What are the common issues with the 2012 Discovery 4 diesel version?

[MacSavannah]

The common issues with the 2012 Discovery 4 diesel version are noticeable engine noise and resonance. Taking the 2012 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE diesel version as an example, its dimensions are 4838mm in length, 2022mm in width, and 1882mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2885mm. The curb weight is 2650kg, and the body structure is a 5-door, 7-seat SUV with front-engine, four-wheel drive. In terms of power, it is equipped with a 3.0T twin-turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 180kW and a maximum torque of 600Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

[VanIris]

As a long-term owner who has driven this car for six years, the most frustrating issue is the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) clogging problem. If you do a lot of low-speed city driving, the emission fault light on the dashboard frequently comes on, and you have to deliberately take the car onto the highway to rev the engine and burn off the carbon buildup. The air suspension also has a high failure rate, especially in northern winters—when the air pump fails, the car body tilts like a limping camel, and replacing an airbag can cost nearly 10,000 yuan. Turbocharger pipe oil leaks are a common issue, with a burnt engine oil smell always lingering in the engine bay. Also, pay attention to chassis noises caused by transfer case wear—the annoying clunking sound during low-speed turns is a headache. These problems tend to emerge intensively after 80,000 kilometers, so it’s wise to keep a repair fund ready.

[MacTheo]

Over 70% of the 12 diesel Discovery 4 models handled by repair shops have issues with the EGR valve. When this part gets severely carbon-fouled, it directly limits torque—stepping on the throttle won't get the speed past 60 km/h. The AC compressor is another trouble spot; a sudden failure in summer can practically roast you alive. The tailgate hydraulic struts become quite comical when they age, automatically opening on rainy days—we've seen owners use trekking poles to prop the trunk open while driving home. Never ignore steering gear oil leaks; once the fluid runs out, the steering becomes so stiff it's nearly unmovable. And if you encounter an AdBlue urea system failure, it's even more troublesome—clearing the fault codes only buys you three days. Fixing these issues costs 30% more than their gasoline counterparts.

[DelElliott]

In the used car market, this generation of diesel Discovery 4 depreciates quickly, all because of its overly sensitive electrical system. The window regulator assembly is prone to tantrums, often unresponsive when pressed. Commuter owners must be cautious of the crankshaft position sensor—sudden failure can cause the engine to stall and leave you stranded. The diesel fuel filter clogs without triggering a dashboard warning, and by the time it's noticed, the high-pressure pump is already worn. The transfer case motor seal aging and oil leakage can corrode the circuit board, requiring the entire chassis to be disassembled for repairs. The most notorious issue is the rear differential mount bushings—once cracked, driving over speed bumps makes a loud clunking noise as if the vehicle is falling apart. These are must-check points when buying used.