Land Rover Range Rover Sport: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2005–2022) in New Zealand? We've documented 25 known faults for this model spanning engine, transmission, suspension, and cooling. 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.
25
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$3,800
Typical repair
7
Systems covered
Known Land Rover Range Rover Sport faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
01TDV8 3.6 Oil Pump Drive Shaft Shear
CriticalCommonEngine $4,500–$24,000 to fix
The 3.6-litre TDV8 diesel in the L320 Sport uses a drive shaft to connect the crankshaft sprocket to the oil pump body. This shaft is prone to shear fracture at the drive dog under cold-start stress when oil viscosity is elevated. Shaft failure immediately stops oil delivery and engine bearing seizure occurs within seconds with no meaningful advance warning. The oil pressure warning light may briefly appear before complete destruction. Pre-2009 build vehicles are at highest risk and Land Rover issued TSB LTB00569 mandating drive shaft replacement. The L320's engine bay layout shares this exact failure mode with the L322, as both use the same Ford/Jaguar-designed TDV8 engine assembly.
Symptoms to notice
Sudden oil pressure warning light with no prior indication
Engine knock immediately preceding seizure
Engine stops running and will not restart
Complete loss of compression across cylinders after failure
Loud mechanical noise immediately before shutdown
What to check
Request documented evidence that TSB LTB00569 has been completed by an authorised Land Rover workshop. Scan for any historical oil pressure fault codes in stored memory. Review oil change frequency — extended intervals increase cold-start failure risk. Inspect oil filler cap and dipstick for any signs of previous emulsification from prior overheating events.
Where to look: Oil pump drive shaft inside front engine timing chest, driven from crankshaft sprocket
Ask the seller
“Has the oil pump drive shaft been replaced under Land Rover TSB LTB00569?”
“What is the service history showing oil change intervals?”
“Has the engine ever required rebuilding or shown oil pressure faults?”
02P400e plug-in hybrid charging and 12V faults (L461)
MinorOccasionalElectrical $300–$3,000 to fix
Many L461 Range Rover Sports are P400e plug-in hybrids, and early owners report charging faults, charge-port and 12V battery issues, and hybrid-system warnings that can leave the car unable to charge or run efficiently. Non-hybrid cars still show 12V drain when standing. As a new model, verify the hybrid system charges normally and all software/recalls are done.
Symptoms to notice
Charging fails to start or stops early
Hybrid system warning
Reduced electric-only range
12V battery flat after standing
What to check
If it is a P400e, ask to see it charge and confirm the port and cable work and it reaches a normal charge. Check electric-only range against expectation and look for hybrid warnings. Ask about any charging or high-voltage battery issues and whether software/recalls are current. Check the 12V battery health.
Where to look: Charge port, high-voltage battery and hybrid control systems; 12V battery
Ask the seller
“Does it charge fully and reliably?”
“Any hybrid-system warnings or reduced range?”
“Are software and recalls up to date?”
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23 more documented faults on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport
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 25 documented faults for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, the recurring problem areas are engine, transmission, and suspension. A Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 Range Rover Sport?
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We've catalogued 25 known faults for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, covering engine, transmission, and suspension. 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 Range Rover Sport?
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Most single repairs on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport fall between $900–$3,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 25 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 Range Rover Sport?
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Yes. A Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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.