2012 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover is a luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and opulent interior. Available engine options for this model year include a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.0-liter supercharged V8, generating 510 horsepower and 461 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a ZF 6HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Range Rover’s luxurious appointments, impressive off-road prowess, and distinctive styling. However, it is also criticized for its high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and questionable reliability.

Engine

5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8

• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. May lead to engine misfires or complete engine failure if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioners, chains, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L Supercharged V8

• Supercharger Snout Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the supercharger, loss of boost, and reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger snout assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Hose Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, low coolant level warning light. Hoses become brittle and crack over time.
  • Solution: Replace all coolant hoses, especially those located near the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP28 6-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift, transmission fault warning.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body. In some cases, complete transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or uneven ride height, “Suspension Fault” warning on the dashboard, slow or no response from the air suspension system.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure, vehicle sagging, hissing noise from the struts, especially after parking.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut (depending on location)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the vehicle, frequent jump starts required. Caused by parasitic drains from various modules within the vehicle’s complex electrical system.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain, replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity of the electrical issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, loss of audio, navigation errors.
  • Solution: Update the system software, replace the infotainment unit (if necessary).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing properly, difficulty manually opening or closing the tailgate, grinding or clicking noise from the tailgate area.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing, jamming, unusual noises.
  • Solution: Repair or replace sunroof motor, tracks, or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover, while luxurious and capable, suffers from a variety of potential issues. The most common problems involve the engine (timing chain tensioners, supercharger issues), transmission (valve body failure), and air suspension systems. Electrical issues, particularly battery drain, are also frequent complaints. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in higher-than-average maintenance costs when considering purchasing this vehicle. The air suspension and the engines are the most expensive to repair, while interior and exterior options are cheaper.