6 Common Range Rover L405 Problems (Explained)

Considering purchasing a new sports car and interested in the Range Rover L405?

While this impressive SUV, known for its agile handling, has grown popular over the years, consumers should remain aware that this does not mean the Range Rover L405 is free of any problems.

Unfortunately, multiple recalls have occurred.

The most common problems customers have complained about are related to the Range Rover L405’s tailgate, gearbox, air suspension, air conditioning, transfer case, and other components.

Continue reading to discover more about the most typical Range Rover L405 problems, such as gearbox issues, air suspension issues, transfer case issues, how to fix them, and more.

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Range Rover L405 Problems

Many cars claim to be unique, but the Range Rover is truly one-of-a-kind, having established the bar in the super-luxury SUV segment in its fourth generation.

Launched in 2012, then significantly enhanced in 2018 to produce the ‘L405’-series design, the L405 promised to be able to correctly mix the imperious attributes of a top luxury sedan with off-piste abilities that would be limited only by the talents of its driver in all of its guises.

Nonetheless, the air suspension, engine, engine electrics, air conditioning, sat-nav, electrics within the car, gearbox, transmission, and bodywork are all areas where Range Rover faults have been reported.

There have also been reports of leaks from the engine, sunroof, and around the tailgate.

However, the ‘L405’-series fourth-generation Range Rover’s most significant issues were limited to early pre-2015 versions.

The electrical and body fit difficulties were the most common. Overall, though, the engines appear to be rather dependable.

Otherwise, the problems are mostly minor annoyances. For example, poor bonnet and boot alignment, rear door alignment difficulties, poorly fitted rubber trim around the doors, and loose and ill-fitting leather on the seats.

Has the Range Rover L405 Ever Been Recalled?

Range Rover looks to be keeping up with its quality guarantee, despite multiple recalls over the years.

For example, in May 2017, Land Rover recalled its 2016 and 2017 L405 models.

In this case, the emergency locking retractor in the front seatbelt assembly did not operate properly in certain cars.

Range Rover also recalled its 2016-2017 Range Rover L405 Sports cars in February 2019. The driver’s seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) did not lock properly in these models.

As a result, these cars failed to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

Overall, these are only two of the many L405 recalls that Range Rover has issued over the years.

Related: 7 Common Range Rover L322 Problems

Does the Range Rover L405 Have Tailgate Problems?

Equipped with a fully automated sensor located on your tailgate to open your trunk, the L405 promises both convenience, and ease.

Despite this, L405 owners have complained about tailgate issues.

When drivers press the ‘unlock’ button or try to activate the tailgate with the key fob, the rear tailgate can sometimes become unresponsive.

Instead, when the button is pressed, drivers can hear the motor within becoming less audible until it is no longer heard.

How Do You Solve Tailgate Problems on the Range Rover L405?

If you have a tailgate problem with your L405, remove the rear cover to view the system within.

First, all of the moving components are in the lower half, so access is difficult.

Remove the black carpet from the lower half and to the electrics without harming the concealed electrical wires, and then check for any loose attachments.

If you hear movement but are unable to open the back hatch, consider increasing the system voltage to provide additional power to the gear motor.

This assumes that the issue is a worn gear motor rather than a broken cable L.

If this is the case, you may boost the voltage to the gear motor by letting the engine idle and then pressing the rubber button on the back.

Related: 5 Common Land Rover Discovery 2 Problems

Does the Range Rover L405 Have Gearbox Problems?

The Range Rover L405 model is well known for automatic gearbox problems beginning around 80,000 miles.

Unfortunately, some of the common faults include shuddering at around 2000rpm, slow gear engagement and gear changes when cold, and torque converter lock-up, to name a few.

Since the cost of repairs for some customers runs into thousands of dollars, most people sell their vehicles because the cost of repairs can quickly become overwhelming.

Does the Range Rover L405 Have Air Suspension Problems?

Despite the fact that Land Rovers are rugged, high-performance vehicles, they can still have troubles with the air suspension from time to time.

To guarantee you receive the type of performance you expect and depend on from your Land Rover, it’s critical to solve these concerns as well as remain on top of maintenance and care.

The air struts in a Range Rover are one of the most typical reasons for suspension difficulties.

They’re made partly of flexible rubber and are prone to cracking, rotting, and puncture, and because most of them wear down at approximately the same pace, you can expect the other three will need to be replaced shortly after.

Related: 5 Common Range Rover Sport Problems

Does the Range Rover L405 Have Air Conditioning Problems?

Unfortunately, any fault in the electrical system can prevent the normal operation of the air conditioning system on your L405 Range Rover. 

The pollen filter, also known as the cabin filter or microfilter, is an important component of the ventilation system of your Range Rover.

As a result of a dirty filter, the general ventilation of the interior deteriorates, resulting in decreased cooling, heating, and air movement.

It also puts unnecessary strain on the general air conditioning system, decreasing the fuel economy of your L405.

How Do You Solve Air Conditioning Problems on the Range Rover L405?

To troubleshoot any air conditioning issues in your L405, start by inspecting the cabin air filter.

Rather than changing it immediately, first, clean the pollen filter.

A vacuum cleaner or compressed air system can be used to remove at least a large fraction of the visible dirt particles.

Unfortunately, this approach does not allow you to reach the deeper levels of the filter.

As a result, the filter’s performance will not significantly increase even after cleaning.

Unfortunately, in most circumstances, change is inescapable.

Does the Range Rover L405 Have Transfer Case Problems?

Modern cars with electronically moved transfer cases, such as the Range Rover L405, will display warning lights for the transfer case, traction control, perhaps anti-lock braking systems, and any other manufacturer-specific all-wheel-drive system warning light.

Since the transfer case is vital to driving, any transfer case malfunction will stop the vehicle from moving properly and demand immediate replacement.

In rare cases, the transfer case shift motor can be disconnected to reduce erratic shifting, although it will be inoperable if another drive mode is necessary.

How Do You Solve Transfer Case Problems on the Range Rover L405?

When attempting to replace the transfer case, remove the shift motor from the exterior of the transfer case housing and shift the electrical connector from the old component to the new component.

After that, the replacement shift motor may be installed, assuring perfect alignment.

Finally, ensure that the shift motor is operational by testing it using the shifting procedures recommended by Range Rover.

Does the Range Rover L405 have Door Lock Problems?

In 2019, Range Rover issued a recall for approximately 65,000 Range Rover L405 Sport SUVs due to door lock issues.

This recall included the 2014-2016 Range Rover L405 Sport vehicles manufactured between May 9, 2012, and March 5, 2015.

Overall, the keyless car latching mechanism on these SUVs might fail or refuse to operate.

As a result, the doors on the afflicted L405 may seem locked even when they aren’t, potentially causing the doors to open unexpectedly while the SUV is driving.

Related: Land Rover Defender Problems: 5 Common Issues (Explained)

Final Thoughts

Overall, many cars claim to be special, but the Range Rover is truly one-of-a-kind, having established the bar in the super-luxury SUV segment in its fourth generation.

Many customers have experienced problems with Range Rover L405s:

  • tailgate
  • gearbox
  • air suspension
  • air conditioning
  • transfer case
  • door lock

Depending on the problem, customers will most likely need to replace whatever item is causing the issue on their L405.

If you buy a Range Rover L405, be prepared to put money away for these repairs because they can add up quickly.

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/car-reviews/land-rover/range-rover/range-rover-[l405]-2017-2021/