Range Rover ranks among the most popular cars worldwide, thanks to its luxurious features and design. The car is also popular for its performance, durability, and overall power. Therefore, the Range Rover could make a good buy if you’re in the market for a quality SUV.
The Range Rover isn’t issue-proof. It can develop problems and issues like any other car. According to Range Rover users, some of the most common issues include suspension, powertrain, engine, and electrical issues. However, these issues sometimes occur only on particular models. You’ll find out more about common Range Rover problems and issues in this post.
What should you do if your Range Rover is having issues? Well, the general recommendation is to take your car to an expert.
But this can be expensive and sometimes overspending if it’s something you can handle yourself. So we’ll also consider possible solutions as we look at the common Range Rover problems and issues in this post.
Is Your Range Rover Having Issues?
Cars typically depreciate with age. So, if you’ve owned a Range Rover for years, it’s normal to have issues. But if it’s a relatively new car, the issues can be due to mishandling or a manufacturing defect.
You’ll have to fix it yourself for the former or return it to the manufacturer when there’s a recall for the latter.
How Reliable Is The Range Rover?
Range Rovers generally don’t have good reliability ratings, especially regarding used models. In particular, Warrantywise ranks it among the least reliable used cars.
However, this has to do more with old models. Owners of recent Range Rover models — from 2019 onwards — don’t complain about reliability.
This means that while some Range Rover models are worth buying, others are not. Later, we’ll examine what models of Range Rover you should avoid and which you should buy. Let’s now discuss some of the common issues Range Rovers face.
Most Common Issues With The Range Rover
Below are some of the most common issues Range Rover owners complain about and their possible solutions.
1. Powertrain Issues
PowerTrain issues are common with old Range Rover models, like the 2010 model, stemming from different causes. Aside from the powertrain, it could also be differential unit and driveshaft problems.
These may lead to engine stalling, sudden loss of power, and lagging gears. It’s a serious problem as it can be fatal when driving on a busy road.
To fix Range Rover PowerTrain issues, you first need to identify the exact cause of the problem. Then, you may need to take your car to a professional shop for inspection. This could cost you between $200 to $300.
But you can quickly check yourself to see if you can identify the cause before taking it to the shop. For example, you can check for leaks, foul odors, and unusual noises. These are all signs of powertrain issues.
Furthermore, you should check the transmission fluid. Most times, powertrain issues are due to dirty or low transmission fluid. If this is the cause, then it’s easy to fix. You only need to purchase a replacement transmission fluid, which costs between $8 to $10.
If you need to change the powertrain module, budget around $1,500
2. Suspension Issues
The suspension warning light is a helpful safety feature that the Range Rover comes with. It’ll inform you whenever your car has suspension issues. And unfortunately, it’s frequent with some models.
Note that the suspension warning light will only come on when the issue is worse. Hence, you should watch out for other symptoms of suspension issues. For example, your car leaning to one side and nose-diving before stopping are early signs of suspension issues.
The Range Rover is an expensive car, and since the suspension system is intricate, it’s also expensive to replace. For example, replacing a Range Rover vehicle’s suspension shock or strut will cost over $2,000. In most cases, the price is closer to $3,000.
3. Engine Issues
This is the broadest issue Range Rover owners complain about. Your car engine can become faulty for many reasons, and sometimes, it’s a manufacturing defect. So far, Range Rover owners have recorded over 1,000 engine problems.
One of the most frequent is the timing chain problem. When this happens, your engine may fail to turn over and make unsettling noises.
Another common issue is the check engine light always staying on. It could cause your car to stall and shake abnormally.
A third common engine issue is the radiator problem. This usually happens after the check engine light starts behaving. It results in a radiator leak, which poses a danger to your health.
As a broad issue, there are many causes for engine issues. Some common causes are leaky hoses, rust, defective piston rings, failed oxygen sensor, and faulty oil pump, to name a few. Therefore, how much you’ll spend to fix the issue will vary.
For example, you may only need to change the rings if it’s due to defective piston rings. Piston rings for Range Rovers cost less than $50, so it’s not expensive.
Meanwhile, you’ll spend a lot more if it’s due to a faulty oxygen sensor. The cost of replacing the oxygen sensor in a Range Rover ranges from $700 to $900. Furthermore, a rusted radiator can develop holes, leading to engine issues as it could leak.
You may be able to change the piston rings or oxygen sensor yourself, but you should take it to a professional shop. The labor cost will be around $100 or less.
The earlier you fix your engine issues, the better to avoid complete engine breakdown. For example, if your Range Rover engine breaks down completely, you’ll spend between $6,000 to $20,000 to replace it. But, of course, the exact amount you’ll spend depends on your vehicle model.
4. Electrical Issues
Electrical issues are commonplace with every car since these vehicles feature many electrical components. For example, owners report faulty display units and incorrect fuel and temperature gauge information with the Range Rover. Others report system failure codes and non-functional AC.
The most common cause of electrical issues in Range Rovers is damaged or disconnected wires. This is why electrical issues are regular with old cars. However, you can fix this issue by reviewing the car’s electrical connection.
The issue can also be due to defective electrical components, like a faulty display unit. Perhaps the components were installed incorrectly by the manufacturer or repair man if it’s a used car.
Another cause of electrical issues is a drained battery. But, no matter the cause, visiting a professional is the best solution. The solution may be cheap, around $100, if it’s due to disconnected wires. But if it’s a more serious issue, like a weak battery, you’ll spend up to $500 for replacement.
5. Steering Concerns
Some Range Rover owners report having heavy or sticky steering. When such happens, the steering becomes almost impossible to turn.
Steering problems on Range Rovers are usually manufacturer defects. In fact, the car manufacturer recalled over 5,500 vehicles in late 2019 due to steering issues.
If your Range Rover model falls under the recalled vehicles, you won’t spend money to fix the steering issue. But if otherwise, you will spend over $1,000 to get a steering replacement.
Nevertheless, you can first take the car for inspection, which will cost less than $100. Perhaps the cause of the issue won’t warrant changing the entire steering.
6. Broken Brakes
No one wants to experience malfunctioning brakes. But unfortunately, this happens with some Range Rover models, although it’s one of the least common on this list.
According to owners who experience this issue, the car takes extra time to halt after they apply the brake. Sometimes it makes a clicking sound and turns on the Traction Fault and ABS Fault signals. Some have even reported parking brake failures in their Range Rovers as well.
If your Range Rover has malfunctioning or broken brakes, the best solution is to replace the brakes. Replacing the brakes of a Range Rover will cost between $500 to $700. The brake pad parts cost around $400 to $550. Meanwhile, you’ll pay $100 to $150 for labor.
That’s all for the most common issues with the Range Rover. Going further, let’s look at the models prone to such issues and those that are not.
What Years Did The Range Rover Have Problems?
As mentioned earlier, old Range Rover models are more prone to issues than newer models. In that view, the years of Range Rover that owners complain about the most are 2006, 2007, and 2008 models. The 2014 model is also troublesome.
2006, 2007, and 2008 models suffered many electrical and service brake problems. In addition, power train, suspension, and airbag-related problems are also common.
With the 2014 model, it’s not much different. Owners complain of issues with the electrical system, engine cooling, air-bag, and other equipment.
On the contrary, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 models are less prone to issues. So if you want to own a Range Rover, you should go for these years, as they are the best.
Range Rover issues caused by manufacturing defects often lead to recalls. So let’s look at what recalls are all about next.
Recent Range Rover Recalls
Here are some of the most recent Range Rover recalls:
- 22V581000: this recall was put out in mid-2022 for some 2022 Range Rover vehicles. The recall was due to the absence of an Audio Amplifier Module (AAM), which is necessary for audio safety features.
- 22V523000: this recall was released in mid-2022 for some 2022 and 2023 Range Rover Sport and Velar vehicles. The recall was due to the damaged driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners.
- 22V320000: this recall was released early 2022 for some new 2022 Range Rover vehicles. The recall was due to poorly tightened fasteners and malfunctioning front crash sensors.
- 22V219000: this recall was released in early 2022 for some new 2016 – 2017 Range Rover vehicles. The recall was due to an issue with the front retractor of the seat belts.
Check To See Whether Your Vehicle Has An Open Recall
Land Rover can issue recalls for Range Rover vehicles at any time. Therefore, it’s ideal if you know how to check for them yourself.
You can check for recalls via the NHTSA website. It’s simple. All you have to do is visit the link — https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls — and enter your car’s VIN.
You’ll get all the details on the website if there’s an open recall.
How Is It Compared to Similar Cars?
Cars that compare to the Range Rover are the G Wagon and Mercedes-Benz GLS 450. So let’s see how it compares against these cars.
| Range Rover vs. G Wagon | Range Rover vs. Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 |
| In comparison, the Range Rover has a higher engine capacity than the G Wagon. While the G Wagon hits a maximum of 282 bhp at 3400 rpm, the Range Rover hits 394 bhp at 5500 rpm.Furthermore, you get a two-year warranty with the G Wagon but three to four years with the Range Rover. | You’ll pay more to own a Range Rover than a Mercedes-Benz. Therefore, you’d expect the Range River to be better — which is true.Notably, you have just one engine option with the Mercedes-Benz. But with the Range Rover, you have five. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz has a maximum of 362 hp, but the Range Rover ranges from 355 to 557 hp. |
What Is The Life Expectancy And Mileage?
According to expert evaluation, Range Rovers can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles. However, Land Rover issues a limited warranty for 50,000 miles or four years for every new Range Rover.
With this, you’ll agree that the Range Rover has a good life expectancy and mileage. But your vehicle will only last up to 150,000 miles or more with proper use and maintenance.
You should regularly inspect your car after every 5,000 miles or at least once a year — whichever comes first.
Is It Worth Buying Used?
To be straightforward, purchasing a used Range Rover vehicle isn’t the best idea. If you must own a Range Rover, go for a brand new one.
The used Range Rovers you’ll find in the market are usually old models like 2008, 2009, and 2010. Unfortunately, as mentioned, these old models are prone to problems even when new.
While a used 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023 Range Rover model may serve, they are not readily available. This is because they are still relatively new.
Also, the cost of purchasing a used 2020, 2021, 2022, or 2023 Range Rover model will be similar to that of a new car. So it’s better to simply get a new one.
Taking recent models into account, check out some pros and cons about the Range Rover vehicle below.
What Is Good And Bad About The Car?
The Good
- Comfortable ride: with the two-row SUV design on years like the 2021 and 2022 models, you get the smoothest of rides with the Range Rover
- High luxury: Range Rovers are known as luxurious cars and continue to live up to that.
- Quality interior: inside the Range Rover, you get high-end quality materials, including soft-touch plastics and padded leather.
- Multiple powertrains: with the Range Rover, you have multiple engine options. These include the turbocharged P360 and P400 3.0-liter V6 petrol engines and the supercharged P525 and P565 4.4-liter V8 engines.
The Bad
- Expensive: you should know this already. The 2023 Range Rover, for example, costs over $100,000.
- Poor infotainment system: despite its high technology, the infotainment system in some recent Range Rover models is glitchy.
What Do Owners Say About The Car?
Customers who purchased recent Range Rover models have been satisfied with the vehicles. According to one user on Edmunds.com, the Range Rover is super comfortable, with a first-class interior and luxury feel.
Another user rated the car highly for Safety, Technology, and Performance, noting that the ride is smooth and quiet.
Conclusion
Range Rover is the dream car for many with its comfort and luxury. You can avoid the common problems other owners complain about by getting a new recent car model. In particular, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 models are recommended for purchase.
Furthermore, take note of the open recalls if you own a Range Rover experiencing any of the noted problems.