Used Land Rover Range Rover 2013-2022 reliability
Category: Luxury SUV
The Range Rover is a worthy alternative to a luxury saloon and brilliant off-road. Reliability is a big issue, though.
What should I look for in a used Land Rover Range Rover 4x4?
This is a very large car that will have been used in urban areas, so check the bodywork for any obvious signs of damage and the wheels and bumpers for scuffs. It’ll also quite possibly have been used off road, so check the undersides of the car for stone chips and any major signs of contact.
Make sure the seats move and operate as they should, and do the same for the tailgate. Check leather for cracking, and on the back seats and in the boot for impenetrable stains where man’s best friend might have sat.
What are the most common problems with a used Land Rover Range Rover 4x4?
Range Rover problems span a wide range of areas, centring on the air suspension, engine, engine electrics, air conditioning, sat-nav, electrics inside the car, gearbox, drivetrain and bodywork. Leaks from the engine, sunroof and around the tailgate are also known issues.
All faults are well documented, with some specific ones being fixed easily and some requiring the car to be off the road for weeks.
Recalls are as follows. Make sure all remedial work has been carried out -
In the event of a front direction indictor lamp failure the audible and visual warning (double click/double flash warning) will not function thereby not informing the driver of the failure. This can result in the vehicle not being rectified for a prolonged period which increases the chance of a collision with other road users.
On affected vehicles the servo vacuum hose may have been incorrectly routed and can chafe against the auxiliary drive pulley. This can lead to failure of the hose and a loss of brake servo assistance.
The door could be unlatched when in the closed position and no indication provided of an unlatched condition. Vehicle doors not latched in either the primary of secondary state may during driving open. This can increase the risk of a vehicle crash and/or compromise the safety of vehicle occupants and other road users.
An internal fault can create a short circuit within the fan control module which may lead to overheating of the insulation and ultimately fire within the engine bay. This may happen with the engine switched off and possibly when the vehicle is unattended..
An incorrectly manufactured crank position sensor may cause the engine to unexpectedly cut out or not to start.
The right hand rear suspension link arm to knuckle fixings may not be to specification. When subjected to normal use loading one or both of the fixings may fracture. Where one or both of the suspension link arm fixings fracture vehicle stability may be compromised.
It is possible that a leak can occur between the injector spill rail connection and the plastic fuel return pipe. This can cause leakage of fuel which can either pool on the engine cylinder head and then become deposited onto the road surface where it could cause a skid risk to other motorist or if the fuel comes into contact with extremely hot engine components an exhaust manifold for instance it is possible that an under bonnet fire could ensue.
On affected vehicles the road wheel nuts may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. These wheel nuts may crack when subject to shock loads and detach from the stud. This may lead to insecurity and possible detachment of a road wheel.
The second row seat backrest on vehicles with the manual recline second row seat system may not latch robustly in position. It is possible the seat belt may not correctly restrain the occupant in the event of a collision.
Due to a software issue the Instrument cluster may intermittently go blank.
The brazing of the fuel rail end caps is inconsistent and may not correctly seal the fuel rail ends. Fuel vapour and liquid fuel leaks can occur over time. This can lead to a liquid fuel leak into the engine bay.
The directional indicators may fail to operate.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) feature will not be available.
On certain 2018 and 2019 Model Year Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport PHEV vehicles where the indicated fuel level on the fuel gauge shows approximately 30% the fuel tank is empty resulting in an engine stall. The vehicle will enter into reduced performance mode and if the customer continues to drive the vehicle will continue to run for circa 8 miles/13Km. The vehicle engine will then cut out without warning. If the traction battery charge status is at least 10% or greater the electric motor will take up drive until such time as traction battery power is depleted. Where the traction battery charge status is below 10% drive from the electric motor is not possible and the vehicle will cut out whilst in motion. All 12 volt powered electrical functions such as power assisted steering exterior lighting and brake assistance will continue to operate as designed. Engine cut out with minimal warning to the driver may lead to an increased risk of an accident.
Is a used Land Rover Range Rover 4x4 reliable?
That's the $64,000 question. The Range Rover's build quality and reliability have been a major source of concern for years, with the car consistently finishing near the bottom of reliability and customer satisfaction surveys.
However, in What Car?'s most recent Reliability Survey, owners reported the usual span of problems but the Range Rover managed a reasonably good third-place finish out of six cars in the luxury car section with an overall score of 95.6%. This is the car's best result for many years.
Reliability rating 95.6%
The Range Rover is Land Rover’s priciest model and also by far the most dependable. Only 14% of owners reported issues with the previous-generation, 2013-2022 Range Rover – all relating to non-engine electrical systems. All could still be driven and half were put right in a day or less. Land Rover fixed half for free, and no owner paid more than £300.
Land Rover as a brand finished a poor 28th out of 32 manufacturers with an overall score of 87.6%. That placed it above Alfa Romeo, Cupra, Jaguar and Vauxhall but below every other make.
Used Range Rover reliability: the owners' view
Owners of the Range Rover praise its luxury and off-road abilities but express mixed opinions regarding its reliability and dealer service. While some readers report few issues and commendable dealer support, others highlight persistent mechanical problems and dissatisfaction with dealers. Common complaints include electrical malfunctions, engine issues, and suspension problems. Despite these concerns, many owners appreciate the brand's prestige and driving experience, often willing to overlook reliability issues in favour of the vehicle's overall performance and image. However, most agree that improvements are needed in both reliability and dealer service to enhance the ownership experience of the Range Rover.