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2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, organized by category and component.

The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport marked a significant entry for Land Rover into the performance SUV market. It offered a blend of luxury, off-road capability, and sporty driving dynamics. The Range Rover Sport came with two engine options: a naturally aspirated 4.4-liter V8 producing 300 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 generating 390 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Range Rover Sport for its distinctive styling, commanding driving position, and impressive off-road prowess. However, it was also criticized for its complex electronics, high maintenance costs, and tendency for various mechanical and electrical issues.

Engine

4.4L Naturally Aspirated V8

  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup. Can lead to major engine damage if not addressed.
    • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioners and potentially the timing chains themselves.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust. Often due to failing hoses, water pump, or radiator.
    • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the leak
    • Recalls: None Found

4.2L Supercharged V8

  • Supercharger Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the supercharger, loss of power. May be due to worn supercharger bearings or a failing supercharger coupler.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the supercharger.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks (including Supercharger Coolant)
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust. The supercharged engine also has a separate coolant circuit for the supercharger intercooler, which can leak.
    • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking component (hoses, intercooler, water pump, radiator).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the leak
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots on the ground, burning oil smell. Common leak areas include valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP26 6-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, transmission fault messages. Often caused by worn valves or solenoids in the valve body.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. Sometimes a transmission fluid flush and filter change can temporarily improve symptoms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during acceleration. May also cause transmission fault messages.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low or unevenly, “Suspension Fault” message, the compressor running constantly or not at all.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. Consider upgrading to a more robust aftermarket unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low or unevenly, hissing sound from the air struts.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per strut
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Height Sensors Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect ride height, suspension fault messages, unstable ride.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty height sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle. Caused by various parasitic drains, including faulty modules, aftermarket accessories, or a failing alternator.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of the instrument cluster, flickering displays, incorrect readings.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Navigation/Infotainment System Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, unresponsive touchscreen, inability to read CDs/DVDs, GPS malfunction.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the navigation/infotainment unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Central Locking System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, remote key failure.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the central locking system components, including door lock actuators, relays, and the body control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Tailgate Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing properly, motorized tailgate malfunctioning.
    • Solution: Replace the tailgate actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, leaking sunroof.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced or no airflow from the vents, noisy blower motor.
    • Solution: Replace the HVAC blower motor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Heater Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, overheating seat heater.
    • Solution: Replace the seat heater element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per seat
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, while offering a luxurious and capable driving experience, is known for its potential reliability issues. The most common problems revolve around the air suspension, engine, transmission, and electrical systems. Repairs can be costly due to the complexity of the vehicle and the price of parts. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and budget accordingly for maintenance and repairs. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic specializing in Land Rovers is highly recommended.

Land Rover, Range Rover Sport
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 2006
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