Land Rover Range Rover D250
The 3.0L Ingenium straight-six diesel with 48V mild-hybrid is more refined than the 2.0L diesel. Main issues: oil filter housing recall N908 (fire risk, 2021–2025), EGR coking and DPF on short trips. The 48V DC-DC converter is the designed-in weak link of the MHEV system.
D250 in the big Range Rover: adequate
The Range Rover's weight demands a lot from the D250. Composed on flat terrain, but pushing limits uphill or with a trailer. A coherent and economical package for relaxed long hauls and urban use.
Engine Weaknesses 6
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
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
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
The DT306 EGR system carbons up particularly with short-trip use. A clogged EGR cooler raises operating temperatures and promotes overheating.
Symptoms: Rough idle, power drop, black smoke under acceleration, engine warning light
The DT306 DPF blocks with predominantly urban driving. Forced regeneration cycles increase fuel consumption and can cause oil dilution.
Symptoms: DPF full warning, reduced engine power, strong fuel smell from exhaust
On the 48V mild hybrid system, the DC-DC converter from 48V to 12V fails. Since MHEV vehicles have no conventional alternator, the 12V battery drains — complete vehicle shutdown is possible.
Symptoms: Charging system fault warning, red battery symbol, dimming lights, infotainment shutdown
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
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.
Panoramic roof drain hoses corrode at the plastic connector fitting and break off. Water runs through the body to the audio amplifier under the driver's seat. Several vehicles written off. Annual cleaning of the drains strongly recommended.
Water ingress through failed sunroof drains or leaking windows damages control units under the front seats. Multiple ECUs affected simultaneously. Audio amplifier under the driver's seat particularly vulnerable. Total losses documented by insurance in confirmed cases.
Tailgate seal and gaskets around the rear lights leak — water collects in the spare wheel well. Water runs out when opening the tailgate after rain. Seals and light strip sealing must be replaced.
Rear brake calipers seize due to corrosion of the guide pins in the aluminium housing. Vehicle pulls to one side under braking. Regular replacement necessary. Disc life reduced to approximately 50,000 km by the binding effect.
ZF 8HP gearbox suffers harsh shifts, delayed engagement and torque converter issues when oil changes are skipped. Gearbox oil change recommended every 60,000 km. Sensor fails to detect park position. Diesel variants particularly affected.
InControl Touch Pro navigation uses TMC-based traffic data and suggests partly nonsensical routes. System freezes and restarts. Bluetooth issues and display pixel failures known. Updates improve things but do not resolve them permanently.
Reports & Tests
110 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2012–2021). Most reported: Engine (18), Electrical (16), Fuel System (14).