2009 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities, opulent interior, and distinctive styling. Engine options for the 2009 model year include a 4.4L naturally aspirated V8 producing 305 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a supercharged 4.2L V8 generating 390 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the vehicle’s luxurious features, comfortable ride, and go-anywhere attitude. However, reliability issues and high maintenance costs are commonly cited drawbacks.

Engine

4.4L Naturally Aspirated V8

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, especially when cold. Can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioners, guides, and possibly the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, overheating. Leaks commonly occur at the water pump, radiator, and various hoses.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

4.2L Supercharged V8

• Supercharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whining noise from the supercharger.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, especially when cold. Can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioners, guides, and possibly the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of coolant, overheating. Leaks commonly occur at the water pump, radiator, and various hoses.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping, failure to shift.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission going into limp mode.
  • Solution: Replace the Mechatronic unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, “Suspension Fault” warning light, inability to raise or lower the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. Consider replacing the relay as well.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, especially overnight, hissing sound from the struts.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (per strut pair)
• Ride Height Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Incorrect ride height, “Suspension Fault” warning light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ride height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, short circuit).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the cause. Can range from $100 to thousands.
• Navigation System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, malfunctioning touchscreen, failure to load maps.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the navigation unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, warning lights illuminated or flickering, screen displaying incorrect information.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
• Transfer Case Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to switch between 4-High and 4-Low, transfer case fault warning.
  • Solution: Replace the transfer case motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+

Exterior

• Tailgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing properly, or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, guides, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+

Interior

• Heater Core Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat, coolant smell inside the cabin, fogging of windows.
  • Solution: Replace the heater core. This is a labor-intensive job.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
• Air Conditioning Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: AC not blowing cold air, weak airflow, strange noises.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the AC system (e.g., refrigerant leak, compressor failure, blend door actuator issue).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable, depending on the cause. Can range from $200 to $1,500+.
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per door.

Recalls:

• Service Brake Hydraulic: Recall number 08V525000

Summary

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover, while luxurious and capable, is prone to several reliability issues. The most concerning problems relate to the engine (timing chain, supercharger, and coolant leaks), air suspension (compressor and strut failures), and electrical systems (battery drain, instrument cluster). Transmission problems can also occur. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs potentially exceeding several thousand dollars. Due to the complexity of the vehicle, proper diagnosis is crucial, and preventative maintenance is highly recommended.