The main reason why Range Rovers are so unreliable is the complex electronic architecture, air suspension systems that age, and underdeveloped software across multiple generations.

The Range Rover comes in at the bottom of the list for the UK’s most unreliable used car in 2022, following years of complaints from owners, forum posts and independent reliability tests that ranked JLR near the bottom of manufacturer lists. The truthful answer is that’s the way it is.

But it’s not all bad news, and knowing exactly what causes Range Rover reliability problems can help you make a better choice when you’re looking to purchase one.

Range Rover’s Reliability Track Record in Numbers:

JLR has been at the bottom of the pile in reliability surveys in the UK. This isn’t underperformance; it’s documented and specific issues. Owners report faults at a higher rate than similar luxury SUV brands, and the average repair cost when a fault is reported is significant.

The Range Rover of the 4th generation (2013-2021) received praise from the media for its off-road capabilities and interior. The praise was only a cover for consistent Range Rover reliability issues threaded throughout its production life and into the used car market after its demise.

The 2022 5th-generation model has seen a number of engineering changes, and preliminary ownership statistics indicate that it has improved. The used market is still dominated by pre-2022 cars, however, and they have real risks.

The Most Common Range Rover Faults:

Air Suspension Failures:

Most full-size Range Rovers come equipped with air suspension. This system provides a comfortable ride and adjusts the ground clearance with the help of airbags, compressors and height sensors. If it works, it’s outstanding. If it does go, the cost of repair is between £800 and £2,500, depending on which part has gone.

The most frequent failure is the compressor. The symptoms are the vehicle sitting low on one or more corners, a warning message on the dashboard, or the system set to a fixed ride height. Pre-2018 models and vehicles that have been off-road are more likely to cause air suspension failure.

Electrical and ECU Issues:

The most aggravating type of Range Rover electrical faults includes the unpredictable and varied nature. Owners report:

• Infotainment system (InControl) freezing or resetting
• Window regulators failing
• Camera and parking sensor dropouts
• An issue occurs when modules do not enter sleep mode properly, resulting in battery drain
• Warning lights that are on but not caused by a mechanical problem

To diagnose electrical problems, the correct diagnostic equipment that is compatible with JLR must be used.

Many generic OBD readers are not able to communicate with all the modules in a Range Rover, and independent garages may have difficulty determining the cause of the problem.

Timing Chain and Engine Faults:

The 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel engine that was used on the older Range Rovers (pre-2017) is known to have a timing chain problem. The chain and tensioner can wear prematurely, particularly on engines that haven’t had regular oil changes.

A worn timing chain will make a rattling noise on cold starts and, if left unchecked, can cause damage to the engine, which can cost £3,000 to £5,000 to rectify.

The later Ingenium 2.0-litre engines are generally better, but the Ingenium diesel has its own EGR valve wear pattern, which is a known consumable component on high-mileage examples.

Gearbox Problems:

The older 8-speed ZF gearbox is generally reliable, while the later 9-speed gearbox received a higher number of complaints, including light throttle hesitation and hunting between gears at low speeds.

Many of these symptoms were cured by software updates, but gearbox fluid services (which many owners fail to do because they think the fluid can last forever) can make a difference to long-term reliability.

Which Model Years Are the Worst?

The most dangerous years to purchase used are: (Owner Reports and Reliability Data)

Model Year	Key Risk Areas
2013–2016	TDV6 timing chain, early air suspension wear
2017–2019	Transition period; 9-speed gearbox niggles, InControl software bugs
2020–2021	Better overall, but still pre-refresh electronics
2022 onwards	Significantly improved; early data more positive

The lower-specification levels and lower price point of the 2017-2021 Evoque and Velar models tend to perform better than the full-size model and Sport.

What JLR Changed After 2022:

The 2022 fifth-generation Range Rover was not a facelift, but a complete redesign. JLR made significant changes:

• The new Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform is replacing the older aluminium architecture.
• New PIVI Pro infotainment with more powerful processors and more reliable software.
• Improved electrical sleeping behaviour, reducing battery drain issues.
• The air suspension compressor has been upgraded in terms of design, and the sealing has been improved.
• More stringent supplier quality control on electronic modules.

The early reliability data for the 2022-2024 models is more promising. Why are Range Rovers so unreliable in the current generation? They’re not as much, but the legacy of the past generation still lives on.

Despite The Reliability Problems, Are Range Rovers Worth Buying?

Yes, but on the condition that. Buying a Range Rover without proper due diligence is a risk. If the Range Rover has been purchased from a reputable source and has a full service history, with an extended warranty, then it is a completely different ball game.

The important thing is regular maintenance by experts who are familiar with JLR cars. If electrical problems are discovered early, they can be addressed.

Air suspension failure on a well-maintained car is not a disaster; it’s a £1,000 repair. Warning signs of timing chain issues are almost always present and are easily noticed by a trained eye.

We deal with Range Rovers daily at Jaguar and Land Rover Engine Specialists. Our services include diagnostics, engine rebuilds, cooling system work and maintenance. The cars that arrive here in the worst condition are always the ones that have not received their services and have not had their warning lights taken care of.

The ones that operate well are the ones that are properly cared for. No doubt, Range Rover reliability problems are real, but they’re not the whole story.

FAQs:

Which Range Rover is the most reliable?

The Evoque and Velar have always been more reliable than the full-size Range Rover and Sport in reliability surveys. The 2022 onwards fifth-generation Range Rover is the biggest improvement of all full-size models.

What is the price of repairing a Range Rover air suspension?

The replacement of a compressor is likely to cost £800 to £1500 at an independent JLR specialist. If the airbag is completely damaged, the cost of replacement is £1,000-£2,500, depending on the number of corners affected. Dealer prices are higher.

How much does it cost to repair electrical issues with a Range Rover?

This is dependent on the fault. Software updates solve many electrical problems, such as infotainment reset, module glitches and more, at little or no cost. If there are ongoing hardware issues, such as broken window regulators or bad ECUs, the repair costs are usually £200 to £600 per repair.

Should you purchase a used Range Rover with a lot of miles?

Yes, provided it has a complete service history, no warning lights and an extended warranty. An 80,000-mile Range Rover that has been well-serviced is a better value than a poorly maintained 40,000-mile Range Rover with no service history.

Is JLR’s reliability problem resolved in newer models of the Range Rover?

The fifth-generation model of 2022 added some significant enhancements: new platform architecture, updated infotainment hardware, and improved electrical system management. The data for 2022-2024 cars is more positive than any previous generation.

Conclusion:

Range Rovers are unreliable relative to competitors; the data support this, and it’s not something that can be ignored. However, “unreliable” is not synonymous with “unfixable” or “unownable.

Most Range Rover reliability problems are known, predictable and can be addressed if detected early by individuals who are familiar with the signs. The ones that are struggling are the ones that don’t get services, don’t pay attention to the warning lights and don’t use garages that have JLR-specific diagnostic tools.

We specialise in just these vehicles, and if your Range Rover requires diagnosis, an engine rebuild or just a good service from people who know the platform, we are the right call.