The Range Rover is a 4 x 4 car produced by Land Rover. It is a subcategory of Jaguar Land Rover. And it was introduced in America in 1970. There are many different models of Land Rovers. These are the 2022 Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Discovery, Range Rover Discovery Sport, and the Range Rove Defender.
You may be wondering what is wrong with your Range Rover and how to solve the problem. All SUVs and cars have their share of problems, and the Range Rover is no different. We will share what we found in our research and discuss what can be done to solve these issues.
The life span of Range Rovers is between 10 and 13 years or about 150,000 to 200,000 miles. This is based on strict maintenance of the vehicle and conservative driving habits. Range Rovers have many problems from oil leaks to major suspension problems.
Chattering noises from the engine are very common as are lower crankshaft oil leaks. Engine misfires and ignition misfires can lead to big problems. Electrical problems and air suspension issues are reported as well as sunroof leaks and steering problems.
How Reliable are Range Rovers?
Unfortunately, Range Rovers have so many problems that they are known for not being reliable. Reliability ratings from various websites find that Range Rovers are under the average for reliability based on the problems and issues that they have. They are still rated as the top luxury SUV with very good off-road capability.
Repairs for the Range Rover are very expensive, and that makes matters worse since it is often in the shop. The Range Rover is in the top 10 list of luxury cars that are expensive to repair.
Here are some prices of repairs for Range Rovers so you can see how expensive these SUVs are to maintain:
- Battery test — $48-$68
- Air Conditioner Compression Replacement — $1,980-$2,063
- Air Conditioner Refrigerant Pressure Switch — $443-$463
- Window Regulator Motor Replacement — $619-$742
J.D. Power has rated the Range Rover’s reliability at 76 out of 100 points covering reliability and quality.
What Are the Life Spans of Range Rovers?
Most Range Rover owners probably trade their older vehicle in for a new model before the 10–13-year mark, but some owners still have their SUV for many years after purchasing it.
How Many Miles Can Range Rovers Travel?
A Range Rover is expected to drive for 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Many Range Rovers have lasted beyond the 100,000-mile mark. Most of these SUVs have had a lot of repairs and parts replaced to reach this point. Making it to the 150,000 or 200,000-mile point will require many more replacement parts.
Worst Land Rover Models
All vehicles in a yearly model do not have problems, so if you’ve heard that a certain year or model of Land Rover is bad, your model may not be included in this category.
Range Rover owners may not expect to have serious problems with a vehicle that costs a substantial amount of money. Here are some of the worst models of the Land Rover Models:
1998 – This may have been the worst year for Land Rovers. Some owners had engine problems and oil pressure issues.
2003-2008 – Land Rovers models in these years had various complaints from customers. Some of the issues owners had been premature brake wear, interior accessories problems, and others.
2003 models had some engine and steering problems as well.
2006-2008 – models had over 100 problems including service brake issues, problems with airbags, and with the Range Rover’s suspension. Some Range Rovers also had problems with their electrical systems and power trains.
2014 – Land Rovers this year had many problems, but not as many as the other years we have listed. The main issues were with the car’s electrical system which led to malfunctions of warning lights and interior accessories.
2017 – Owners of this year’s model also had brake problems and water leaking through the windshield.
Although these years had more than their share of problems and issues, most owners continued to be loyal owners who love their Range Rovers.
Best Land Rover Models
Here are some Range Rover models with ratings that are higher than models in the worst years for this vehicle:
2015-2019 – V-8 engine in these models is powerful, but it is best to avoid the V-6 which has limited power. These models have a rough ride though, and steering is sometimes difficult on the highway. The vehicle is full of luxurious features in the interior and has very good rear seat comfort.
2017 Range Rover models can be adjusted for more legroom in the backseat and many options allow you to customize your Land Rover.
2019-2023 — models are available with turbocharged V-8 engines for super-speed acceleration and a diesel engine. The ride is quiet and comfortable. These models are rated by Edmunds as 4.0 out of 5.0 for reliability. Very few complaints about these models have been reported. This is a big improvement over many previous models.
How Do Range Rovers Compare to Similar SUVs and Vehicles?
Both the Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz are known as luxury vehicles that can cost over $100,000. We will compare the Range Rover to other luxury brands and tell you what we found in our research.
Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV – This Mercedes model can be compared to the Range Rover Velar. Both vehicles get the same gas mileage. Mercedes often experiences electrical issues, and they offer different warranties to cover this defect. Mercedes offers a prepaid maintenance package and Extended Electrical Warranties.
When you buy your Range Rover, you can choose various warranties on batteries, corrosion, and other potential problems, so both vehicles offer good warranties.
The starting price for the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV is $52,500.
Jeep Grand Cherokee – This sporty model is comparable to the Range Rover Sport. It has many of the interior luxuries that the Range Rover has and also has a very powerful engine. You can’t haul as much weight with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and it has a limit of 6,200 pounds. This is more than enough power to haul your boat to the lake.
The price tag for the Cherokee is much less at a starting price of $38,325.
Infinity QX80 – This vehicle offers a comfortable ride for 7 people with the highest towing capacity available. Its low MPG is only 14 MPG for city driving and 20 MPH on the highway.
Prices for the QX80 start at $70,600.
Porsche Cayenne – This vehicle is lighter than the Range Rover but both have 8-speed transmissions. The Cayenne is a newer model vehicle that is similar to the Range Rover Sport including that both vehicles have starting prices of around $68,000.
Both vehicles have similar infotainment systems with the Porsche model’s screen 12.3 inches and the Range Rover’s measuring only 8 inches.
BMW X5 — The BMW X5 can be compared with the Range Rover Sport. The X5 has slightly less legroom for passengers in the 2nd row. Their MPG rates are both 26 MPG for highway driving with 21 MPG in the city for the X5 and 19 MPG for Range Rover.
The X5 starting price is $62.595 while a similarly-equipped Range Rover starts at $84, 475.
Most Common Range Rover Problems
Some of the most common Range Rover Problems
Air Suspension Issues
The Range Rover has air springs that wear out over time. Slow leaks can also cause damage to the air compressor pump. They usually have a life of 100,000 miles.
Symptoms of Air Suspension Issues:
- Air compressor runs almost constantly or will not turn on at all.
- Your vehicle looks lopsided even when parked on an even surface.
- Loud noises while driving
- Uncomfortable rides
The cost of replacing the air suspension system is around $6,000. The cost can be less if only some parts need to be replaced.
Oil Electronic Problems
These involve the failure of warning lights to turn on to notify you of low oil levels or that your oil level is low. Oil electronic problems could include the following:
- Head gasket failure – This could happen if the light indicator doesn’t tell you that the car is running hot.
- Heater core failure –These can be avoided by flushing the radiator regularly.
- Leaking oil – Many times this problem is caused by leaking oil gaskets or pans.
The cost of replacing oil pan gaskets is $447 for parts and $191-$241 for labor.
Sunroof Leaks
Leaks in your sunroof can cause damage to the interior of your Range Rover. Sunroofs can be harder to open and close as vehicles get older.
Do not ignore leaks because rain can cause mold to grow on the sides and flooring of your vehicle. Leather seats can be damaged and cracked by moisture.
Repairing a leak is much less expensive than dealing with water damage inside your Range Rover. The cost of sunroof leakage can be any of the following:
- Broken cable or track replacement — $500-$800
- Cleaning drainage area — $80-$150
- Replace glass — $300-$400
- Motor replacement — $200-$500
Parking Brake Failures
The parking brake or emergency brake should be used each time that you park. Not only will it keep your Range Rover from rolling, but it keeps the cables in the best condition so they don’t snap. Range Rover is not new to braking issues and it is one of the most common problems you could face in your Range Rover.
Symptoms of Parking Brake Failure:
- Screeching sound
- Parking sensor light is flashing – This is usually a sign that your Electric Parking Brake Module has failed.
The cost of replacing the Electric Parking Brake Module is around $1,147.
- Steering Shaft Problems – Unbalanced wheels in the Range Rover are a common problem. Here are some other causes of steering shaft problems:
- Wheels are not aligned.
- Tire or rim damage
- Bad wheel bearing
- Worn engine mounts
- Loose wheel nuts
- Bad axle
- Worn suspension or steering parts
- Low tire pressure
- Over-inflated tires
Any of these problems will need to be repaired or replaced by your mechanic. The cost of a tire for the Range Rover is approximately $264.
How Expensive Are Range Rovers to Maintain?
A Range Rover costs around $1,258 to $5,000 per year to maintain. They rate Number 1 among luxury vehicles for maintenance. In addition, repairs cost an additional $1,170 to $4,500 annually.
Here are some costs for the Range Rover to help you know how expensive they are to maintain:
- Tune-up with new spark plugs — $335-$463
- Tire and wheel rotation — $79-$100
- Oil change — $377-$405
- Battery replacement — $439-$451
- New brakes — $372-$418
- 4 new tires — $944-$1,636
These costs are substantially higher than similar services and repairs for less expensive vehicles. The approximate annual cost for maintenance and repairs of a Ford Explorer for a year is $732.
Here are the costs for a non-luxury vehicle like the Ford Explorer:
- Tune-up with new spark plugs – $351-$450
- Oil change – $128-$142
- Battery replacement – $170-$178
- New brakes – $163-$210
- 4 new tires –$600-$1,400
As you can see, a Land Rover requires much more expensive maintenance and repairs than a non-luxury SUV.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
The brakes in a Range Rover last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on your driving habits. City driving with lots of stop-and-go causes your brakes to wear out sooner than highway driving. You can make your brakes last longer by not accelerating at a fast rate between lights, coasting, and leaving more distance between you and the car in front of you.
The price for replacing brakes in the Land Rover ranges from $372-$418.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
Range Rover tires usually last between 50,000-60,000 miles. This is typically 3-5 years, depending again on your driving habits. Racing to the next red light and slamming on your brakes will take months or years off their life.
The cost for 4 new tires for your Range Rover range from $944-$1,636.
How Long Does the Transmission Last?
A Range Rover transmission typically lasts for 150,000-200,000 miles. This time can be expected with proper maintenance.
The cost of a new transmission for your Range Rover is between $5,000 and $8,000.
How Long Do Range Rover Batteries Last?
A Range Rover battery lasts for approximately 3-5 years. You can do these things to lengthen the life of your battery:
- Clean the terminals and posts of corrosion with the cleaner and a wire brush.
- Have your mechanic clean the terminals and posts.
The cost of a new battery for a Range Rover is $439-$451.
How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?
Spark plugs last about 37,000 miles, and they will be replaced during a tune-up.
The cost of new spark plugs is between $99 and $183. Labor costs are an additional $195-$247.
Do Range Rovers Rust Quickly?
Range Rover Sport models have a body that is mostly aluminum, so they have little chance of rusting. The Range Rover has a 6-year/unlimited mileage corrosion against rust.
Older models may not be protected as well as newer models of the Range Rover.
A 12-inch area of rust costs from $150-$350 to repair.
Do Range Rovers Have Any Recent Recalls?
Range Rover has recently made the following recalls:
22V581000 – Electrical System – 2022 vehicles do not have an Audio Amplifier Module and won’t provide safety features such as belt reminders, turn signal sounds, and Advanced Driver Assistance system warnings. This could cause safety issues for drivers and for passengers who might forget to fasten their seat belts.
22V523000 – Driver and front seat pretensioners may be damaged and this can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants in 2022 and 2023 models. Needless to say, this could cause serious injury or loss of life in case of a crash.
21V668000 – The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate while the vehicle is still running in 2021 and 2022 models. This prevents the child-restraint system from securely locking. This is also a problem that could cause serious injury or death in case of a crash.
Are Range Rovers Worth Buying Used?
Range Rovers are not usually a good buy if your purchase them used, according to Edmunds.com. This is because even if they look new, they may have hidden problems because they are known as an unreliable vehicle brand.
Not everyone who has bought a used Range Rover has had this experience. Many used Range Rovers last for years and get many additional miles than when you purchased them.
Take the advice from this article seriously. We have presented facts about Land Rovers honestly and have listed models that are good and bad. This is not to guarantee that the Land Rover you buy from a year that we said was good will actually turn out to be problem-free.
Newer models from 2019-2023 have not had many complaints so far. The Range Rover you buy used should not have over 100,000 miles on it, and preferably, it should have fewer miles than 100,000. Here are the average prices for used Range Rovers:
- 2019 Range Rover — $74,888-$132,980
- 2020 Range Rover — $82,990-$169,985
- 2021 Range Rover — $107,995-$187,500
These prices are substantially lower than the new 2019, 2020, and 2021 Range Rovers. Keep in mind that vehicles depreciate the most in their first years. This means that you could get most of the benefits of newer models since they are carried over for a couple of years after they are introduced.
Best Way to Find Insurance for Your Range Rover
The best way to find insurance for your Range Rover is to shop for quotes. Most quotes are free, so it costs you nothing to check to see what various insurance companies charge. You can save up to $500 for the same insurance at a different company.
Simply enter your information online to get your free quote. Then, you can compare the quotes until you find one that offers the coverage that you want for a cheaper price. There are many car insurance companies known for low prices.
The annual average full coverage insurance rate for a Range Rover is $2,680. Your rate may be much higher depending on your age, driving record, location, your Range Rover model and whether you qualify for a variety of discounts such as buying house insurance at the same time as your vehicle insurance on your Range Rover.
Your Range Rover dealership may have several insurance companies that frequently insure vehicles that their customers purchase. If you are having difficulty finding reasonably-priced insurance, ask your dealer if they have any suggestions.
Range Rover Maintenance Tips to Make It Last Longer
Some problems with Range Rovers are manufacturing defects or mistakes that you did not cause. An example is a recall on your vehicle. No matter how much loving care you give your Range Rover, you are not responsible for a mistake made by the manufacturer.
There are some things that you can do to prolong the life of your Range Rover.
- Get the suggested maintenance for your Range Rover. Follow your owner’s manual carefully and keep a record of maintenance and repairs.
- Regular oil changes can prolong the life of your engine. Record the mileage when you had your oil changed and be sure to get it back to the shop when the next oil change is due.
- Check your oil regularly in between oil checks. If oil is low, be sure to fill it to the recommended level. If you have to fill it more than once between oil changes, have your dealer inspect the vehicle to be sure that there aren’t any leaks.
- Spending a little bit of money on prevention will pay off in the long run.
- Check the tread on your tires. Use a penny with Lincoln’s head turned upside down. If you can see his whole head, it’s time to change the tires.
- Check the fluids in your car every week or two. These are oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze, coolant, and power steering fluid. If you don’t know how to check these, your owner’s manual explains how to do it, and there may also be illustrations for you.
- Check your driveway or wherever you were parked for puddles indicating leaks. Then, schedule an appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible.
Have your timing belt and other belts checked at your dealer. Prevention is key to your Range Rover running smoothly. Listen for new sounds that might indicate a problem and explain it to your mechanic
Watch your vehicle’s temperature to make sure it’s not overheating. If the smell of your Range Rover while it’s running is different than usual, report this to your mechanic.
Drive your Range Rover with care. This doesn’t mean not enjoying off-roading or showing your friend all about your car. It means to not abuse your Range Rover by racing it unless you’re on a race track. It also means doing the above maintenance at suggested times.
Conclusion
The Range Rover can be a lot of fun to drive. Know what you’re getting into before buying this car – high-cost repairs, high insurance rates, high-cost maintenance. Replacement parts and tires are all more expensive for this luxury SUV.
If you know the costs before buying a Range Rover you can plan for these expenses and not be shocked when the dealer gives you a service estimate.
Customer loyalty to the Range Rover is high. Many owners have said that they currently own their 2nd or 3rd Range Rover and plan to buy another one when the right time is here. Devotion like this must mean that Range Rovers are great vehicles in many ways.