Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
575 PS
Range Rover Sport SVR · Benzin
Sport SVR facelift: even more supercharger
Legendary!150–241 PS
2.0L Ingenium Diesel Diesel
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 is available with 14 engine variants — from 150 to 575 hp.
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 - !! 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 - !! 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 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.0L Ingenium straight-six diesel with 48V mild-hybrid is more refined than the 2.0L diesel. Main issues: oil filter housing recall N908 (fire risk, 2021–2025), EGR coking and DPF on short trips. The 48V DC-DC converter is the designed-in weak link of the MHEV system.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.0L Ingenium straight-six diesel with 48V mild-hybrid is more refined than the 2.0L diesel. Main issues: oil filter housing recall N908 (fire risk, 2021–2025), EGR coking and DPF on short trips. The 48V DC-DC converter is the designed-in weak link of the MHEV system.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.0L Ingenium straight-six diesel with 48V mild-hybrid is more refined than the 2.0L diesel. Main issues: oil filter housing recall N908 (fire risk, 2021–2025), EGR coking and DPF on short trips. The 48V DC-DC converter is the designed-in weak link of the MHEV system.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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.
- !! Timing chain guide plastic failure from 110,000 km
The most critical issue on the 508PS: plastic timing chain guides and hydraulic tensioners fail from around 100,000 km — faster on the supercharged engine due to higher load. Full repair costs €6,000–10,000.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (>5s), P0008/P0016/P0017, engine light, power loss - !! Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts from 100,000 km
Several plastic coolant pipes (crossover pipes, thermostat housing) behind and under the supercharger become brittle from thermal cycling. Sudden failure often causes engine damage before the driver can react.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, limp mode - !! Supercharger torsional coupler wears out from 90,000 km
The Eaton supercharger torsional coupler — a plastic and metal spring assembly — breaks apart over time. Land Rover issued a TSB. The rattling sounds like gravel inside the supercharger and disappears under higher load.
Symptoms: Rattling from the supercharger at idle (sounds like stones in a blower), decreasing supercharger output
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 2.0L Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder petrol shares the timing chain architecture with the diesel. Thermostat housing leaks are common and promote secondary damage to the piston cooling valve. No DPF oil dilution problem, but increased oil consumption at high mileages.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.0L Ingenium straight-six petrol with 48V MHEV is the most reliable modern JLR engine. Note oil filter housing recall N908. Turbocharger and cooling system benefit from regular oil changes and adequate cool-down time after spirited driving.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.0L Ingenium straight-six petrol with 48V MHEV is the most reliable modern JLR engine. Note oil filter housing recall N908. Turbocharger and cooling system benefit from regular oil changes and adequate cool-down time after spirited driving.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The 3.0L I6 turbocharged petrol combined with an electric motor as a plug-in hybrid. Combustion engine weaknesses same as the PT306, plus PHEV-specific issues: EV mode refusal, battery degradation, and oil dilution when running predominantly on electric power.
- !! 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 - !! 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 - !! 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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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.
- !! Timing chain guide plastic failure from 110,000 km
The most critical issue on the 508PS: plastic timing chain guides and hydraulic tensioners fail from around 100,000 km — faster on the supercharged engine due to higher load. Full repair costs €6,000–10,000.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (>5s), P0008/P0016/P0017, engine light, power loss - !! Plastic coolant pipe under supercharger bursts from 100,000 km
Several plastic coolant pipes (crossover pipes, thermostat housing) behind and under the supercharger become brittle from thermal cycling. Sudden failure often causes engine damage before the driver can react.
Symptoms: Sudden coolant loss, overheating warning, steam, limp mode - !! Supercharger torsional coupler wears out from 90,000 km
The Eaton supercharger torsional coupler — a plastic and metal spring assembly — breaks apart over time. Land Rover issued a TSB. The rattling sounds like gravel inside the supercharger and disappears under higher load.
Symptoms: Rattling from the supercharger at idle (sounds like stones in a blower), decreasing supercharger output
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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
AUTO BILD used car test
The Range Rover Sport L494 shows surprisingly few problems following the platform change.
2021-05Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
BMW X5 M F95
Full-Size SUV (2020–2026)
BMW X6 M F96
Full-Size SUV (2020–2026)
Hyundai Palisade LX2
Full-Size SUV (2020–2025)
Kia Telluride I
Full-Size SUV (2020–2025)
Audi RS Q8 4M
Full-Size SUV (2019–2026)
Audi SQ8 4M
Full-Size SUV (2019–2024)
Explore more
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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee