Land Rover Range Rover L405
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The L405 was the first Range Rover built on a self-supporting aluminium body and served as the brand's luxury flagship from 2012 to 2021. It's a large, heavy full-size SUV with genuine off-road ability, though most spend their lives as imposing road cruisers. Anyone buying an L405 needs to know what they're getting into: depreciation is brutal, which makes them tempting used, but the running costs quickly claw that saving back. Land Rover's reputation for fragile electronics and expensive mechanicals is fully earned on this model.
Engine choice separates the sensible buys from the money pits. The later Ingenium straight-sixes (the DT306 diesel and the PT306 petrol, both with 48-volt mild hybrid) are the most refined and mature units in the range and the most rational pick. Watch out for recall N908 (oil filter housing can crack, fire risk) — the service book should confirm it was carried out. The older V6 diesels (306DT) and the 4.4-litre SDV8 (448DT) carry structural weaknesses in the crankshaft bearings and casting; an engine swap here runs into four or five figures. On the petrol side the supercharged V8s (508PS) are powerful but the timing chain kits are a question of when, not if, and the plastic coolant crossover pipe under the supercharger can take the engine with it if it bursts. The naturally aspirated V8 (508PN) is a little more robust but demands short oil change intervals.
The chassis and electronics are a weak point across every engine. The air suspension sags over the years — compressor and air springs are wear items and expensive to replace. The sunroof drains corrode and let water in, which in the worst case damages the control modules in the footwell. Add seized rear brake calipers, leaking tailgate seals and the slow, crash-prone InControl Touch Pro infotainment.
When buying, an unbroken specialist service history matters most. Cycle the air suspension up and down several times, check the footwells and boot for damp, inspect the sunroof drains and confirm the recall status. A cheap asking price with no history is a warning sign, not a bargain. Bottom line: an impressive car with real presence, but only a defensible choice with a healthy maintenance budget and one of the right Ingenium sixes under the bonnet. Buy one on a tight budget and the L405 will make you regret it.
566 PS
Range Rover · Benzin
Range Rover 5.0 SC 566 hp: top of the range
Legendary!506–564 PS
5.0L V8 Supercharged Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Land Rover Range Rover L405 is available with 17 engine variants — from 249 to 566 hp.
3.0-litre successor to the 276DT with the same structural crankshaft bearing weaknesses. Timing chains and injectors add further problem areas. Engine replacement costs of £5,000–£10,000 are a real possibility. Very short oil change intervals (max. 8,000 km) are mandatory. Only buy with complete documentation.
- !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km
The 306DT inherits the narrow crankshaft design of the 276DT. Bearing shells spin in operation and block oil galleries. Service bulletin SSM71816 covers 3.0L versions as well. Engine replacement costs £6,000–12,000.
Symptoms: Rhythmic knocking from the lower engine block (worse under load), oil pressure loss, metal particles in the oil filter - !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km
From around 80,000 km the 306DT chain tensioners and guides can wear. Rattling on cold start is the typical early warning. Left unattended, chain jump and engine damage follow.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (disappears once warm), check engine light, P0008/P0016/P0017 - !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km
Certain 306DT injectors can over-fuel, causing extreme heat buildup in the cylinder and piston melting. Metal particles from the resulting damage destroy other engine components.
Symptoms: Individual cylinder power loss, rough engine noise, fault codes on individual injectors, metallic sounds
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
4.4-litre V8 diesel with a known cast crankshaft weakness — forged crankshaft upgrade recommended. Plastic timing chain tensioners and coolant pipes are critical weak points. Repairs can cost £4,000–£20,000. Only acceptable with a very well-maintained service history and oil changes at max. 8,000 km.
- !! Crankshaft fracture from casting weakness from 180,000 km
The production cast-iron crankshaft of the 448DT is known for premature cracking. Tuners and specialists recommend upgrading to a forged crankshaft. Repair costs are extreme.
Symptoms: Dull knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning light, metallic noises, sudden engine seizure - !! Plastic timing chain tensioner failure from 120,000 km
The plastic timing chain tensioner of the 448DT is the single most critical weak point. Metallic rattling on cold start lasting more than 5 seconds warns of impending engine destruction. Typically affected from 100,000–160,000 km.
Symptoms: Loud metallic rattling on cold start (>5 seconds), check engine light P0008/P0016/P0017, power loss - !! Plastic coolant pipe under intake manifold from 100,000 km
The plastic coolant crossover pipe running under the intake manifold cracks from embrittlement. Sudden coolant loss threatens — the engine can be overheated before the temperature warning appears. Pre-emptive replacement with aluminium pipes is recommended.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, in worst case hydrolock
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.0-litre successor to the 276DT with the same structural crankshaft bearing weaknesses. Timing chains and injectors add further problem areas. Engine replacement costs of £5,000–£10,000 are a real possibility. Very short oil change intervals (max. 8,000 km) are mandatory. Only buy with complete documentation.
- !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km
The 306DT inherits the narrow crankshaft design of the 276DT. Bearing shells spin in operation and block oil galleries. Service bulletin SSM71816 covers 3.0L versions as well. Engine replacement costs £6,000–12,000.
Symptoms: Rhythmic knocking from the lower engine block (worse under load), oil pressure loss, metal particles in the oil filter - !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km
From around 80,000 km the 306DT chain tensioners and guides can wear. Rattling on cold start is the typical early warning. Left unattended, chain jump and engine damage follow.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (disappears once warm), check engine light, P0008/P0016/P0017 - !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km
Certain 306DT injectors can over-fuel, causing extreme heat buildup in the cylinder and piston melting. Metal particles from the resulting damage destroy other engine components.
Symptoms: Individual cylinder power loss, rough engine noise, fault codes on individual injectors, metallic sounds
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil under pressure onto hot components such as the turbocharger. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles after parking, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km
The DT306 electronic turbocharger actuator develops faults from overheating and deposits. Repair is labour-intensive due to the engine layout.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, uneven acceleration, delayed turbo response - !! Injector failure from 150,000 km
The DT306 common rail injectors can fail from fuel contamination and internal wear. On the inline-six diesel all 6 injectors are affected.
Symptoms: Rough idle, diesel knock, black smoke, misfires, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil under pressure onto hot components such as the turbocharger. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles after parking, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km
The DT306 electronic turbocharger actuator develops faults from overheating and deposits. Repair is labour-intensive due to the engine layout.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, uneven acceleration, delayed turbo response - !! Injector failure from 150,000 km
The DT306 common rail injectors can fail from fuel contamination and internal wear. On the inline-six diesel all 6 injectors are affected.
Symptoms: Rough idle, diesel knock, black smoke, misfires, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil under pressure onto hot components such as the turbocharger. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles after parking, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km
The DT306 electronic turbocharger actuator develops faults from overheating and deposits. Repair is labour-intensive due to the engine layout.
Symptoms: Power loss, engine warning light, uneven acceleration, delayed turbo response - !! Injector failure from 150,000 km
The DT306 common rail injectors can fail from fuel contamination and internal wear. On the inline-six diesel all 6 injectors are affected.
Symptoms: Rough idle, diesel knock, black smoke, misfires, engine warning light
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
3.0-litre V6 Supercharged as the smaller blower option. The coolant crossover pipe beneath the supercharger is system-critical — if it fails, engine damage is often unavoidable. Preventive replacement with aluminium pipes is strongly recommended. Check supercharger coupling and timing chain regularly. Water pump replacement requires supercharger removal (expensive).
- !! Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts from 100,000 km
The plastic coolant crossover pipe running under the supercharger cracks suddenly from embrittlement. The engine is often irreparably overheated before the temperature warning appears. Very common cause of engine damage. Upgrade to aluminium pipes strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss (often instantaneous), overheating warning, steam, potential engine damage - !! Timing chain and guides wear from 110,000 km
Like the V8 versions, the AJ126 has timing chains with plastic guides. From around 100,000 km guides and tensioners can deteriorate. The supercharger setup increases engine load and accelerates wear.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, P0008/P0016, engine light - !! Supercharger torsional coupler wears out from 90,000 km
The Eaton Roots supercharger torsional coupler breaks apart. The rattling sounds like gravel in the supercharger at idle and disappears under load. Land Rover TSB available. Typical failure around 90,000–110,000 km.
Symptoms: Rattling from supercharger at idle, decreasing supercharger output, power drop
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Solid 5.0-litre V8 (naturally aspirated, no supercharger). Timing chain and guides are the known weak point from around 130,000 km. Short oil change intervals (max. 8,000 km) significantly reduce the risk. Replace plastic coolant pipes preventively with aluminium items. Character: refined V8 with decent power delivery.
- !! Timing chain guides and tensioners fail from 130,000 km
The AJ133 5.0L V8 (naturally aspirated) is known for premature wear of the plastic timing chain guides and hydraulic tensioners. The fault typically appears from 120,000–150,000 km. Extended oil change intervals are a frequent contributing factor.
Symptoms: Rattling/knocking on cold start, P0008/P0016/P0017, engine light, power loss - !! Plastic coolant pipes become brittle from 110,000 km
Like the supercharged V8, the naturally aspirated V8 has numerous plastic coolant pipes and fittings that become brittle and crack. Pre-emptive replacement with metal pipes (Euro AMP kit) is strongly recommended.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam from the engine bay - !! Ignition coil failure and spark plug wear from 100,000 km
Ignition coils on the 5.0 V8 tend to fail, often in combination with oil-fouled spark plugs (caused by valve stem seals). Rough running and misfire codes on multiple cylinders simultaneously are typical.
Symptoms: Rough running, P030X misfire codes, engine light, oil-fouled spark plugs
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
5.0-litre V8 Supercharged with excellent performance but well-known weaknesses. Timing chain set replacement is a matter of when, not if. Supercharger coupling and coolant pipes are further cost items. Running costs are substantial — only justifiable with a complete service history and low mileage.
- !! Timing chain guide plastic failure from 110,000 km
The most critical issue on the 508PS: plastic timing chain guides and hydraulic tensioners fail from around 100,000 km — faster on the supercharged engine due to higher load. Full repair costs €6,000–10,000.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (>5s), P0008/P0016/P0017, engine light, power loss - !! Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts from 100,000 km
Several plastic coolant pipes (crossover pipes, thermostat housing) behind and under the supercharger become brittle from thermal cycling. Sudden failure often causes engine damage before the driver can react.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, limp mode - !! Supercharger torsional coupler wears out from 90,000 km
The Eaton supercharger torsional coupler — a plastic and metal spring assembly — breaks apart over time. Land Rover issued a TSB. The rattling sounds like gravel inside the supercharger and disappears under higher load.
Symptoms: Rattling from the supercharger at idle (sounds like stones in a blower), decreasing supercharger output
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist is regarded as the most polished modern JLR engine: smooth, strong and effortless with a healthy 340 to 400 hp on tap. The critical item is recall N908 — the oil filter housing can crack and pose a fire risk, so confirm the remedy was carried out. Beyond that, a timing chain rattle can develop over time, oil consumption may creep up, and the turbocharger, water pump and thermostat are typical wear points. The 48V DC-DC converter fails occasionally. Regular oil changes and a short cool-down after spirited driving noticeably extend its life.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 3.0L petrol oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil onto hot components. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Timing chain — rattle and wear from 120,000 km
The PT306 inline-six shows timing chain wear with rattling on cold start. Although more robust than the 2.0L four-cylinder, wear and tensioner issues are documented at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, rough idle, engine warning light with camshaft correlation errors - !! Turbocharger bearing and seal wear from 120,000 km
PT306 turbochargers develop bearing wear and oil blow-by particularly with insufficient oil change intervals. Allow cool-down time after spirited driving.
Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, smoke from exhaust, power loss, elevated oil consumption
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
This 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist is regarded as the most polished modern JLR engine: smooth, strong and effortless with a healthy 340 to 400 hp on tap. The critical item is recall N908 — the oil filter housing can crack and pose a fire risk, so confirm the remedy was carried out. Beyond that, a timing chain rattle can develop over time, oil consumption may creep up, and the turbocharger, water pump and thermostat are typical wear points. The 48V DC-DC converter fails occasionally. Regular oil changes and a short cool-down after spirited driving noticeably extend its life.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 3.0L petrol oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil onto hot components. Fire risk. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire - !! Timing chain — rattle and wear from 120,000 km
The PT306 inline-six shows timing chain wear with rattling on cold start. Although more robust than the 2.0L four-cylinder, wear and tensioner issues are documented at higher mileages.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, rough idle, engine warning light with camshaft correlation errors - !! Turbocharger bearing and seal wear from 120,000 km
PT306 turbochargers develop bearing wear and oil blow-by particularly with insufficient oil change intervals. Allow cool-down time after spirited driving.
Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, smoke from exhaust, power loss, elevated oil consumption
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Here the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol works as a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor, producing roughly 400 to 550 hp of system output depending on spec — strong and pleasantly quiet in electric mode. The combustion-side weaknesses mirror the family: confirm that recall N908 on the oil filter housing, which carries a fire risk, has been done, and keep an eye on turbocharger wear. Hybrid-specific issues add up: occasional refusal of EV mode, gradual loss of high-voltage battery capacity, and above all oil dilution when the engine mostly runs cold and briefly. Owners who drive mainly on electric should warm the engine regularly and shorten oil-change intervals.
- !! Recall N908: oil filter housing — fire risk
Incorrect plastic specification for the I6 3.0L PHEV oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray oil onto hot components. Recall N908.
Symptoms: Oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, smoke or fire - !! Turbocharger wear from 120,000 km
Same base engine as PT306: turbocharger wear from insufficient lubrication. In PHEV mode the combustion engine often starts cold, which damages the turbo without pre-lubrication.
Symptoms: Whistling noise under acceleration, power loss in hybrid mode, smoke - !! PHEV: EV mode unavailable
Frequent malfunction: the system refuses EV operation with the message "EV temporarily unavailable". Cause is often a faulty HV coolant heater or defective battery control modules.
Symptoms: EV temporarily unavailable message, system switches to hybrid mode unintentionally
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air suspension drops: compressor and air springs Air springs tear and the compressor overloads. Typical case: vehicle drops after parking, compressor and both air springs plus valve block replaced (approx. 2,200 euros). Occurs regularly despite the aluminium body. Symptoms: Vehicle sits low on one side after parking, compressor runs long on start-up, air suspension warning light from 100,000 km | High |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the Land Rover Range Rover L405 (2012–2021) — 40 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 6 problem engines: DT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Diesel), 306DT (3.0L V6 Diesel), 448DT (4.4L V8 SDV8 Diesel), AJ126 (3.0L V6 Supercharged), PT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Benzin Turbo), 508PS (5.0L V8 Supercharged). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Brakes, Electronics.
Range Rover (306DT, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 256–258 PS.
Range Rover (448DT, 2012–2020) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft fracture from casting weakness, Plastic timing chain tensioner failure, Plastic coolant pipe under intake manifold. Power: 340 PS.
Range Rover (306DT, 2018–2020) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 275 PS.
Range Rover (306DT, 2018–2020) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 249 PS.
Range Rover (508PN, 2009–2013) — Be Careful: Timing chain guides and tensioners fail, Plastic coolant pipes become brittle, Ignition coil failure and spark plug wear. Power: 375 PS.
Range Rover (508PS, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 506–510 PS.
Range Rover (AJ126, 2014–2018) — Stay Away!: Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Timing chain and guides wear, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 340 PS.
Range Rover (508PS, 2017–2021) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 564 PS.
Range Rover (508PS, 2017–2021) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 525 PS.
Range Rover (PT306, 2019–2021) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Timing chain — rattle and wear, Turbocharger bearing and seal wear. Power: 400 PS.
Range Rover (PT306-PHEV, 2019–2021) — Be Careful: Recall N908: oil filter housing — fire risk, Turbocharger wear, PHEV: EV mode unavailable. Power: 300 PS.
Range Rover (DT306, 2020–2021) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 351 PS.
Range Rover (DT306, 2020–2021) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 300–306 PS.
Range Rover (DT306, 2020–2021) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 249–258 PS.
What to watch out for with the Land Rover Range Rover? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Land Rover Range Rover L405 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Land Rover Range Rover L405? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Land Rover Range Rover L405 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Land Rover Range Rover L405 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Land Rover Range Rover L405? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee