Ultimate luxury SUV with eye-watering depreciation potential
The Range Rover defines the luxury SUV segment in the UK but also leads it for depreciation and running costs. Land Rover finished 26th of 30 brands in the 2025 UK reliability rankings. Despite this, the L405 (2013-2022) was Land Rover's most dependable model with only 14% of owners reporting problems. Used L405s start from £25,000 for early 3.0 TDV6 models. Air suspension repairs run £400-£1,200 per corner. New L460 (2022+) models start from £80,000 used.
We track 7 known issues across the Land Rover Range Rover range, including 2 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Land Rover Range Rover? Enter the reg to see which of our 7 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
L322 (2001–2012) — Petrol options included the 4.2 Supercharged, 4.2 Supercharged, 4.4 V8, 4.4 V8, 4.6 V8, with 2.2 TDCi, 2.7 TDV6, 2.9 TD5, 3.0 TDV6, 3.6 TDV8, 3.6 TDV8, 4.4 TDV8 on the diesel side. Our database flags 7 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Timing chain failure.
L405 (2012–2021) — Petrol options included the 2.0 Ingenium, 3.0 Supercharged, 5.0 Supercharged, with 3.0 TDV6, 4.4 SDV8 on the diesel side. Our database flags 5 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Body structural corrosion (£500–£2,000 to address).
The 3.6 TDV8 and 4.4 TDV8 engines use a complex timing chain system with multiple chains, tensioners, and guides. The primary timing chain tensioners are hydraulically operated and prone to failure, allowing chain slack that causes timing jump or complete chain failure. This is one of the most catastrophic failure modes on L322 Range Rovers, with engine rebuild costs that often exceed the vehicle's value. The failure rate increases significantly after 80,000 miles and is accelerated by extended oil change intervals.
Complete timing chain failure destroys the engine through valve-to-piston contact damage. A specialist engine rebuild typically costs £5,000-£8,000 depending on internal damage extent. Many owners elect engine replacement with a used unit. The vehicle should not be driven if timing chain noise is present as failure can occur without warning.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
Range Rover models show severe structural corrosion issues with MOT failure rates up to 71401.3 times the national average for mounting point corrosion and 71401.3 times the average for structural rigidity loss. The aluminium-steel construction creates galvanic corrosion, particularly around subframe mounting points and suspension attachment areas. This is a safety-critical issue that can render the vehicle unroadworthy.
Severe structural corrosion poses a direct safety risk through potential chassis failure or suspension detachment. Repair costs vary enormously depending on extent but can exceed £3,000 for subframe replacement. Many affected vehicles are written off as uneconomical to repair.
Inspect the wheel arches, sills, jacking points and door bottoms carefully. Press gently on sills to check for soft spots. Look underneath for corrosion on structural components. Check the MOT history for corrosion-related advisories or failures.
The L322 Range Rover uses a complex air suspension system with air springs, height sensors, compressor, and electronic control module. The rubber air springs are prone to perishing and developing leaks, causing the suspension to sag or become inoperative. The compressor frequently fails due to overwork from leaking air springs. This is one of the most documented and expensive failure modes on L322 models, with replacement costs that can exceed £3,000 for a complete system rebuild.
Failed air springs cause dangerous handling characteristics and can damage other suspension components through metal-to-metal contact. The compressor will fail through overwork if air leaks are not repaired promptly. Complete air suspension replacement costs £2,000-£3,000. The vehicle remains drivable but with compromised safety and ride quality.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
Range Rover models show extremely high MOT failure rates for parking brake efficiency, with failure rates nearly 71401.3 times the national fleet average. The electronic parking brake system suffers from actuator motor failures, cable stretch, and brake shoe wear. The system is complex and expensive to repair, with many failures occurring even on low-mileage vehicles due to electronic component reliability issues.
Parking brake failure creates a serious safety risk on slopes and may result in MOT failure. Electronic actuator replacement typically costs £800-£1,500 per axle. Cable and shoe replacement is less expensive but still requires specialist diagnostic equipment to calibrate the system correctly.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Range Rover models show MOT failure rates nearly 1697.7 times the fleet average for steering rack gaiter damage. The rubber gaiters that protect the steering rack inner joints deteriorate and split, allowing dirt and water ingress that damages the expensive steering rack assembly. This is a widespread issue across all Range Rover generations and engine variants.
Split gaiters allow contamination into the steering rack causing expensive internal damage. Early replacement of damaged gaiters costs £100-£200. Ignoring the problem leads to complete rack failure requiring replacement at £800-£1,500 plus alignment.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
For the full breakdown of all 7 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Land Rover Range Rover common problems page.
Based on 574k real DVSA MOT tests, the Land Rover Range Rover fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is fluid leak at 5155x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (932x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Land Rover Range Rover MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 15k miles) typically costs £80–£150 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include automatic transmission fluid (£200–£350), air suspension compressor service (£200–£350).
See the full Land Rover Range Rover service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Land Rover Range Rover has some well-documented weak points, including 2 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. L405: 2016-2019 models offer the best balance of depreciation, reliability, and technology — prices from £25,000-£40,000 with most early electrical gremlins resolved. The 3.0 SDV6 diesel is the most sensible engine choice. 2018-2020 models show the fewest reported faults. Avoid early 2013-2014 L405s where infotainment and electrical issues were worst. For L460 (2022+), the 3.0 D300 diesel offers the best blend of refinement and economy but expect £60,000+ minimum.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Land Rover Range Rover, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 7 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 7 known Land Rover Range Rover issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.