Recalls: Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport
2005-06 model year Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: ‘park’ may not engage
In November 2005, a recall was issued for model year 2005 and 2006 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport models fitted with automatic transmissions as the transmissions may not fully engage ‘Park’ when selected (PRA 2005/8160).
2005-06 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: braking system
In May 2006, a recall was issued for certain model year 2005 and 2006 L320 Range Rover Sport models. In these vehicles, the front left brake hose and/or the front left ABS wheel speed sensor lead and/or the front left brake pad wear sensor lead may chafe against the clip on the left front wheel balance weight when on full left steering lock and the suspension was moving towards full compression (PRA 2006/8470).
2004-09 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: hard brake pedal and loss of service brakes
In August 2009, a recall was issued for Range Rover Sport TDV6 models manufactured from November 2005 to April 2007 in the VIN range LS929086 to LS117000. In these vehicles, oil could migrate from the engine-driven vacuum pump and collect in the brake booster – this could cause the brake pedal to be harder to depress and increased stopping distances for the same pedal effort. In extreme cases, oil could migrate from the brake booster to the brake master cylinder, leading to a loss of one or both of the foundation brake system hydraulic brake circuits. If both primary and secondary brake master cylinder seals failed, there would be a total loss of service brakes (PRA 2009/10961).
In July 2010, this recall was extended to Range Rover Sport TDV6 models manufactured from June 2004 to June 2009 and in the VIN ranges LS900002 to LS999999 and LS100000 to LS215618 (PRA 2010/11848).
2007-09 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: loss of power braking assistance
In August 2009, a recall was issued for Range Rover Sport TDV6 models manufactured from May 2007 to June 2009 in the VIN range LS117001 to LS215618. In these vehicles, there could be a temporary sticking of the vacuum non-return valve in the brake assistance vacuum pump mounted on the engine. This could lead to a temporary loss of vacuum assistance on the braking pedal, resulting in increased pedal efforts after the first three or four applications of the brake pedal after initial engine start for a period of up to 60 seconds. The hydraulic braking system would remain fully functional and once the valve had become unstuck the booster vacuum would be immediately restored, providing full braking assistance and normal braking operation (PRA 2009/10961). In July 2010, this recall was extended to Range Rover Sport TDV6 models manufactured from June 2004 to June 2009 and in the VIN ranges LS900002 to LS999999 and LS100000 to LS215618 (PRA 2010/11848).
2007-09 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: high pressure fuel pump failure
In August 2009, a recall was issued for L320 Range Rover Sport models produced from 2007 to 2008 in the VIN ranges LS100008 to LS181999 and LS980310 to LS999998 (specific vehicles only). The recall was issued for potential failure of the front seal of the high pressure fuel pump due to inadequate lubrication and subsequent excessive wear of the fuel pump’s front bearing (PRA 2009/10962). In November 2010, this recall was extended to include Range Rover Sport models produced from 2007 to 2009 in the VIN ranges LS983192 to LS999999 and LS100000 to LS215295 (PRA 2010/12122).
2012-15 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: doors may not catch
In August 2015, a recall was issued for Range Rover Sport vehicles that were manufactured from 29 March 2012 to 23 May 2015. In these vehicles, the doors may not catch on either the primary or secondary latch and could therefore come open – this could increase the risk of a vehicle crash or compromise the safety of the occupants. The recalled Range Rover Sport vehicles had VINs in the range SALWA2PF1EA000001 to SALWA2KE8FA620148 (PRA 2015/14848).
2012-13 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport TDV6: crank position sensor
In July 2016, a recall was issued for Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles that had 3.0 TDV6 diesel engines and were manufactured from 2 April 2012 to 2 May 2013. In these vehicles, the engine may not start or may stop running without warning due to an incorrectly manufactured crank position sensor. If the latter occurred, the vehicle would lose power braking and steering assistance such that increased brake pedal and steering effort would be required to control the vehicle. If the vehicle had an air suspension system, the system may also reduce the vehicle to its lowest ride height position. As such, the cessation of the engine while driving posed an accident hazard to the driver and other road users. The recalled Land Rover Range Rover Sport vehicles had VINs in the range SALLSAAG6CA752903 to SALLSAAF4DA787400 (PRA 2016/15505).
Problems and faults: Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2005-12 Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.0L TDV6: crankshaft bearing failure
In May 2014, Land Rover issued service bulletin SSM71816 for Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles that had V6 diesel engines manufactured from 2005 to 2012, i.e. the Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.0L TDV6. According to the bulletin, these vehicles could experience crankshaft failure due to:
- Incorrect location of the main crankshaft bearing shells during assembly; or,
- Rotation of the crankshaft bearing shells during normal use.
Owners have reported experiencing sudden engine failure and having had less than thirty (30) seconds to pull off the road once abnormal engine noises are heard. The service bulletin lists the following as symptoms of crankshaft failure:
- The engine may make a loud ‘rumbling/knocking’ noise when running which worsens under load. Furthermore, the engine oil pressure warning light may flash or be continuously illuminated, especially at low engine speeds;
- There may be a hole in the oil sump or engine cylinder block, with oil leakage and/or metallic debris in the under-tray; and,
- If the crankshaft seized, it would not be possible to turn the engine (via the starter motor or crankshaft pulley bolt).
It is understood that a new crankshaft bearing design was introduced in 2012 to prevent crankshaft bearing failure.
In August 2016, SSM72928 was issued and AustralianCar.Reviews understands that it supersedes SSM71816.
L320 Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.6L TDV8: turbocharger actuator arm corrosion
In May 2011, Land Rover issued Service Bulletin SSM49537 for Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.6L TDV8 models. In these vehicles, the turbocharger actuator arm pivot points could corrode and cause a full or partial seizure of the actuator arm mechanism. If this occurred, the vehicle may exhibit the following symptoms:
- A loss of engine power;
- Illumination of the Check Engine Lamp (CEL); and,
- Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) for turbocharger boost pressure faults.
To fix, Land Rover released actuator service kits so that the entire turbocharger did not have to be replaced.
2007-08 L320 Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6: oil pump casing and timing belt failure
For 2007-08 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.0L TDV6 models, the oil pump casing/housing is not sufficiently strong to withstand the stresses of tensioning the cam belt. As a result, the majority of oil pump casings have failed shortly after the timing belt was replaced.
The cam belt tensioner is bolted to the oil pump casing. When the oil pump casing fails, it breaks at the timing belt tensioner mount – this causes the timing belt to be dislodged such that valve timing is disrupted. As a result, the pistons and valves collide, destroying the engine’s valve train.
Subsequent to the original oil pump casing design, Land Rover introduced three revisions. The part number for the current oil pump casing is LR013487 and it is fitted to Land Rover vehicles in which the last eight digits of the VIN exceed 9A510122. It is understood that most failures have occurred to Land Rover vehicles in which the oil pump casing part number is LR007131; this corresponds to VINs in the range 8A457086 to 9A508509.
L320 Range Rover Sport 2.7 TdV6: KKK turbocharger failure
For the Range Rover Sport, the 2.7 TdV6 engine has a single BorgWarner KKK turbocharger (OEM Part Number 4H2Q 6K682 CK, Land Rover Part Number 53049700069). Problems reported with the 2.7 TdV6 turbocharger failing include play in the impeller shaft and oil leaking into the intake. Symptoms of a failed turbocharger include white/blue smoke, whining/bearing noises, a loss of power and excessive black smoke.
Furthermore,
- The timing belt and pulleys need to be replaced at seven years or 170,000 kms; and,
- The exhaust gas recirculation valve needs to be replaced at 60,000 kms intervals.
2009-13 L320 Range Rover Sport: audible boom/vibration at 2400-2800 rpm
In March 2013, Land Rover issued Technical Bulletin LTB00305NAS3 for 2010-13 model year Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles with serial numbers after AA212147. In these vehicles, an audible boom may be heard or a vibration may be felt through the vehicle floor or front seat at 2400-2800 rpm during medium to heavy acceleration (i.e. not during cruise or light load situations). According to the bulletin, this condition could be caused by ‘powertrain torsion mode’, where the transfer box was effectively twisting on the rear of the transmission. To fix, a vibration damper was to be fitted to a vacant threaded hole in the transfer case.
L320 Range Rover Sport 4.2 Supercharged V8: auxiliary coolant pump
For the 4.2 Supercharged V8 engine, the driver may experience reduced power and/or a misfire at high engine loads and road speeds. Furthermore, using a diagnostic scanner may obtain the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0096 and/or P2601.
According to Land Rover Technical Bulletin LTB-000-41, the cause of this fault may be that the electrical harness power supply and ground for the auxiliary coolant pump are cross connected in connector C3006. As a result, the pump would run backwards and reduce pump flow – to prevent engine damage, the engine control module (ECM) would then reduce engine power.
To fix, the coolant pump would need to be replaced and the wiring at connector C3006 fixed.
2010-12 L320 Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged V8: rattle or click noise from front of engine – chain tensioners
In June 2014, Land Rover issued Technical Service Bulletin LTB00474NAS2 for 2010-12 model year Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles that had 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engines and serial numbers in the range AA215623 to CA759577. In these vehicles, a rattle or click noise may be heard from the front of the engine and this noise may be more pronounced when the engine is idling. According to the service bulletin, this noise could be caused by wear on the timing chain lever which reduced tension on the timing chain. To fix, the timing chain tensioner and timing chain tensioner lever were to be replaced.
L320 Range Rover Sport: 4.4L V8 engine
For Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport models with the 4.4-litre V8 engine, a clunking noise when the throttle is released and applied may be due to a powertrain control module problem which requires the unit to be reflashed.
L320 Range Rover Sport: air suspension compressor failure
In November 2012, Land Rover issued technical bulletin LTB00420 (version 2) for 2005-13 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles with VINs in the range 5A900302 to DA768550. Due to failure of the air suspension compressor, the air suspension warning lamp may illuminate, the air suspension will not rise and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1A20-64 may be logged. The L320 Range Rover Sport was fitted with either a Hitachi or ‘old-design’ AMK air suspension compressor, both of which could be replaced by a new-design AMK air suspension compressor (part no. LR044360 for the replacement kit).
L320 Range Rover Sport: air suspension – sticking compressor exhaust valve
The driver may receive the message ‘Suspension Fault – Normal Height Only’ accompanied by illumination of the Air Suspension Warning Lamp. Furthermore, using the diagnostic scanner may obtain the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
- C1A20-64 (pressure increases too slowly while filling reservoir; or
- C113192 (unable to pressurise gallery).
According to Land Rover Technical Bulletin LS-204-004 (issued in February 2006), the cause of this fault is a sticking compressor exhaust valve which causes an internal leak when the compressor is active. To fix, the air compressor assembly must be replaced and the Electronic Air Suspension (EAS) module reprogrammed.
Due to a failed sensor, the air suspension may seize in one position.
Problems with the air suspension may also be due to water leaking onto an electrical connector at the left front fender – this may also affect the power-operated park brake.
L320 Range Rover Sport Supercharged: creaking suspension
In October 2006, Land Rover issued technical bulletin LS204-006 for L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles with the AJV8 supercharged engine or sport suspension pack. In these vehicles, there may be a creaking or squeaking noise from the front and/or rear suspension when braking at low speeds (i.e. 15-25 km/h); the noise may also be evident when cornering and may be more pronounced in high ambient temperatures.
According to the technical bulletin, the creak may come from the mounting bushings of the dynamic response system actuator bar and be caused by dust ingress increasing friction in the joint – this resulted in a ‘stick/slip’ action that caused the creaking noise. To fix, a new stabilizer bar bushing that was impregnated with Teflon was developed to prevent the ‘stick/slip’ action.
2009-13 L320 Range Rover Sport: transmission oil cooler pipe leak
In September 2014, Land Rover issued Technical Bulletin LTB00378NAS2 for 2010-13 model year Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles that had serial numbers in the range AA212145 to DA814822. In these vehicles, the transmission oil cooler pipe(s) may leak due to a poor bracket paint finish and/or low torque on the saddle clamp nut which allowed the pipe to rub through the paint. To fix, the transmission fluid pipes were to be replaced and a new aluminium plate fitted.
L320 Range Rover: Transmission
- There have been reports of the automatic transmission failing to engage ‘Park’ when the lever is pushed into place. Owners should therefore use the park brake and hand brake in conjunction.
- The transmission may exhibit a harsh downshift from second to first gear; if so, the transmission control module needs to be reprogrammed.
Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: throttle operation could be compromised
In 2010, Land Rover UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Range Rover Sport vehicles because ‘throttle operation could be compromised’ (NCA/2010/001); no further details were provided.
2005-13 Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: tow bar and risk of trailer detaching
In 2014, Land Rover UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Range Rover Sport vehicles that had VINs in the range SALLSFB845A000500 to SALLSAA137A999983. For affected Range Rover Sport vehicles, owners may have unknowingly exceeded the trailer hitch nose weight specification or were not removing the quick release tow ball from their vehicle when not in use. This could:
- Cause premature wear of the quick release tow ball system; or,
- Increase the risk of the self-adjusting mechanism not operating correctly.
If these events occurred, the tow ball may become loose and make a rattling noise. In extreme cases, however, trailers could detach from the vehicle and cause a collision. For affected Range Rover Sport vehicles, the tow bar was to be checked and the type of use identified. If the tow bar was damaged or was the wrong type of tow bar, then it would be replaced (NCA/2014/022).
Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: steering gear O-ring fluid leaks
In August 2013, Land Rover issued a Technical Service Bulletin (Reference SSM60517) for the Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport. In these vehicles, oil may leak from the supply and return hose O-ring seals. Where a steering gear leak was suspected, the following process was to be followed:
- Clean the area of the pinion housing, casting, yoke plug, gaiter and pipe connections;
- Replace the supply and return O-ring seals and top up the fluid level;
- Start the engine, allow it to idle and rotate the steering wheel lock-to-lock for three cycles. Then, switch off the engine and re-assess the area of the oil leak;
- Only if there were signs of damage or fluid leak from the pinion housing, casting, yoke plug, gaiters or O-ring seals was the steering gear to be replaced.
2006-09 model year L320 Range Rover Sport: rear differential motor and DTC P186D
In March 2011, Land Rover issued Technical Bulletin LTB00228 (Issue 2) for 2006-09 model year L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles that had serial numbers in the ranges 6A900129 to 7A999999 and 7A100001 to 9A215620. In these vehicles, the Electronic Torque Managed (ETM) rear differential motor could be ‘energized’ while the motor brake was still partially engaged – this would cause mechanical wear of the motor assembly such that the actuator may stick and Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P186D would be logged in the electronic rear differential control module.
Additional symptoms included:
- Illumination of the transmission Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL);
- DTCs P080A and P0806 may also be logged in the electronic rear differential control module;
- The ‘Transmission Fault Stop Safely’ warning message may be displayed; and,
- The Dynamic Suspension may lower.
To fix, the rear differential motor was to be replaced and new software was to be downloaded to the rear differential control module.
Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport: other problems and faults
- A chirping noise from under the bonnet may be attributable to the plastic idler pulley for the serpentine accessory drive belt; an improved pulley was subsequently released.
- The parking brakes may make a squealing noise when applied or released – improved parking brakes shoes were released to fix this problem.
- A low coolant warning may appear because the float in the reservoir absorbs coolant and sinks.
- A knocking noise from the steering column when driving over bumps may require the intermediate steering shaft to be replaced.
- Rattling noises from the upper tailgate may be due to a loose ball fitting for the support strut or the reinforcement welds for the ball fitting may break.
- Water leaks in the cabin may be due to the roof drain tubes may be improperly routed or become kinked or pinched.
Related links
RangeRovers.net: Range Rover Sport Common Symptoms and Fixes
