Land Rover Range Rover Sport common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Land Rover Range Rover Sport?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Leaks from the tailgate and sunroof

  Cars registered 2013–2022 · All engines

  Poor panel fit is common, and leaks from the tailgate and sunroof can play havoc with the electrics.

  At the viewing: Look for uneven panel gaps, damp carpets and water marks, and test all the electrics.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Fuel pump and front differential failures

  Cars registered 2005–2012 · All engines

  The fuel pump and front differential can both fail without warning and leave the car stranded.

  At the viewing: Ask whether either has been replaced, with invoices.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Engine system fault warning

  Cars registered 2005–2012 · All engines

  An 'engine system fault' message can mean expensive electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Make sure no warning messages show.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Many recalls (22)

  Cars registered 2013–2022 · All engines

  There have been 22 recalls, covering wiring that can chafe, seatbelt pre-tensioners, loose wheel nuts, doors unlatching, airbags, fuel leaks, brake servo failure and the instrument cluster.

  At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Timing chain due every five years (some engines)

  Cars registered 2013–2022 · Check which engine

  Auto Express gives a timing chain change interval of five years or 140,000 miles, about £600 at a dealer with the water pump.

  At the viewing: Ask for service records showing the work was done on time.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Recalls: brake servo, fuel pump, seatbelts, gearbox park

  Cars registered 2005–2012 · Some cars

  Recalls covered rear seatbelts and the automatic's park function (built Aug to Sept 2005), wheel weights that could damage sensors and hoses (2006), and brake servo and fuel pump faults (2009).

  At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Tyres that can’t be repaired

  Cars registered 2013–2022 · Cars on original tyres

  The original Continental tyres have a foam layer to cut noise, so punctures can’t be repaired.

  At the viewing: See which tyres it has and how much tread is left.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Steering wheel vibration

  Cars registered 2005–2012 · All engines

  Some cars vibrate through the steering wheel. A Land Rover garage may be able to fit a damper.

  At the viewing: Feel for vibration at speed.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

Common Land Rover Range Rover Sport MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Rigid brake pipes

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Chassis rust or damage

  up to 5.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Prop shaft

  up to 36× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings

  up to 3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Ball joint dust cover

  up to 10.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport did best (78% passed first time, 14 points above all 2012 cars) and the 2022 did worst (90%, 1 point above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has it had any water leaks or electrical faults?
2. Have the fuel pump and front differential been replaced?
3. Has it had any engine system fault warnings?
4. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the prop shaft? (Flagged at MOT 36× as often on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport as on other cars the same age.)