What Are the Most Common Problems With Range Rover Sport?

The Range Rover Sport delivers luxury and performance—but it's also known for reliability issues that can catch owners off guard.

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Author
Scott Westmoreland
Automotive Expert
4/01/2025

The Range Rover Sport is one of those vehicles that turns heads. It looks great, drives like a dream (when it's behaving), and has that upscale vibe people love in a luxury SUV. But let’s not sugarcoat it—these SUVs come with their fair share of headaches. If you’re wondering what are the most common problems with Range Rover Sport, you’ve come to the right place.

The Big Picture: Range Rover Sport Problems

Range Rovers have always had a reputation for being luxurious but a little... temperamental. When it comes to the Sport model, the most common complaints across the board include:

  • Air suspension acting up
  • Random coolant leaks
  • Electronic systems being moody
  • Timing chain problems (especially on supercharged models)
  • Jerky or delayed gear shifts

In other words, when it’s working, it’s awesome. When it’s not—it’s in the shop.

2006 Range Rover Sport Problems

Going old school with a 2006 model? Prepare yourself. It’s the kind of SUV that might lure you in with a low price tag but get you with repairs:

  • Air suspension systems that give up on life
  • Oil leaking from places you didn’t know existed
  • Electrical bugs that’ll make you question everything

These early models can be fun, but only if you’re into DIY repairs or have a trusted mechanic on speed dial.

2012 Range Rover Sport: What’s the Main Problem?

The 2012 Range Rover Sport was a bit more refined, but still had its quirks. The most talked-about problems include:

  • Timing chain rattle—especially first thing in the morning
  • Power steering suddenly going heavy
  • Glitchy infotainment that forgets how to infotain

It’s not a bad year, but definitely not perfect. Check those service records before buying.

2013 Range Rover Sport HSE Luxury Problems

This was the final model year before the big redesign, and some of the most common complaints include:

  • Saggy suspension (sometimes overnight)
  • Bluetooth systems that forget they exist
  • Parking brakes that throw tantrums

If you’re looking at a 2013, double-check the suspension and electronics.

2014 Range Rover Sport Problems

Ah yes—the shiny new redesign year. The 2014 Sport looked fantastic and felt modern, but it came with its own set of teething issues:

  • Ride height issues tied to air suspension faults
  • Infotainment systems freezing mid-drive
  • Liftgates with minds of their own

By now, most 2014s have had at least some of these bugs worked out—but it never hurts to double-check.

2016 Range Rover Sport Diesel Problems

If you were tempted by the torque of the diesel model, you're not alone. The 2016 diesel version delivered solid fuel economy, but... it had a few unique problems:

  • DEF system failures (and dashboard warnings you can’t ignore)
  • DPF clogs that trigger limp mode
  • Random fuel delivery faults that make starting a gamble

Make sure the emissions system has been properly maintained. If not, repairs can get pricey.

Range Rover Sport Supercharged Problems

We all love the thrill of a V8 supercharged engine, but the upkeep? Not so thrilling. Owners have reported:

  • Cold start rattles from timing chain tensioners
  • Coolant leaks under load
  • Overheating while idling in traffic

These aren’t daily issues, but they’re expensive when they show up. Be ready.

Quick Breakdown of Common Range Rover Sport Issues

System

Typical Problems

Estimated Cost

Suspension

Compressor failure, leaking airbags

$1,200 – $2,500

Engine (V6/V8)

Timing chain, oil/coolant leaks

$2,500 – $6,000

Electronics/Infotainment

Freezing screens, faulty sensors

$500 – $1,500

Transmission

Hesitation, harsh downshifting

$3,000 – $6,000

Diesel Emissions

DEF faults, DPF issues, no-starts

$1,000 – $4,000

These numbers aren’t meant to scare you—just give you a realistic sense of what repairs might cost.

How to Keep Yours Out of the Shop (As Much as Possible)

Here’s what seasoned Range Rover owners will tell you:

  • Stay on top of fluid changes, especially oil and coolant
  • Keep an eye on the ride height—air suspension won’t fix itself
  • Don’t ignore weird warning lights (they usually mean something)
  • Schedule software updates regularly—yes, really

Preventative care goes a long way with these trucks.

When to Say Goodbye

Sometimes, enough is enough. If you’ve thrown a few thousand at repairs and it’s still acting up, it might be time to let go. Ask yourself:

  • Do I trust this SUV to get me through the week without drama?
  • Is the next repair worth more than the whole car?
  • Am I constantly Googling weird noises?

If so, CarBrain can help. They’ll buy your Range Rover—even if it has issues—and tow it away for free. No pressure, no hassle.

Final Thoughts

So, what are the most common problems with Range Rover Sport? Turns out, it depends on the year—but air suspension, electronics, and cooling systems show up often. If you own one, keep up with maintenance and don’t ignore early signs of trouble. And if you’re tired of the back-and-forth with your mechanic, CarBrain is here to make selling your Rover as painless as possible.

About Author
Scott Westmoreland
Automotive Expert

Scott bring years of experience in dissecting market trends and identifying growth opportunities within the automotive business landscape.

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