Common Problems With Range Rovers
The Range Rover embodies luxury and everything we all want to have, at least most of us. However, this vehicle is not flawless. There are several aspects of the Range we love, others we hate, and others we can ignore.
If you want to purchase a Range rover or admire this line of vehicles, here is our essential guide to common problems and fixes for these issues on the Range Rover.
Most of the time, when a Range Rover is mentioned, it is never in bad taste. After all, this high-performance car can do no wrong, can it? Even if you’re a new vehicle or are yet to purchase one, you should know this isn’t true.
While the Range isn’t riddled with problem after problem, it has its share of issues. This vehicle and all its variations are prone to failure, including the most popular issue across the board with range rovers: among the most popular problems in power loss, suspension issues, and electrical failures, which in turn create more problems.
Luckily, most common place issues are easy to fix with repairs and replacements. Unluckily, these repairs and replacements might cost you hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of dollars. Look at our guide to Range rover associated issues, where we will discuss these problems and fixes.
Getting through all the Range Rovers
The lineup of Range Rovers and Land Rovers can be confusing. However, do not let that worry you. We will approach this guide in a more specified manner, where we will identify the most popular Range Rovers in the Land Rover Range Rover series.
Afterward, we can then break down their common issues and fixes. This segmented approach will be useful when discussing model-specific issues that don’t cut across the board.
This breakdown will focus on The L322, The Range Rover Sport, and The Range Rover Evoque. Lastly, it will touch upon other general problematic aspects of owning and even purchasing a Range Rover and why it might still be worthwhile. Read on for more on the most common Range Rover issues and fixes.
Comparing the Range Rover L322, Sport, and Evoque
| MODEL | The top issue with this model | Common fix |
| L322 | Transmission failure | Good old replacement |
| SPORT | Worn differential | Frequent differential fluid change and component replacement |
| EVOQUE | Failure of the fuse on the windshield washer component | Immediate replacement |
Range Rover L322
This is the Range rover model, known as Range rover, manufactured between 2001 to 2012. The most common problems associated with this classic beauty include the following.
Power loss
Loss of power on this and many other Range rover models often culminates in many things. The best way to diagnose the real cause and find the most appropriate solution for this issue is by using a scanning tool.
These devices utilize the information from your Vehicle’s computer system and detect any triggered fault codes, each unique to a certain part of the vehicle and a specific problem. Usually, issues with the EGR valve or a break in the intercooler hoses will lead to power loss issues.
After this, the air-fuel mixture ratio becomes faulty, causing poor vehicle performance. The best way to fix this is to check the intercooler hoses and ensure they are in order. If any of them is broken, a replacement is in order.
Transmission failure
The ZF and GM5 gearboxes, automatic, with which this Range Rover is enabled, are quite problematic. Often, you will notice the L322 become steadily more reluctant to shift gears if these automatic gearboxes fail.
Continued use of your L322 in this state will only cause the problem to progress, causing odd noises or even the appearance of a fault on the gear monitor. The best way to fix this is to get to a professional as soon as you notice the symptoms of automatic transmission failure.
Ignition switch failure
The ignition switch might fail to lead to difficulty turning your key in the ignition. The best remedy for a faulty ignition switch is an immediate replacement.
Air suspension
This is one of the reasons we are in love with the range rover. With superior air suspension, Range Rovers have established an unrivaled balance between superior ride quality and great off-road power.
However, this round suspension can become problematic and commonly lead to the message SUSPENSION INACTIVE on your dashboard display. If you notice this message, a full diagnostics check is in order. The fix could involve replacing the following parts depending on the information you or the professional will collect from the diagnosis.
- Suspension compressor
- Air suspension pump
- Air suspension valve
- Complete suspension strut
- Air suspension height sensor
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover sport is an elaborately built vehicle combining various technologies to deliver the monster Sport model we admire. However, there are several issues we cannot simply ignore, including the following:
Problematic arm suspension
When you hear a knocking sound during slow drives, you might have an arm suspension problem. These are often easily diagnosed by observation and listening. To check your front suspension for issues, drive forward, then look out for these distinguishable knocking sounds in reverse.
If your arm suspension is the problem, the best action is a thorough professional inspection, diagnosis, and fix.
Worn differential
A defective differential cannot efficiently transfer power from your engine to the transmission and then the wheels. When wear and tear build up on this component, it will fail. Often, a worn differential gives off an odd whining sound when you drive at a constant speed.
To fix this, always have your differential fluids at optimum and worn or torn differential replaced.
Air suspension issues
Air suspension is the best and simultaneously worst part about having a Range. Not really, but issues with your air suspension will trigger the light on the dashboard, indicating an immediate problem. The best action is to have your suspension components inspected and replaced.
A good diagnostics checkup should be enough to identify all the faults in your air suspension and the best fixing method.
Power loss
In range rovers, power loss is a culmination of many things. The sport particularly experiences this issue due to wear in the belts, problematic fuel pump or air flow sensor, and problematic catalytic converter, among other reasons. The only way to fix a power loss issue is to find and fix the specific issue causing this power loss.
Parking brake problems
An issue with the parking brake will often result in a screeching sound that is considerably loud. Additionally, it may trigger sticking in the handbrake and cause difficulty locking the rear wheel. Choosing to ignore this issue can cause significant damage to your brake discs. The best way to remedy this is by having your brake shoe and even disc replaced.
Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is a high-quality, highly secure model that is not short of its problems. Here are some popular issues with the Evoque:
Failing wind washer system
Failure of the fuse on the windshield washer component is a popular issue with the Evoque. Low temperatures and blockages often trigger this failure. Luckily, the models affected by this issue, manufactured between October 2018 and April 2019, were recalled for a factory fix.
Fuel gauge problems with poor emissions performance
You would think there wouldn’t be any commonplace or even petty issues for the price at which Range Rovers sell. A malfunctioning fuel gauge is among the problems you may experience with the Evoque.
Once it does, you will be unaware of Emission laws; they are a collection of regulations set up across different states whose sole purpose is to help protect the environment from the dangerous carbon dioxide emissions that heavily contribute to global warming.
While the vehicle emission requirements might vary from state to state, each of these authorities has these laws set up to minimize air pollution and monitor vehicle emissions in their respective areas. Unfortunately, the Evoque doesn’t comply with many emissions requirements and standards.
This model was commercially produced and distributed between March 2018 and June 2018. Luckily, these vehicles have been recalled since for proper recalibration and design to adhere to the emission performance standards for vehicles in the USA.
You might be aware that the league of range rovers are fuel guzzlers, at least most of them. However, the Evoque consumes fuel at this capacity, with non-conforming emissions ratings. If you are unfamiliar with emission standards, they are laws instigated to ensure personal vehicles reduce their contribution to emissions, smog, and global warming. Emission inspections are usually required for new cars and even renewed registration in many states with emission requirements.
General Range Rover issues and fixes
Now that we have the specifics out of the way, here are some of the general issues different models of the Range Rover possess, with a few tips on how to fix them:
Leaking
One of the biggest issues with vehicles across the vehicle spectrum is leaking. Admittedly some leaks are harmless and purely annoying; many vehicle-associated leaks are harmful and could potentially be dangerous for you or your vehicle. For example, oil leaking from the lower crankcase or crankshaft could trigger many other issues, engine or otherwise..
Air suspension problems
We have already mentioned this under several models in our breakdown; however, to understand this popular issue further, here is a more elaborate explanation of the cause of air suspension issues in Range Rovers. Faulty sensors and problematic components are often responsible for this issue.
Faulty electronics and electronic components
A fuse blow here and there or simply failure within some electronic components is common with Range Rovers and other vehicles. However, these electronic faults are responsible for many issues in cars. One popular electronics issue among Range Rovers is the ignition switch failing.
Engine issues on the Range Rovers
It’s not a good review unless it includes a break in the engine. Range Rovers are popular for the powerful engines they are equipped with. However, these engines are not problem free. We will touch on the top issues that cripple these engines, especially after extended or strenuous use.
Ignition issues
These will vary depending on the component causing the issue. Often, the ignition system, the Ignition Amplified Module, on the rage sends problematic magnetic signals, which will cause even screws to come loose on the vacuum module, which will trigger ignition issues. Suppose you are unfamiliar with the ignition System on Range Rovers. In that case, we advise you to check with your mechanic if you notice any engine stalls and other ignition-associated symptoms.
Alternator problems
Newer Range Rovers are less likely to have this issue than those driven for a while. If you intend to purchase a used Range with 100k and over mileage, then you stand a chance of experiencing this issue. A failing alternator often leads to various performance issues, including weird transmission shifts or even tachometer failure.
Luckily, alternators are easy to replace or even rebuild. Leaving this issue alone will cause further damage to your engine, triggering symptoms such as engine misfires.
Overheating
Likewise, there are many reasons why your engine could develop overheating issues. Popular culprits often include the thermostat or blockages within the radiator. You must have the engine thoroughly inspected or inspect it yourself, checking the car's components for possible reasons your engine is overheating.
Why Range rovers are unreliable
Reliability in vehicles is measured using a variety of factors. For example, the reliability index is derived from comparing the number of damages to your vehicle to the repair and repair cost required.
It’s not that Range Rovers get a bad rep out of spite studies conducted and published in 2018 show that Ranges are among the most unreliable vehicles. However, because of the luxury and sophistication brand surrounding Range Rovers, they remain a popular choice for anyone who can afford them. It doesn’t make sense to keep buying an unreliable vehicle.
We aren’t going to dismiss the power and performance that these vehicles embody; likewise, it is only fair that we acknowledge the areas of failure, including the poor reliability ratings and index.
Advice for buyers looking for a used range rover
Before you rush to the Range rover forums to check how often a certain model has received complaints within the week, take a moment to consider the implications of purchasing a range rover. Even so, revisit the various issues and fixes we have reviewed above. If you still want to purchase a used Range rover, here are some tips to help you.
If it’s cheap, run
That might be the last thing you want to hear, but a cheap Range is dangerous. We aren’t trying to deter you from getting the best deal possible; however, be wary of these too-good deals.
Check and ask about the reliability
As it stands, Range Rovers do not have the best reliability reputation. Before you commit to a used Range, check with the previous owner about the mechanical well-being and performance capacity of the vehicle you intend to buy. Also, don’t forget about used car lemon laws that will be useful if you unluckily purchase a lemon.
A note on used car lemon laws
These are the laws put in place to protect the buyers who purchase unreliable duds. Alternatively, these “lemon laws” are helpful when you spend more on unwarranted repairs. While many states have yet to instigate used car lemon laws, Minnesota, Massachusetts, NYC, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Connecticut are ahead of the game.
In these states, you will receive a used car warranty that is statutory. If you experience any issue while the warranty is in place, the car dealer is responsible for their repair. This information could prove helpful if your next used car is a Range.
How much does it cost to repair Range Rover failing parts?
Depending n the component or the nature of failure within the vehicle, the repair cost for a faulty component could be barely a hundred or thousands of dollars. According to various sites, the average annual budget for repair and maintenance of range rovers lies between 5 and 6,000 dollars. This number will change depending on the issue at hand, the severity of the issue, the Range Rover model, and your Location.
In conclusion
Even though there are various range rover models, all built to be the vehicle of our dreams, this ride has many problematic aspects. Many of these problems require immediate attention; otherwise, the situation could worsen and increase the amount of money you will put back into the Rage in repairs.
