Whether you are debating getting a Range Rover Sport or you already have one, it’s a good idea to know the common problems that plague this vehicle so that you can act accordingly when problems arise.
Just like any other vehicle, Range Rover Sports have its own set of common problems to look out for.
Some of the most common problems that affect Range Rover Sports include door lock problems, tailgate problems, detachable tow bar problems, problems with the vehicle not starting, and problems with the vehicle not changing gear.
All of these problems are fixable, but you should act quickly before the problems become more problematic than they already are.
To learn more about the most common Range Rover Sport problems, scroll down. This article fully explains the most common problems and provides solutions for each one.
Door Lock Problems
Door lock problems are some of the most common issues for Range Rover Sports. In fact, there have even been vehicle recalls relating to the door latching mechanism on Range Rover Sports and other SUVs.
The recall primarily impacts Range Rover Sports built between 2012 and 2015, but door lock problems can impact most any Range Rover Sport.
For the recalled Range Rover Sports, it is specifically the KV latch that doesn’t function properly.
When it isn’t working, the vehicle door will look closed, but it will be unlatched. In other words, the door won’t actually be closed or locked.
There are also problems with the actuator and electrical components.
When electrical components are to blame, the door can physically lock, but the buttons and fob may not be causing the locking mechanism to click.
Solution
Door locking problems can be a bit difficult to diagnose, but they are easier to fix once you figure out what the problem is.
It’s a good idea to take your Range Rover Sport to a mechanic to get the lock fixed based on what is actually wrong with it.
If you have a Range Rover Sport that was built between 2012 and 2015, the lock mechanism may have been recalled and need to be replaced as a result.
Electrical components may just need to be rewired and fixed. If you have mechanical experience, you should be able to replace the actuator or electrical components on your own.
Tailgate Problems
One of the biggest benefits of buying a Range Rover Sport is that you have a lot of space in the back. The tailgate needs to open and close to allow you to experience these benefits, though.
Unfortunately, many Range Rover Sports have tailgate problems.
The most common tailgate problem is issues with the tailgate, not opening. In most cases, the button will not activate the door to open or close.
Instead, you will have to manually lift the tailgate manually or close it. This isn’t a major deal, but it is inconvenient when you have your hands full.
Some users have also reported tailgate cracking. This issue is a lot more serious, but it is much less common.
Solution
If your Range Rover Sport is not opening or closing the tailgate properly, there is likely some sort of electrical problem.
The good news is that you should be able to fix this problem pretty easily on your own. In many cases, a manual reset and recalibration will fix the problem.
In the case that the latch is actually broken and has some sort of cracking, you will need to go to a professional mechanic.
A professional mechanic will be able to determine the problem, what caused it, and fix it.
Occasionally, some electric problems will need to be assessed by a mechanic as well.
Detachable Tow Bar Problems
Detachable tow bar problems can be very dangerous. The last thing you want is to tow an item with a tow bar that does not fit properly.
This is a reality that many Range Rover Sport owners face. In fact, many Range Rover Sports have had attachable tow bar recall.
This recall was caused by a number of problems.
For example, the Range Rover Sports attachable tow bar often shakes and moves.
This can cause the tow wire to become loose and fall out entirely, which is an incredibly dangerous scenario when towing an item on the road.
Solution
Even though detachable tow bar problems are very dangerous, they are relatively easy to fix.
Removing the old detachable tow bar and replacing it with a newer model is enough to fix most problems.
Most people are able to do this by themselves, but you can hire a mechanic if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
If the item is just rattling, you can put a little strip underneath it. Many Range Rover Sport users note that this stops the rattling.
For example, you can use a leather strip or some type of rubber to prevent the area from shaking.
Related: 5 Common Land Rover Discovery 2 Problems
Range Rover Sport Not Starting
There’s nothing worse than needing to be somewhere, sitting in your car, and realizing it is not starting.
This is relatively common with Range Rover Sport.
The most common reasons that a Range Rover Sport does not start is due to a empty battery, a faulty alternator, or a failed starter. A discharged fob battery could also be to blame.
The battery is to blame about 38% of the time, and the alternator is to blame about 27% of the time.
So, you will want to check the battery first. If the battery is not to blame, you will need to go down the list to determine what the actual cause is for the problem.
Solution
How you fix a Range Rover Sport not starting depends on the cause of the problem. If your battery is to blame, you will need to change out the battery entirely.
This is an issue that impacts all vehicles, not just Range Rover Sports.
If the battery is not the root problem, you will then have to check the alternator, starter, battery fob, and on down the line.
You should be able to take your Range Rover to a mechanic in order to diagnose the problem and fix it accordingly.
Related: 6 Common Range Rover L405 Problems
Range Rover Sport Not Changing Gear
When you have an automatic, the vehicle needs to be able to change gear on its own. With the Range Rover Sport, this doesn’t always happen.
Some common reasons why a Range Rover Sport is not changing gear include low transmission fuel, low master cylinder fluid, a broken clutch cable, a failed brake light switch, or bad sequencers.
If your Range Rover Sport is not changing gear, it’s imperative not to drive your vehicle.
Driving your vehicle when it does not change gears properly is very dangerous and can damage your vehicle dramatically.
Instead, get it towed to a repair shop to get it fixed ASAP.
Solution
If your Range Rover Sport is not changing gear, it’s imperative to get the vehicle checked out right away. This is dangerous and damaging to your vehicle.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to determine what the problem is. Because there are so many potential causes, you will want to take the vehicle to a mechanic to get it thoroughly inspected.
Once the vehicle is inspected, the mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem.
From there, they will create a treatment plan to fix the problem and provide you with tips to prevent the issue from coming back prematurely.
After the vehicle is fixed, you will want to get the vehicle inspected and maintained regularly so that the issue does not pop back up.
Related: 7 Common Range Rover L322 Problems
Final Thoughts
Range Rover Sports are convenient vehicles, but they have their own problems you need to watch out for.
The most common issues that Range Rover Sports faces include:
- door lock problems
- tailgate problems
- detachable tow bar problems
- vehicle starting problems
- changing gear problems
If your vehicle is showing any signs of an issue, it’s important to get the Range Rover Sport checked out immediately.
Getting the issue fixed as soon as possible helps to prevent any dangerous scenarios or unnecessarily costly expenses.
Some of the issues above can be fixed on your own, but you can always take your Range Rover to a mechanic instead.
In fact, a mechanic may be required for certain problems your Range Rover Sport will be facing. Don’t hesitate to bring your Sport to a mechanic if something seems amiss.
Related: Land Rover Defender Problems: 5 Common Issues (Explained)
Sources
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defects/range-rovers-recalled-for-door-latch-problem/
https://www.discosportforums.co.uk/threads/powered-tailgate-problem-wont-open-or-close.11782/
https://repairpal.com/land-rover/range-rover/wont-start
https://www.yourmechanic.com/estimates/land-rover/range-rover/not-able-to-change-gears-inspection
