Common Range Rover Sport Faults: Problems, Reliability And More!
You won’t regret buying a new or used Range Rover Sport. It’s an impressive SUV known for its agile handling, which is practical both on and off the road. However, it can be expensive to own and maintain. Don’t leave without first reading up on common Range Rover Sport faults .
Depending on the model year, it may also keep its value. However, the Range Rover Sport depreciates an average of 53% after five years. If you are interested in knowing the problems that this model can present, we recommend you read until the end.
How good is the Range Rover Sport?
Due to its frequent repairs, as well as high costs of ownership and maintenance, the Range Rover Sport received an average reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5.0. It ranks 10th out of 19 SUVs in the same category.
However, many fans of luxury SUVs still consider the Range Rover Sport a great choice for its superb driving experience. Range Rover models typically last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, as long as your service and maintenance schedule is followed correctly. The Range Rover Sport probably has a similar lifespan.
Main common failures of the Range Rover Sport
Some Range Rover Sport models have their share of problems. Here are common Range Rover Sport faults that you may encounter in various model years:
1- Rattling sound when driving
A rattling sound may be heard coming from the front of the car, especially when driving on uneven surfaces.
Most likely you have worn front suspension tie rod bushings . Look at the small rods with a ball joint on each end that connect the upper suspension arm to the stabilizer bar. They can be quite difficult to remove, but that’s because of the damage. Once you’ve managed to get them out, you can very easily fit a replacement.
2- Excessive vibrations
Range Rover Sport driveshaft problems can cause excessive vibration, which can be felt from your cabin. This is a common problem on all Sport model years, including other Land Rover models such as the Discovery 3 and 4.
According to experts, the drive shaft often fails because its rubber parts and bearings can wear out easily. Worn parts can cause an imbalance, which is often accompanied by vibration and abnormal noise.
Sports car owners can prevent this problem by paying special attention to driveshaft care. Some experts advise regularly greasing the prop shaft and routinely checking for any apparent wear. You should also inspect the driveshaft joints, as they are also prone to damage.
3- Hesitation and lack of acceleration
The EGR valve can become clogged with a carbon buildup, causing hesitation and a lack of power when accelerating. If you notice that the vehicle is very hesitant and sputters a bit when starting, this is the most likely cause. You may also notice that the engine does not idle very well, being erratic instead of the revs staying constant.
You can clean the EGR valve with a small brush (toothbrush) and some carburetor cleaner to remove carbon buildup. This should solve the problem. Although you can also take a look at the following article.
4- Faults in the fuel system
One of the most serious problems with the Range Rover Sport is the fuel system of the 2017 model. This Sport model was included in a recall issued in 2018 due to multiple fuel system issues.
According to Land Rover, some Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles built between August 29, 2016 and January 19, 2017 may have faulty fuel gauges . Faulty gauges can show fuel levels are low when they are not.
In addition, affected SUVs may also have faulty engine management software, which can intermittently kill the engine. If the engine dies suddenly, the Sport’s brake assist may also fail, which can increase the risk of an accident.
Both problems can cause damage. Land Rover has guaranteed that it will notify owners of affected SUVs, so that they can carry out the necessary repairs free of charge.
5- Failures in the suspension
Do you hear a scraping or screeching sound coming from the suspension when you drive the vehicle? If so, you should know that this is one of the common Range Rover Sport faults that you should solve soon, most likely it is due to a failure in the stabilizer bar bushings. You will need to replace the stabilizer bar bushings to resolve the issue .
6- Problem with door locks
Range Rover Sport door lock issues prompted Land Rover to recall more than 65,000 SUVs in 2019. This recall includes some 2014-2016 Range Rover Sport units manufactured between May 9, 2012 and May 5, 2012. March 2015.
These SUVs have a keyless vehicle locking system, which can malfunction or refuse to activate. The doors of the affected Sport may appear to be locked even though they are not , which may cause the doors to open suddenly while the SUV is in motion.
Land Rover has said that owners can contact them for more information. Affected vehicles will be inspected and all necessary repairs, including software updates, will be made free of charge.
7- Grinding noise when driving
There is a screeching noise coming from one or more wheels. The sound gets louder the faster you drive. Pick up the wheel and rock it. If there is any play, the entire front hub and bearing will need to be replaced.
8- Sudden gear change
Harsh gear shifting is one of the most noticeable Range Rover Sport issues, especially on the 2006-2007 and 2016 models. The automatic transmission can bump or bump every time you shift from second to first gear .
Some owners have shared that they have encountered loud rattling during stop-start traffic or when slowing down to stop. They have also shared that these sounds often occur with low mileage SUVs starting at 46,500 miles.
Technicians said this is commonly caused by outdated transmission control module software. Getting an upgrade can help resolve this issue and restore your SUV’s smooth shifting ability.
9- Buzzing or sound when driving
The car may make a consistent buzzing or buzzing sound, but the sound is difficult to locate. The differential bearings could be dry. Remove the drain plug from the differential and drop a small amount of oil into a clear container.
If you can see silver filings, then it’s a sign that the gears are wearing out, and you’ll need to replace the entire differential. Among the common Range Rover Sport faults this is one of the most annoying.
10- Defective parking brake
One of the most reported Range Rover Sport problems is its faulty parking brake, commonly found on 2006-2011 and 2013 models. According to mechanics, these Sport models have parking brakes that tend to develop unusual squealing noises and then eventually fail.
This problem usually starts when the SUV reaches about 90,800 kilometers. Some owners have shared that the problem started with a long screeching noise after pressing the electronic parking brake. They have reported that it can happen frequently until the parking brake stops working completely.
Others have shared that they had to have their SUVs towed to transport them safely. They have reported that this issue can occur due to corrosion, which can damage important brake components like pads or rotors.
Some technicians have shared that this problem can also be related to damaged parking brake cables or actuators. Replacing these faulty parts can help resolve this issue and restore parking brake performance.
11- Disadvantages of slow braking
Not only is braking power lost, but brake fluid is also lost. One of the most common reasons why Sports suspend their ITV is due to corrosion of the brake pipe. Dirt and salt buildup could have corroded the brake pipe to the point of needing to replace it.
12- Sunroof problems
The 2006-2008 Range Rover Sport may develop water leaks around its sunroof. This usually happens around 90,000 kilometers. According to reports, water leaks can be very serious, soaking various areas of your SUV’s interior. Some owners have shared that their rear view mirrors got wet due to water leaks.
They have also reported that water can reach the carpet and other electronic components inside, such as the radio and the screen. Technicians say these leaks are commonly caused by damaged sunroof drains . We recommend that you regularly inspect your SUV’s drain pipes to prevent any water leaks.
To end
You will not regret buying the Range Rover Sport because it is an iconic SUV. However, you should take the time to do your research and learn about potential issues for the model year you are interested in. Therefore it is good that you are aware of the common faults of the Range Rover Sport.
Being aware of your most common problems can help you maintain your Range Rover Sport and manage faults as they arise. It is also important to discuss and clarify information with the seller before closing the deal.
