2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that blends off-road capability with on-road comfort and style. Available engine options include 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 are paired with a ZF 6HP28 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious interior, powerful engines, and off-road prowess. However, common complaints include poor fuel economy, high maintenance costs, and a reputation for unreliability.

Engine

5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold, can indicate stretched timing chains or worn tensioners. In severe cases, this can lead to misfires and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chains, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, and visible leaks around the engine bay. Common leak points include the water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator hoses.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components and flushing the cooling system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L Supercharged V8

• Supercharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or grinding noises from the supercharger, reduced engine power, and potential supercharger failure. The supercharger snout bearing and coupler are common failure points.
  • Solution: Replacing the supercharger snout assembly, bearings, or the entire supercharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Same as the naturally aspirated V8, a rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold, can indicate stretched timing chains or worn tensioners. In severe cases, this can lead to misfires and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chains, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, and visible leaks around the engine bay. Common leak points include the water pump, thermostat housing, and radiator hoses.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components and flushing the cooling system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 6HP28 6-Speed Automatic

• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, and erratic transmission behavior. The valve body contains intricate solenoids and valves that can wear out or become clogged.
  • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations, especially during acceleration or at low speeds. A failed torque converter can also cause transmission overheating and complete failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter and flushing the transmission fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system fails to maintain proper ride height, resulting in a sagging vehicle, especially overnight. The compressor may run continuously or fail to activate at all. “Suspension Fault” message displayed on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor and checking for leaks in the air lines and air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure, sagging or uneven ride height indicates leaking air struts. The rubber bladders in the struts can deteriorate over time.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent dead batteries, even when the vehicle is not in use. This can be caused by a variety of electrical issues, including parasitic draws from faulty modules or accessories.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic drain. This often involves testing individual circuits and modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system freezing, crashing, or displaying incorrect information. The infotainment system may also experience issues with Bluetooth connectivity, audio playback, or touch screen responsiveness.
  • Solution: Updating the software, replacing the head unit, or repairing faulty wiring.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tail Light Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Tail lights stop functioning.
  • Solution: Replacing the bulb or entire tail light assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close, or getting stuck in the open position.
  • Solution: Replacing motor or components of sunroof.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, while offering luxury and capability, is prone to a number of significant issues. Engine problems, especially timing chain and coolant leaks in both the naturally aspirated and supercharged variants, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues with the ZF 6HP28 transmission, as well as air suspension problems, further contribute to the potential for high maintenance costs. Electrical gremlins can also be difficult and expensive to diagnose. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for expensive repairs and factor this into their purchasing decision. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended.