Thinking about buying a used Land Rover LR2 (2006–2014) in New Zealand? We've documented 5 known faults for this model spanning fluid leaks, engine, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
5
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$4,000
Typical repair
3
Systems covered
Known Land Rover LR2 faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Input Shaft Seal Failure – Silent Oil Starvation
CriticalVery commonFluid Leaks $500–$7,000 to fix
The Freelander 2 Power Transfer Unit is mounted on the side of the gearbox to drive the rear axle and has its own separate oil supply. The input shaft seal between the gearbox and PTU is a well-documented failure point. When the seal fails, PTU oil leaks internally and gearbox oil migrates in through the shaft, but without any visible puddle under the vehicle because the oil loss wicks along internal shafts. The PTU oil level drops silently to zero, the unit overheats, and the internal bearings and clutch pack are destroyed. This expensive failure is entirely preventable with a low-cost seal replacement.
Symptoms to notice
No external oil puddle despite internal seal failure – the primary danger of this fault
Vibration or growling noise from the drivetrain under load in later stages
Whining noise from the transmission area that increases with road speed
Visible oil residue under the vehicle near the PTU-to-gearbox junction if advanced
What to check
Check the PTU oil level via its separate fill and check plug – the PTU oil is isolated from the gearbox. Discoloured or mixed oil indicates the seal has failed. Listen for drivetrain growling under load during the test drive. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a hoist, inspect the PTU unit for oil seepage at the input shaft seal (the junction between the gearbox and PTU).
Where to look: Power Transfer Unit mounted on the driver's side of the gearbox in the transmission tunnel
Ask the seller
“Has the PTU input shaft seal been replaced?”
“Has the PTU oil ever been checked or changed independently of the gearbox oil?”
“Any drivetrain vibration or growling noise under load?”
02Power Take-Off (PTO) Shaft Bearing Failure
MajorCommonTransmission $800–$2,500 to fix
The Freelander 2 uses a power take-off shaft to transfer drive from the front-mounted gearbox to the rear Haldex coupling. The centre support bearing on this shaft is prone to wear and failure, causing vibration and noise. If the bearing collapses completely the shaft can separate, potentially causing severe underbody damage.
Symptoms to notice
Vibration felt through the floor and seats at specific road speeds
Humming or droning noise from underneath the vehicle that changes with speed
Vibration worsening under load or acceleration
Clunking from underneath during initial acceleration
What to check
During the test drive at speeds between 60 and 100 km/h, pay attention to any speed-sensitive vibration through the floor or seats. The vibration may reduce at certain speeds and worsen at others. Inspect the PTO shaft and its centre bearing mounting bracket from underneath — look for rubber deterioration, cracks in the bearing mount, or play in the shaft. Listen for droning that changes pitch with road speed rather than engine speed.
Where to look: PTO propshaft running longitudinally under the vehicle from gearbox to rear axle
Ask the seller
“Has the PTO shaft centre bearing been inspected or replaced?”
“Does the vehicle vibrate through the floor at any road speed?”
“Has any workshop identified drivetrain vibration as a known fault on this vehicle?”
EngineCritical
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
3 more documented faults on the Land Rover LR2
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 5 documented faults for the Land Rover LR2, the recurring problem areas are fluid leaks, engine, and transmission. A Land Rover LR2 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Land Rover LR2?
+
We've catalogued 5 known faults for the Land Rover LR2, covering fluid leaks, engine, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Land Rover LR2?
+
Most single repairs on the Land Rover LR2 fall between $800–$4,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 5 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Land Rover LR2?
+
Yes. A Land Rover LR2 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.