Written by: Extended Auto Warranty
Last updated: February 19, 2024
For many years, the Range Rover by Land Rover has been considered the best of the best when it comes to luxury SUVs. With high-end features and a rugged, off-road-oriented design, it has been a favorite of people who want both capability and comfort as well as impeccable style. Launched in 1970, the Range Rover has come to epitomize British class, and its association with the Jaguar badge makes it a perfect vehicle for those who want a little bit of power with their luxury.
While the Range Rover remains a popular vehicle to this day, it has its share of issues. Like many high-performance British vehicles, there are a lot of different features, which means there is a lot that can go wrong. If you are thinking of purchasing a Range Rover for its outstanding look and style, it is important to understand the risks. Knowing some of the most common problems on modern Range Rovers can help you decide if it will be worth it.
Air Suspension Issues
Late-model Range Rovers come with an air suspension system, which uses hydraulics to create the perfect suspension ratio for every road condition. While this is a great way to get a comfortable ride, no matter where you are driving, it is also prone to issues. Air suspension malfunctions are one of the biggest Range Rover problems. The flexible rubber components are prone to cracking and stretching, which can cause leaks and other issues that can make the vehicle unusable.
Engine Problems
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, an engine problem can be a major disaster. The Range Rover is unfortunately known for having serious engine issues much sooner than is to be expected. One of the biggest problems that tend to come up in the later models is a broken timing chain, which can be incredibly costly. Unlike a timing belt, the timing chain is located inside the engine and is very expensive to replace due to the labor involved in accessing it.
Oil Leaks
Almost from the beginning of their production, Range Rovers have been known for springing oil leaks all over the place. Because of the low quality of the gaskets and the relatively high operating heat of the engine, connection points in the powertrain tend to develop leaks at very low mileage. This can result in low oil, which can cause problems like grinding, high friction, and warping, all of which are considered incredibly serious.
Differential Grinding
One of the serious side effects of persistent oil leaks is increased friction in the moving parts of the vehicle. Range Rovers have a differential, which is responsible for transferring the power from the engine and turning it into the movement of the wheels. When the oil in the differential gets low, the gears and moving parts grind against one another, and metal shavings can get into the oil. If you drain the differential and see sparkles in the fluid, this is a sure sign that it has been damaged and will most likely need to be replaced.
Electrical Failure
When a vehicle has a lot of high-end features and safety equipment like the Range Rover does, it relies heavily on its electrical system. This also means that there are many points where that electrical system can fail. When this happens, you could end up with bigger mechanical issues like a malfunctioning steering system, lack of traction control, or poor braking. Range Rovers have long been known for their electrical problems, so it is important to keep an eye out for them if you own one or are thinking of buying one.
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Poor Build Quality
As pricey as Range Rovers can be, they are also known for having relatively poor build quality. Interior pieces, exterior trim, and other cosmetic parts have a tendency to fall off or break, even with minimal use. If you own a Range Rover, be sure to be as gentle as you can with things like handles, knobs, and switches. These parts can be very expensive to replace and will usually have to be specially ordered, which can be pricey and inconvenient.
Latch Failure
Piggybacking onto the poor build quality of some of the materials, the 2023 Range Rover has recently been the subject of a recall involving the latches on the armrest compartment. In an accident, this compartment has been swinging open, which has been causing injuries to the passengers, especially if there are items inside. All owners of a 2023 Range Rover should take their vehicle to the dealership to have this latch replaced.
Chirping Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt in a vehicle is responsible for running all kinds of systems using the power of the engine. The air conditioner, cooling system, and alternator all run on this belt, and as it ages, it will start to loosen on the pulleys. When this happens, you may notice a chirping or squealing coming from the engine compartment. This means that the belt is not sitting on the pulley correctly, and if it is left long enough without being tightened, it could snap. A snapped serpentine belt can cause issues like overheating and a dead battery, so getting it tightened or replaced as soon as possible is highly recommended.
Improperly Welded Seats
Late-model Range Rovers have been the subject of several recalls involving the seats and the way they are welded into the cabin. In some cases, the welds have not been as strong as they should be. Because of this, some people have been severely injured in accidents since they are not secured properly to the floor of the vehicle. Check to see if your Range Rover has been recalled for this issue, and if it has, be sure to get it repaired right away.
Failed Power Steering Unit
The power steering in your vehicle helps you move the front wheels when the vehicle is not in motion, which would otherwise be very difficult. Range Rovers are known for the bolts inside the power steering unit corroding prematurely. This can be a safety hazard, so if you are noticing that your Range Rover is getting more and more difficult to steer, you should get it replaced or get new bolts for the unit itself.
Protect Your Range Rover With an Extended Warranty
While Range Rovers are known for being incredibly high-quality vehicles, they are also known for having some fairly serious issues. Being aware of what you can expect if you purchase one of these luxury SUVs can allow you to be prepared. If you want to prepare even more, an extended warranty can help protect your Range Rover and ensure that you can get the repairs you need when they come up. There are all kinds of extended warranty options available to you, and choosing the right one is essential. Explore our extended warranty provider reviews and buying guide to find out which extended warranty will work best for you and your vehicle.
