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Land Rover · Full-Size SUV · 2013–2022 Custom Search

Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.2 / 5.0 · Based on 9 engine variants · How we rate

The Range Rover Sport L494 (2013–2022) is the sportier, more agile branch of the big Range Rover family, positioned in the upper SUV segment against the X5, Cayenne and GLE. It is noticeably lighter and more engaging to drive than the full-size Range Rover, but it carries the same burden of complex electronics and air-suspension technology — and with it Land Rover's well-earned reputation for workshop visits. As a used buy it can look like a bargain, but it turns expensive fast if the history and maintenance are not right.

On the engine front: the four-cylinder 204DTD diesel is the most troublesome in the range. Early cars before 2019 suffer from stretched timing chains and oil dilution from DPF regeneration, so caution is warranted here. Far more composed is the DT306 straight-six diesel with its 48-volt mild hybrid, and the PT306 turbo petrol is regarded as the most mature modern JLR engine: smooth and strong. Both, however, share recall N908, where a cracking oil filter housing can create a fire risk — this must be closed out. The 5.0-litre supercharged V8 (508PS) sounds and pulls gloriously, but sooner or later demands a full timing chain kit and suffers from bursting plastic coolant pipes beneath the supercharger. On the older 3.0-litre V6 diesel (306DT), the crankshaft bearing weakness is the sword of Damocles, and an engine swap is costly.

Regardless of engine, the recurring problem areas are the air suspension with its failing compressor and leaking air springs, warped brake discs, a freezing infotainment system and AdBlue faults on the diesels. The panoramic roof tends to develop corroded drains and water ingress, which in turn threatens the electronics. A recall covered the door locks, which could open while driving.

Anyone buying an L494 should check the air suspension for sagging while parked and after standing overnight, trace every recall (especially N908 and the door lock) in the service record, and watch the infotainment during an extended test. A complete, dealer- or specialist-stamped history is not a luxury on this vehicle but a requirement. Verdict: a charismatic, genuinely capable SUV both off-road and on tarmac — but only a sensible used purchase with a healthy financial cushion and solid history. Save on the purchase price and skimp on maintenance, and it ends up costing twice.

Most Fun Engine

575 PS

Range Rover Sport SVR · Benzin

Sport SVR facelift: even more supercharger

Legendary!
Problem Engine

241 PS

2.0L Ingenium Diesel Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 is available with 21 engine variants — from 211 to 575 hp.

3.0L V6 Diesel · Diesel· 258 PS
2013 2017

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.

  • !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km

    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
    6,000–12,000 $
  • !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km

    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
    2,000–6,000 $
  • !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km

    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
    2,000–8,000 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

3.0L V6 Diesel · Diesel· 305 PS
2018 2020

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.

  • !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km

    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
    6,000–12,000 $
  • !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km

    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
    2,000–6,000 $
  • !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km

    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
    2,000–8,000 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport SD4 · Diesel· 241 PS
2017 2018

The 2.0L Ingenium four-cylinder diesel has been widely used since 2015 but suffers from structural weaknesses: timing chain (particularly vulnerable pre-2019), oil dilution from DPF regeneration on short trips, and turbocharger problems caused by poor oil quality. Oil changes every 10,000 km instead of the recommended 21,000 km are strongly advised.

  • !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 90,000 km

    The 204DTD timing chain stretches prematurely due to worn plastic guides and degraded lubrication from oil dilution. Chains fitted before 2019 are particularly affected. Chain snap is possible.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, engine warning light, power loss, fault codes P0016 or P0341
    1,800–4,500 $
  • !! Oil dilution from DPF regeneration from 30,000 km

    Incomplete DPF regeneration cycles allow unburnt fuel to drip into the sump. Particularly critical on short trips with the transversely mounted engine — the distance between turbo and DPF is too great for passive regeneration.

    Symptoms: Early service warning well before interval, oil level above max mark, fuel smell in oil, increased engine wear
    100–300 $
  • !! Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation from 100,000 km

    Turbochargers fail due to oil dilution-related lubrication degradation and plastic debris from timing chain guides. A second turbocharger can be destroyed by debris from the first.

    Symptoms: Blue or black exhaust smoke, whistling or hissing noise, severe power loss, engine warning light
    3,500–7,000 $

+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport SDV6 · Diesel· 292–307 PS
2013 2018

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.

  • !! Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness from 180,000 km

    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
    6,000–12,000 $
  • !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km

    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
    2,000–6,000 $
  • !! Injector over-fuelling with piston damage from 140,000 km

    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
    2,000–8,000 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport SDV8 · Diesel· 340 PS
2014 2020

4.4-litre V8 diesel with a known cast crankshaft weakness — forged crankshaft upgrade recommended. Plastic timing chain tensioners and coolant pipes are critical weak points. Repairs can cost £4,000–£20,000. Only acceptable with a very well-maintained service history and oil changes at max. 8,000 km.

  • !! Crankshaft fracture from casting weakness from 180,000 km

    The production cast-iron crankshaft of the 448DT is known for premature cracking. Tuners and specialists recommend upgrading to a forged crankshaft. Repair costs are extreme.

    Symptoms: Dull knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning light, metallic noises, sudden engine seizure
    5,000–25,000 $
  • !! Plastic timing chain tensioner failure from 120,000 km

    The plastic timing chain tensioner of the 448DT is the single most critical weak point. Metallic rattling on cold start lasting more than 5 seconds warns of impending engine destruction. Typically affected from 100,000–160,000 km.

    Symptoms: Loud metallic rattling on cold start (>5 seconds), check engine light P0008/P0016/P0017, power loss
    2,000–7,000 $
  • !! Plastic coolant pipe under intake manifold from 100,000 km

    The plastic coolant crossover pipe running under the intake manifold cracks from embrittlement. Sudden coolant loss threatens — the engine can be overheated before the temperature warning appears. Pre-emptive replacement with aluminium pipes is recommended.

    Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, in worst case hydrolock
    500–2,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport D250 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 249 PS
2020 2022

This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.

  • !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk

    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
    0–0 $
  • !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km

    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
    1,200–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure from 150,000 km

    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
    600–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport D300 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 300 PS
2020 2022

This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.

  • !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk

    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
    0–0 $
  • !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km

    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
    1,200–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure from 150,000 km

    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
    600–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport D350 · Diesel Mild-Hybrid· 351 PS
2020 2022

This 3.0-litre inline-six diesel from the Ingenium range runs a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and is noticeably smoother and more refined than the four-cylinder diesel. The key concern is recall N908: the oil filter housing can crack and poses a fire risk — its status must be verified before purchase, no exceptions. The turbo actuator is a known failure, the EGR system cokes up, and the particulate filter clogs under predominantly short-trip use. On the mild-hybrid side the DC-DC converter is the usual weak link, alongside occasional injector failures. A commanding straight-six that demands a clean service history and a confirmed recall status.

  • !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk

    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
    0–0 $
  • !! Turbocharger actuator failure from 80,000 km

    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
    1,200–3,500 $
  • !! Injector failure from 150,000 km

    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
    600–2,500 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

3.0L V6 Supercharged · Petrol· 340 PS
2013 2018

3.0-litre V6 Supercharged as the smaller blower option. The coolant crossover pipe beneath the supercharger is system-critical — if it fails, engine damage is often unavoidable. Preventive replacement with aluminium pipes is strongly recommended. Check supercharger coupling and timing chain regularly. Water pump replacement requires supercharger removal (expensive).

  • !! Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts from 100,000 km

    The plastic coolant crossover pipe running under the supercharger cracks suddenly from embrittlement. The engine is often irreparably overheated before the temperature warning appears. Very common cause of engine damage. Upgrade to aluminium pipes strongly recommended.

    Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss (often instantaneous), overheating warning, steam, potential engine damage
    1,500–8,000 $
  • !! Timing chain and guides wear from 110,000 km

    Like the V8 versions, the AJ126 has timing chains with plastic guides. From around 100,000 km guides and tensioners can deteriorate. The supercharger setup increases engine load and accelerates wear.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, P0008/P0016, engine light
    2,000–6,000 $
  • !! Supercharger torsional coupler wears out from 90,000 km

    The Eaton Roots supercharger torsional coupler breaks apart. The rattling sounds like gravel in the supercharger at idle and disappears under load. Land Rover TSB available. Typical failure around 90,000–110,000 km.

    Symptoms: Rattling from supercharger at idle, decreasing supercharger output, power drop
    800–2,500 $

+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

5.0L V8 Supercharged · Petrol· 510–525 PS
2013 2022

5.0-litre V8 Supercharged with excellent performance but well-known weaknesses. Timing chain set replacement is a matter of when, not if. Supercharger coupling and coolant pipes are further cost items. Running costs are substantial — only justifiable with a complete service history and low mileage.

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport P300 · Petrol· 300 PS
2017 2022

This 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol from the Ingenium range shares its timing-chain architecture with the diesel — here too the chain tends to stretch early, so periodic checks pay off. A leak at the thermostat housing is common, causing coolant loss and potentially provoking secondary damage at the piston-cooling valve. The particulate-filter oil-dilution issue does not apply to the petrol, but oil consumption rises noticeably at higher mileages. The turbocharger and the electric coolant pump (service action N451) are further candidates. A lively, smooth-running engine that rewards regular cooling-system inspection.

  • !! Timing chain stretches prematurely from 90,000 km

    The 204PT petrol shares its timing chain architecture with the diesel counterpart. Chains pre-2019 are particularly susceptible. Repair requires gearbox removal (20–30 hours labour).

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, engine warning light, rough idle, misfires
    1,800–4,000 $
  • !! Thermostat housing leak and coolant loss from 70,000 km

    The Ingenium petrol thermostat housing is known for coolant leaks. Escaping coolant can drip onto hot engine components and damage secondary parts.

    Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external leak, fluctuating engine temperature, steam from the engine bay, sweet smell
    200–700 $
  • !! Turbocharger failure from 110,000 km

    Turbocharger failure from oil starvation and bearing damage. On the 204PT the turbo oil supply is closely linked to the timing chain lubrication situation.

    Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, power loss under acceleration, oil warning light
    3,500–6,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport P360 · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 360 PS
2019 2022

This 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist is regarded as the most polished modern JLR engine: smooth, strong and effortless with a healthy 340 to 400 hp on tap. The critical item is recall N908 — the oil filter housing can crack and pose a fire risk, so confirm the remedy was carried out. Beyond that, a timing chain rattle can develop over time, oil consumption may creep up, and the turbocharger, water pump and thermostat are typical wear points. The 48V DC-DC converter fails occasionally. Regular oil changes and a short cool-down after spirited driving noticeably extend its life.

  • !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk

    Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 3.0L petrol oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil onto hot components. Fire risk. Recall N908.

    Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire
    0–0 $
  • !! Timing chain — rattle and wear from 120,000 km

    The PT306 inline-six shows timing chain wear with rattling on cold start. Although more robust than the 2.0L four-cylinder, wear and tensioner issues are documented at higher mileages.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, rough idle, engine warning light with camshaft correlation errors
    1,500–3,500 $
  • !! Turbocharger bearing and seal wear from 120,000 km

    PT306 turbochargers develop bearing wear and oil blow-by particularly with insufficient oil change intervals. Allow cool-down time after spirited driving.

    Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, smoke from exhaust, power loss, elevated oil consumption
    3,000–7,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport P400 · Petrol Mild-Hybrid· 400 PS
2019 2022

This 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist is regarded as the most polished modern JLR engine: smooth, strong and effortless with a healthy 340 to 400 hp on tap. The critical item is recall N908 — the oil filter housing can crack and pose a fire risk, so confirm the remedy was carried out. Beyond that, a timing chain rattle can develop over time, oil consumption may creep up, and the turbocharger, water pump and thermostat are typical wear points. The 48V DC-DC converter fails occasionally. Regular oil changes and a short cool-down after spirited driving noticeably extend its life.

  • !! Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk

    Incorrect plastic specification for the Ingenium I6 3.0L petrol oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray engine oil onto hot components. Fire risk. Recall N908.

    Symptoms: Visible oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, in severe cases smoke or fire
    0–0 $
  • !! Timing chain — rattle and wear from 120,000 km

    The PT306 inline-six shows timing chain wear with rattling on cold start. Although more robust than the 2.0L four-cylinder, wear and tensioner issues are documented at higher mileages.

    Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start, rough idle, engine warning light with camshaft correlation errors
    1,500–3,500 $
  • !! Turbocharger bearing and seal wear from 120,000 km

    PT306 turbochargers develop bearing wear and oil blow-by particularly with insufficient oil change intervals. Allow cool-down time after spirited driving.

    Symptoms: Whistling or howling noise, smoke from exhaust, power loss, elevated oil consumption
    3,000–7,000 $

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport P400e · Petrol Plug-in-Hybrid· 404 PS
2017 2022

Here the 3.0-litre inline-six turbo petrol works as a plug-in hybrid with an electric motor, producing roughly 400 to 550 hp of system output depending on spec — strong and pleasantly quiet in electric mode. The combustion-side weaknesses mirror the family: confirm that recall N908 on the oil filter housing, which carries a fire risk, has been done, and keep an eye on turbocharger wear. Hybrid-specific issues add up: occasional refusal of EV mode, gradual loss of high-voltage battery capacity, and above all oil dilution when the engine mostly runs cold and briefly. Owners who drive mainly on electric should warm the engine regularly and shorten oil-change intervals.

  • !! Recall N908: oil filter housing — fire risk

    Incorrect plastic specification for the I6 3.0L PHEV oil filter housing. The housing can crack and spray oil onto hot components. Recall N908.

    Symptoms: Oil leak, oil puddles, oil warning light, smoke or fire
    0–0 $
  • !! Turbocharger wear from 120,000 km

    Same base engine as PT306: turbocharger wear from insufficient lubrication. In PHEV mode the combustion engine often starts cold, which damages the turbo without pre-lubrication.

    Symptoms: Whistling noise under acceleration, power loss in hybrid mode, smoke
    3,000–7,000 $
  • !! PHEV: EV mode unavailable

    Frequent malfunction: the system refuses EV operation with the message "EV temporarily unavailable". Cause is often a faulty HV coolant heater or defective battery control modules.

    Symptoms: EV temporarily unavailable message, system switches to hybrid mode unintentionally
    800–3,500 $

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Range Rover Sport SVR · Petrol· 550–575 PS
2014 2022

5.0-litre V8 Supercharged with excellent performance but well-known weaknesses. Timing chain set replacement is a matter of when, not if. Supercharger coupling and coolant pipes are further cost items. Running costs are substantial — only justifiable with a complete service history and low mileage.

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Air suspension: compressor and air springs

Air suspension compressor and air springs fail regularly. Vehicle drops after parking, compressor runs continuously. Valve block, height sensors and reservoir tank also affected. Replacing one air spring costs over 1,500 euros.

Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly, slow rise, yellow or red warning light, compressor noise
from 100,000 km
High
!Front lower wishbone worn

Front lower wishbones (straight and curved variants) wear early due to vehicle weight. Bushings are barely possible to press in correctly — full arm replacement recommended. Wheel alignment essential after repair.

Symptoms: Knocking and clunking from the front at low speeds, vague steering feel, uneven tyre wear
from 80,000 km
Medium

Test Reports

dauertest

AUTO BILD used car test

Average

The Range Rover Sport L494 shows surprisingly few problems following the platform change.

2021-05
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Average
113 complaints · 2013–2022
  1. 01 Electrical
    32 ⚠ 2
  2. 02 Engine
    25
  3. 03 Brakes
    13 ⚠ 1
  4. 04 Body Structure
    11 ⚠ 3
  5. 05 Other
    11 ⚠ 2

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (32 complaints)
Engine (25 complaints)
Brakes (13 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 (2013–2022) — 48 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. 8 problem engines: 204DTD (2.0L Ingenium Diesel), DT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Diesel), 306DT (3.0L V6 Diesel), 448DT (4.4L V8 SDV8 Diesel), 204PT (2.0L Ingenium Benzin Turbo), AJ126 (3.0L V6 Supercharged), PT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Benzin Turbo), 508PS (5.0L V8 Supercharged). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Body.

Range Rover Sport (306DT, 2013–2015) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 292 PS.

Range Rover Sport (306DT, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 256–258 PS.

Range Rover Sport (448DT, 2014–2020) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft fracture from casting weakness, Plastic timing chain tensioner failure, Plastic coolant pipe under intake manifold. Power: 340 PS.

Range Rover Sport (204DTD, 2017–2018) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, Turbocharger failure due to oil starvation. Power: 241 PS.

Range Rover Sport (306DT, 2017–2018) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 306 PS.

Range Rover Sport (306DT, 2018–2020) — Stay Away!: Crankshaft bearing failure from design weakness, Timing chain and tensioner wear, Injector over-fuelling with piston damage. Power: 300–306 PS.

Range Rover Sport (AJ126, 2013–2018) — Stay Away!: Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Timing chain and guides wear, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 340 PS.

Range Rover Sport (508PS, 2013–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 510 PS.

Range Rover Sport (508PS, 2014–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 551 PS.

Range Rover Sport (204PT, 2017–2022) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches prematurely, Thermostat housing leak and coolant loss, Turbocharger failure. Power: 300 PS.

Range Rover Sport (508PS, 2017–2022) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 575 PS.

Range Rover Sport (508PS, 2017–2022) — Stay Away!: Timing chain guide plastic failure, Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts, Supercharger torsional coupler wears out. Power: 525 PS.

Range Rover Sport (PT306, 2019–2022) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Timing chain — rattle and wear, Turbocharger bearing and seal wear. Power: 400 PS.

Range Rover Sport (PT306, 2019–2022) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Timing chain — rattle and wear, Turbocharger bearing and seal wear. Power: 360 PS.

Range Rover Sport (PT306-PHEV, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Recall N908: oil filter housing — fire risk, Turbocharger wear, PHEV: EV mode unavailable. Power: 300 PS.

Range Rover Sport (DT306, 2020–2022) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 351 PS.

Range Rover Sport (DT306, 2020–2022) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 300 PS.

Range Rover Sport (DT306, 2020–2022) — Stay Away!: Recall N908: oil filter housing can crack — fire risk, Turbocharger actuator failure, Injector failure. Power: 249 PS.

What to watch out for with the Land Rover Range Rover Sport? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 have? +
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 has 48 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: PT306-PHEV (3.0L I6 Turbo + E-Motor). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 508PS (5.0L V8 Supercharged). Problem engine: 204DTD (2.0L Ingenium Diesel) — stay away!
Which Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} The SVR at 423 kW is the most emotional near-production vehicle from Solihull. Supercharger whine, sports exhaust, adaptive chassis — everything focused on driving dynamics. Still impressive off-road. For purists bridging the gap between SUV and sports car.
Is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 — 8 of 9 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494? +
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 is available with engine variants from 211 to 575 hp. Petrol: 204PT (2.0L Ingenium Benzin Turbo), AJ126 (3.0L V6 Supercharged), PT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Benzin Turbo), PT306-PHEV (3.0L I6 Turbo + E-Motor), 508PS (5.0L V8 Supercharged). Diesel: 204DTD (2.0L Ingenium Diesel), DT306 (3.0L Ingenium I6 Diesel), 306DT (3.0L V6 Diesel), 448DT (4.4L V8 SDV8 Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee