2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Overview

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, while celebrated for its distinctive styling and off-road prowess, presents a mixed reliability picture. As a first-generation model, it carries some of the typical challenges associated with new platforms and complex systems. Owners have reported a range of issues, particularly concerning the powertrain and electronics, which can lead to unexpected repair costs. However, many of these issues are not universal, and regular maintenance can mitigate some potential problems. The Evoque’s luxury positioning means that repairs, when needed, can be more expensive than for mainstream vehicles. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential pitfalls and factor in the possibility of maintenance beyond routine servicing.

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Engine

2.0L Turbocharged I4 (Si4)

Turbocharger Failure

• Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, increased oil consumption.
• Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger unit.
• Cost: $1,500 - $3,000

Coolant Leaks

• Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, sweet smell from the engine.
• Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking hoses, water pump, or radiator.
• Cost: $400 - $1,200

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Aisin AWF6F55)

Harsh Shifting / Jerking

• Symptoms: Rough gear changes, hesitation during acceleration, transmission warning lights.
• Solution: Software update, transmission fluid flush and replacement, or internal transmission repair/rebuild.
• Cost: $500 - $3,500

Transmission Fluid Leaks

• Symptoms: Leaking fluid from the transmission pan or seals, low transmission fluid level, slipping gears.
• Solution: Replacement of seals, transmission pan gasket, or transmission cooler lines.
• Cost: $300 - $800

Suspension

Standard Chassis

Worn Bushings

• Symptoms: Clunking noises over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tire wear.
• Solution: Replacement of worn suspension bushings.
• Cost: $300 - $700

Electrical

Infotainment System

Screen Freezing/Malfunctions

• Symptoms: Touchscreen unresponsive, system reboots randomly, audio issues.
• Solution: Software update or replacement of the infotainment module.
• Cost: $500 - $1,500

Battery Drain

Intermittent Battery Drain

• Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity, warning lights on the dashboard.
• Solution: Diagnosis to find parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, light) and repair or replacement.
• Cost: $200 - $800

Exterior

Panoramic Sunroof

Water Leaks

• Symptoms: Water ingress into the cabin, damp headliner, moldy smell.
• Solution: Cleaning and clearing of sunroof drains, replacement of seals.
• Cost: $200 - $600

Interior

Climate Control System

HVAC Blower Motor Failure

• Symptoms: No air coming from vents, or air only comes out at certain speeds.
• Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor or the blower motor itself.
• Cost: $300 - $700

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Summary Verdict

The 2012 Range Rover Evoque is a stylish and capable SUV, but its first-generation status means potential buyers should be prepared for some reliability concerns. The most commonly reported issues revolve around the powertrain (turbocharger, transmission shifting) and electrical systems (infotainment, battery drain). Suspension components like bushings can also wear. While not all Evoques will experience these problems, they represent the most frequent and costly potential repairs. Regular servicing and a thorough pre-purchase inspection are highly recommended to identify any existing or potential issues.