Land Rover Range Rover Sport TDV8
3.6-litre V8 diesel with sensitive Siemens piezo injectors. The water-cooled EGR cooler can gradually leak coolant into the charge air cooler over years — until the engine fails catastrophically. High-pressure pump and injectors are the most common cost items. High-quality maintenance is non-negotiable.
TDV8: V8 diesel sound for the connoisseur
The V8 diesel sounds more muscular than any six-cylinder and delivers the torque the Range Rover Sport needs. Cabin acoustics are pleasantly gritty under acceleration. For enthusiasts of the era with the willingness and passion for maintenance.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The Siemens piezo injectors of the 368DT are very sensitive and expensive. Inspections frequently reveal multiple failed injectors (documented: 4 out of 8). New injectors cost approximately €500 each.
Symptoms: Rough running, individual cylinder fault codes, power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp mode
The 368DT high-pressure pump is prone to failure. Vehicles enter limp-home mode after 12–15 km of driving. Fault codes for low fuel rail pressure are typical.
Symptoms: Limp mode after a few kilometres, hard start, fault codes for low fuel rail pressure
The water-cooled EGR cooler can pass coolant into the intercooler. Over roughly three years the coolant slowly fills the intercooler until it reaches the turbo and enters the engine, causing severe engine damage.
Symptoms: Sporadic power loss, white smoke, after years: sudden catastrophic engine failure
Plastic coolant pipes and the thermostat housing become brittle from heat cycling and can crack suddenly. By the time the temperature warning shows, the engine is often already overheated.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam from the engine bay
The variable vanes of the 368DT turbochargers coke up with soot and carbon deposits. Turbo actuators and actuator motors fail. Frequent long-distance driving reduces the risk.
Symptoms: Power loss, turbo whistle, vane overheating, limp mode under acceleration
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).