2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, organized by category and engine/transmission option, following your specified format.

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and premium features. Engine options included a 4.4-liter naturally aspirated 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 six-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Range Rover Sport’s distinctive styling, comfortable interior, and all-terrain prowess. However, they often cite reliability issues and high maintenance costs as significant drawbacks.

Engine

4.4L Naturally Aspirated V8

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacement of timing chain tensioners and potentially the timing chain itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, visible leaks around the engine. Common leak points include the water pump, radiator, and coolant hoses.
  • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking component (water pump, radiator, hoses, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $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, reduced engine power. The supercharger snout can fail, or the bearings can wear out.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (Similar to 4.4L)
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, visible leaks around the engine. Common leak points include the water pump, radiator, and coolant hoses.
  • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking component (water pump, radiator, hoses, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Both Engines)

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. In some cases, a complete transmission rebuild or replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop. Can also cause transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: “Suspension Fault” warning light, vehicle sagging or not maintaining ride height, compressor running constantly.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, hissing sound from the air struts.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Height Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate ride height readings, “Suspension Fault” warning light, uneven vehicle stance.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, requiring frequent jump-starts. Often caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or electrical component.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This may involve replacing a faulty module (e.g., infotainment, seat control, etc.).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, No Sound, Touchscreen Inoperable.
  • Solution: Software Update or Replacement of the infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+ (depending on the complexity of the issue and whether a new unit is required)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing properly.
  • Solution: Replacement of Tailgate Actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, sunroof getting stuck, water leaks around the sunroof.
  • Solution: Replace the sunroof motor, repair the sunroof mechanism, or reseal the sunroof.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is prone to a variety of issues, particularly relating to the engine (timing chain/supercharger), transmission (valve body), and suspension (air suspension). Electrical problems, especially battery drain, are also common. These issues can be costly to repair, often ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars per incident. While the Range Rover Sport offers luxury and off-road capability, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for significant maintenance and repair expenses.