Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 276DT oil cooler is legendarily prone to internal leakage. Engine oil gets into the coolant or vice versa. A chocolate-coloured emulsion on the coolant cap is a warning sign. Left untreated, engine damage follows.

Symptoms: Brown emulsion in the coolant reservoir, coolant loss without visible external leak, rising oil temperature

Known design flaw: the crankshaft can crack between the second and third main bearing. Bearing shells spin in operation and block oil galleries — oil starvation leads to engine destruction. LR service bulletin SSM71816 documents the fault.

Symptoms: Dull knocking from the engine block (worse under load), oil pressure warning light, metal swarf in the oil filter

Leaking injector seals allow fuel to enter the engine oil. This dilutes the oil and significantly accelerates bearing wear. The combination of oil cooler failure and injector problems frequently results in total engine loss.

Symptoms: Fuel smell in oil, rising oil level (fuel in oil), increased bearing noise

As bearing damage sets in or following oil cooler failure, the turbocharger suffers from inadequate oil supply. Soot and carbon deposits on the turbo accelerate failure of the variable vanes.

Symptoms: Whistling or grinding noise from the turbo, black or blue smoke, power loss, engine limp mode

The water-cooled EGR cooler can develop leaks and pass coolant into the exhaust tract or intercooler. The coolant initially evaporates invisibly but can, if overlooked, damage the DPF and the turbo.

Symptoms: Unexplained coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, coolant low warning

The plastic thermostat housing becomes brittle from large temperature swings and cracks. Sudden coolant loss threatens — by the time the temperature warning appears it is often too late and the cylinder head can warp.

Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating, steam from the engine bay

Rear air springs tear at the base and lose pressure. Vehicle drops to one side or completely after parking. Valve block and height sensors are also typical failure points from approximately 100,000 km.

Vacuum pump fails and cuts brake servo assistance. Vehicle subject to recall. Danger from massively increased brake pedal effort. Leaking brake lines at the front axle also known.

Front lower wishbones and their bushings wear early due to the vehicle's high weight. Knocking and clunking at low speeds and under braking is typical. Full arm replacement recommended.

Electronic parking brake jams after worn brake pads or corroded guides. Fault code C1A00 (control module). Actuator module often needs complete replacement. Mainly affects 2006–2011.

Rear axle differential loses oil from approximately 100,000 km due to ageing seals. Bearing damage threatens if neglected. Oil seepage visible at the differential, often accompanied by a burning oil smell.

Panoramic or sunroof drain hoses block with leaves and debris. Water runs into the cabin and can damage ECUs under the seats. Typical on 2005–2009 models.

Door lock mechanism defective — doors cannot be correctly locked or unlocked. Sealed unit must be completely replaced. Recall issued for unintended opening while driving on certain model years.