Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged
4.2-litre V8 supercharged with performance but several critical weaknesses. The coolant pipe under the supercharger can rupture suddenly and cause engine damage — preventive replacement with aluminium pipes is strongly recommended. Supercharger torsion coupling wears from around 90,000 km. Budget for high running costs.
Sport 4.2 SC: the supercharged Brit
Supercharger whine, V8 sound, Range Rover Sport format — this combination is unique. The 4.2-litre supercharged V8 delivers thrust without waiting for revs. For fans of the model and the sound, a driving experience no successor can replicate.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The plastic coolant pipe running behind and under the supercharger cracks from thermal cycling-induced embrittlement. Coolant loss is sudden — by the time the overheating warning appears it is usually too late.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, engine damage if reaction is delayed
The Eaton supercharger coupler element — plastic and metal — wears out and gives way. Grinding noises from the supercharger or at idle point to bearing failure. Land Rover has issued a TSB on this subject.
Symptoms: Grinding or rattling noises from the supercharger, hesitation under acceleration, power loss
Like the naturally aspirated V8, the 4.2 SC also has timing chains with plastic guides that can wear. Cold start rattling is the typical warning sign. A missed inspection risks a jumped chain.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, check engine light P0008/P0016, power loss
Ignition coils on the 4.2 Supercharged tend to fail — often an entire bank at once. Misfire codes and rough running are typical symptoms. Replacement in sets is recommended.
Symptoms: Rough running when cold, misfire codes P030X, engine running on 6–7 cylinders
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).