Land Rover Range Rover Sport
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.
TDV6 L320: Old character in a heavy body
The 3.0-litre V6 sounds pleasant and has adequate torque for the Range Rover Sport. Character present, reliability risks known. An engine for enthusiasts with good workshop knowledge.
Engine Weaknesses 5
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
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
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
The 306DT has the same problematic oil cooler as its predecessor the 276DT. Oil-coolant cross-contamination is possible. Regular inspection of the coolant for oil traces is recommended.
Symptoms: Oil traces in the coolant reservoir, coolant loss, rising engine oil level
The oil pump pressure regulator valve can fail and deliver insufficient oil pressure. Frequent oil changes (max 10,000 km interval) with quality oil are essential for prevention.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, engine noise, code P06DD (oil pressure regulation)
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
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.
Facelift models from 2010 onward show increased battery faults due to higher electrical loads. Pixel failures in the instrument cluster display known. Corroded earth points are a common cause of cascading fault messages.
Reports & Tests
Suspension and air suspension of the Range Rover Sport L320 are exceptionally failure-prone.
345 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2005–2013). Most reported: Airbags (55), Body Structure (50), Engine (42).