

Solution: Keep a close watch on the Land Rover service schedule to know when replacements are due. This can be found in the service records or the Land Rover service manual.

5. Transmission and Gearbox Issues:

Despite what you might hear, the auto gearbox fluid does need changing. However, if it hasn’t been done in the last 60,000 miles, changing it might cause more problems. Issues to look out for include the revs fluctuating while cruising at consistent speeds or rough gear changes.

Solution: If you’re mechanically inclined, new solenoids and sleeves can be replaced at home. However, a torque converter replacement can be costly.

6. Timing Chain Tensioners:

Though it’s been debated, there’s consensus that the timing chain isn’t as big an issue as some suggest. However, noisy tensioners around 100,000 miles might indicate an imminent problem.

Solution: Regular oil changes around every 5-7,000 miles can prevent tensioner issues. If the tensioners have already become noisy, consider having them replaced.

7. Other Notable Points:

• Ensure the air conditioning blows strongly out of every vent. A lack of strong airflow from any vent could hint at a clogged heater core.
• Check the sunroofs and headliner for signs of clogged sunroof drains, such as wet marks or water damage on the front floors.
• When considering a used Discovery 4, always ask for a complete maintenance record and, if possible, get in touch with the mechanic who worked on it.

In conclusion, while the Discovery 4 has its share of high mileage problems, being proactive in addressing them and sticking to the recommended service schedule can prolong the vehicle’s life and enhance its performance. It’s worth noting that many of these issues are not unique to the Discovery 4 but are common in high-mileage vehicles, especially luxury models.