2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capability and refined interior. This model year offered several engine options, including a 5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 producing 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.0L Supercharged V8 producing 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious interior, powerful engines, and off-road prowess. Common complaints include high maintenance costs, electronic issues, and poor fuel economy.

Engine

5.0L 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: Replace the timing chain tensioners and potentially the timing chains if stretched.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, visible coolant leaks around the engine. Often occurs at the water pump or coolant crossover pipes.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking components (water pump, crossover pipes, hoses).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+

5.0L Supercharged V8

• Supercharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the supercharger, loss of power, potential supercharger failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the supercharger. Could also be as simple as replacing the supercharger belt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $6,000+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioners and potentially the timing chains if stretched.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, visible coolant leaks around the engine. Often occurs at the water pump or coolant crossover pipes.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking components (water pump, crossover pipes, hoses).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (Both Engine Options)

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when accelerating. Can also cause transmission slippage.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, transmission slippage, failure to shift.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits low on one or more corners, or will not raise to normal ride height. “Suspension Fault” warning light is illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits low on one or more corners, especially after sitting overnight. Hissing sound coming from the air struts.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per strut

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery frequently dead, requiring jump starts. Can be caused by various parasitic drains.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the parasitic drain. This could involve replacing faulty modules, sensors, or wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Screen freezes, system reboots randomly, loss of functionality.
  • Solution: Software update (if available). If that doesn’t work, replace the navigation/infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+

Exterior

• Tailgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate will not open or close automatically.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+

Interior

• Heated Seat Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The heated seats do not get warm.
  • Solution: Replace the heating element or the seat module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat

Recalls:

• NHTSA Recall Number: 11V314000
  • Component: Electrical System
  • Summary: On certain model year 2011 Range Rover vehicles, the instrument cluster may fail. This could prevent the driver from receiving critical safety information such as speed, warning lights and messages, and could increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the instrument cluster software free of charge.

Summary

The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, while offering luxury and capability, has several common issues. The engine is prone to timing chain tensioner failures, coolant leaks, and supercharger issues (for supercharged models), leading to potentially high repair costs. The transmission can experience torque converter and valve body problems. Air suspension issues are common and can be expensive to fix. Electrical problems, such as battery drains and infotainment malfunctions, add to the ownership costs. These issues can range from moderately expensive to very expensive, making thorough inspection and maintenance history checks crucial before purchasing a used model.