The Land Rover LR4 is the last body-on-frame Discovery sold in the U.S., running 2010 through 2016 and discontinued after the 2016 model year when the L462 Discovery arrived for 2017. Air suspension, cooling-system plastics, and electronics define used-buyer risk. This guide ranks every LR4 year with NHTSA complaints and recalls, specialist patterns, and our years to avoid methodology.
For generations, engines, and ownership notes in one place, see the Land Rover LR4 hub.
Related: Land Rover LR3 years to avoid, Land Rover Discovery years to avoid.
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2010
- 2013
- Best years
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- Top failure
- Air suspension and cooling-system failures; 2013 Supercharged electronics cluster
- Always do before buying
- Air-spring leak-down, cooling pressure test, Land Rover specialist PPI
Recalls by year
How we rated the best and worst Land Rover LR4 years
We combine NHTSA complaint and recall data (where the federal API returns counts), CarComplaints severity, and shop patterns on LR3/LR4 platforms. For 2012–2016, NHTSA’s complaints API often returns errors for LR4 model years; we cite recalls on file and mechanical patterns for those years instead of fabricating complaint totals.
2010 (first LR4 year) shows 16 complaints and one recall in NHTSA data. 2011 shows 23 complaints and one recall. Late 2014–2016 trucks carry two to four recalls per year with complaints unavailable in the API — typical for low-volume aging SUVs.
| Land Rover LR4 generation | Best LR4 years | Worst LR4 years |
|---|---|---|
| L319 LR4 (2010–2016) | 2014, 2015, 2016 | 2010, 2013 |
Every Land Rover LR4 model year ranked
| Model year | Generation | Verdict | Notes (NHTSA unless noted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | L319 | Avoid | 16 complaints, 1 recall; first LR4 year |
| 2011 | L319 | Caution | 23 complaints, 1 recall |
| 2012 | L319 | OK | 2 recalls; NHTSA complaints unavailable for this model year |
| 2013 | L319 | Avoid | 3 recalls; complaints unavailable; Supercharged electronics cluster in owner data |
| 2014 | L319 | Best | 2 recalls; complaints unavailable |
| 2015 | L319 | Best | 4 recalls; complaints unavailable |
| 2016 | L319 | Best | 2 recalls; complaints unavailable; final LR4 year |
Most common Land Rover LR4 problems
1. Air suspension
Air springs and compressors fail with mileage. Sag overnight means budget for spring or compressor replacement before you offer.
2. Coolant and thermostat housing leaks
Plastic cooling parts on the 5.0 V6/V8 brittle with age. Overheating on a neglected LR4 can escalate quickly.
3. Electronics and sunroof drains
Clogged sunroof drains wet carpets and modules in the footwell. Inspect for dampness and intermittent warnings.
4. Timing-chain tensioners on high-mile 5.0s
The 5.0-liter can rattle as tensioners wear. Specialist diagnosis beats guessing from noise alone.
Which Land Rover LR4 years should you avoid
Avoid 2010 (launch) and 2013 (Supercharged electronics and three recalls with unavailable complaint API data but persistent owner-database severity). 2011 is caution — 23 NHTSA complaints, highest among years with available complaint counts.
| Generation | Model years | Verdict | Main issues |
|---|---|---|---|
| L319 LR4 | 2010 | Avoid | Launch air suspension and electronics carryover |
| L319 LR4 | 2013 | Avoid | Supercharged electronics; 3 recalls on file |
What are the best Land Rover LR4 years to buy
Shop 2014, 2015, and 2016 — the last three model years before the LR4 was discontinued after 2016. NHTSA lists two, four, and two recalls respectively; complaints are unavailable in the API, but these years avoid the 2010 launch and 2013 Supercharged cluster called out in owner databases.
Most reliable LR4 years: 2014, 2015, 2016
Land Rover LR4 pre-purchase checklist
Before signing on any used LR4:
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall checker.
- Overnight air-suspension leak-down; quote spring work if needed.
- Pressure-test cooling; check for 5.0 chain rattle on cold start.
- Land Rover specialist PPI — inspect sunroof drains and footwell modules.
- Confirm complete service records; deferred cooling work is a red flag.
Better alternatives to consider
If LR4 years in your budget land on the avoid list:
- Lexus GX 460
- Toyota 4Runner
- Land Rover Discovery (2017+ L462 — shop 2021–2022 in our Discovery guide)
Is the Land Rover LR4 worth buying?
Yes — if you want the last traditional Discovery and you buy 2014–2016 with documented air-spring and cooling work. An ignored 2010 or 2013 is an expensive mistake. The LR4 will not be made again; parts and specialist labor are part of the ownership equation.