Land Rover Range Rover Sport Common Problems

The Range Rover Sport is the shorter, sportier Range Rover. Most cars for sale are the second-generation L494 (2013 to 2022), with late first-generation L320s (to 2013) and the current L461 (2022 on) also around. The L320 used 3.0 TDV6 and, from 2011, SDV6 diesels, the 3.6 TDV8 diesel and the 5.0 V8 petrol. The L494 brought an aluminium body and a ZF 8-speed auto, with 3.0 TDV6 and SDV6 V6 diesels, a 4.4 SDV8, a 2.0 SD4 diesel from 2016, a supercharged 3.0 V6, the supercharged 5.0 V8 and SVR, a plug-in hybrid and later Ingenium six-cylinder mild hybrids. The L461 uses Ingenium sixes, plug-in hybrids and a 4.4 twin-turbo V8. Reputation: superb to drive and tow with, but owners report frequent faults and repairs are costly.

Crankshaft bearing and engine failure (3.0 V6 diesel, 2010 to 2021)

The V6 diesel is the most common engine and the biggest worry. Land Rover issued service bulletins for crankshaft bearing shells that can move or spin on 2005 to 2012 TDV6 engines, causing sudden engine failure, and introduced a new bearing design in 2012. Some owners of L494 V6 diesels also report engine knocking at low kilometres and engines that failed outright, though it is not confirmed that the bulletins cover the L494. A replacement engine costs many thousands of dollars. Warning signs are a knock from low in the engine, low oil pressure warnings and metal in the oil. Regular oil changes with the correct oil matter.

Air suspension leaks and compressor failure (L320 and L494, 2010 to 2022)

Most Range Rover Sports ride on air suspension. Air springs develop leaks with age, so the car sits low after being parked or shows a "Normal height only" or suspension fault message. Land Rover bulletins cover L320 compressor failures and a sticking compressor exhaust valve. Some L494 owners report suspension faults soon after the warranty ran out. A tired compressor works harder to cover leaks and then fails, so fix leaks early.

DPF blockages and turbo failures (3.0 TDV6 and SDV6 diesel, 2010 to 2022)

Some L494 diesel owners report repeated DPF warnings, in some cases with power limited until the filter was cleaned. Short trips stop the DPF from regenerating. Some owners also report turbo failures on both the L320 and L494. A Land Rover bulletin covers corroded turbo actuator arms on earlier diesels that cause power loss and a warning light. Turbo and DPF work on these engines can run to several thousand dollars.

Coolant leaks and overheating (L494, 2013 to 2022)

Some owners report coolant leaks. Land Rover recalled 2017 to 2022 model year cars because a plastic coolant elbow can rupture after the engine overheats, leaking coolant and creating an engine bay fire risk. On earlier cars, the coolant reservoir float can give false low coolant warnings. Check the coolant level, look for crusty residue around hoses and pipes, and treat any overheating history seriously.

Timing chain and mount noises (5.0 supercharged V8, 2010 to 2014)

On 2010 to 2012 5.0 V8s, a worn timing chain tensioner lever causes a rattle, mostly at idle, and Land Rover issued a bulletin to replace it. On 2014 model year L494 V8s, a bulletin covers clicking under hard acceleration, braking or tight low-speed turns, and rattles over rough roads, traced to the engine mounts or steering rack. Both are repairable, but chain work on the V8 is a big job, so listen carefully at idle from cold.

Electrical and infotainment faults (L494, 2013 to 2022)

Electrical faults are a frequent owner complaint: dashboards going blank, intermittent electrical failures, seat electrics, door and alarm faults and Apple CarPlay dropping calls. Land Rover recalled 2017 model year cars whose virtual instrument display could go blank, 2017 to 2018 cars where autonomous emergency braking could be unavailable without a warning, and cars whose indicators might not work from the stalk. Some faults are fixed by software updates, so ask for dealer records.

Recalls and safety

Recall themes for the L494 include doors that might not latch (2012 to 2015 builds), front passenger airbags and seatbelt pretensioners on some 2016 and 2021 to 2022 cars, a battery cable that could rub on suspension pipes on early SDV6s, chafing brake vacuum hoses on early petrols and the coolant elbow fire risk. L320 recalls covered brake booster contamination and a crank sensor fault on TDV6s. L461 recalls include fuel injector clamps and oil filter housings that could leak and catch fire, camshaft carrier and oil cooler hose faults, plug-in hybrid gearbox clutches and panoramic roof bonding. Have a Land Rover dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport? What to check

• Service history: Look for regular oil changes on time with the right oil, especially on V6 diesels, and ask for every dealer invoice.
• Engine noise: Start it cold and listen for a deep knock from the bottom of the engine on a diesel, or a rattle at idle on a 5.0 V8.
• Ride height: See the car after it has been parked overnight; it should sit level and rise through every height setting without warnings.
• DPF and turbo: Ask how the car was driven, check for DPF warnings and smoke, and feel for flat spots under acceleration.
• Coolant: Check the level, look for leaks around hoses and pipes, and ask whether the coolant elbow recall was done.
• Gearbox: Some owners report shudder and gearbox module failures, so feel for slurred shifts or judder on the drive.
• Electrics: Test the screens, CarPlay, seats, keyless entry, alarm and every warning message.
• Full scan: Have a Land Rover specialist read the stored fault codes and inspect the car before you pay.

Run a PPSR check for finance and write-off history, then work through our Range Rover Sport buying checklist.

The verdict

Buy a Range Rover Sport only with a full Land Rover service history, a specialist inspection and money set aside for repairs. The supercharged 5.0 V8 avoids the V6 diesel's crankshaft risk but costs more to run, and the later Ingenium six-cylinder engines have too short a record to judge. If you want a diesel, choose a later, well-serviced SDV6 with regular highway use and proof of oil changes on time. Treat early L494 V6 diesels with engine noise or patchy history as ones to walk away from.