2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a luxury SUV that offers a blend of performance, comfort, and off-road capability. Available engine options included a 3.0L supercharged V6 producing 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, a 5.0L supercharged V8 with 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque (increased to 550 hp in the SVR model), and a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 producing 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Range Rover Sport’s luxurious interior, powerful engine options, and its go-anywhere attitude. However, common complaints revolve around reliability, frequent maintenance requirements, and the high cost of repairs.

Engine

3.0L Supercharged V6

• Supercharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. This can be caused by degradation of the supercharger snout isolator.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger or rebuild it, replacing the snout isolator and any other worn components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, coolant smell, visible leaks near the water pump, thermostat housing, or coolant hoses.
  • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking component (water pump, thermostat housing, hoses).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (depending on the location and component)
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L Supercharged V8

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, rough idle, check engine light. The timing chains can stretch or the tensioners can fail, leading to improper timing.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chains, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Supercharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise, loss of power, supercharger failing.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the supercharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, coolant smell, visible leaks near the water pump, thermostat housing, or coolant hoses.
  • Solution: Identify and replace the leaking component (water pump, thermostat housing, hoses).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (depending on the location and component)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Turbodiesel V6

• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, reduced engine power, warning messages related to the DPF. The DPF can become clogged, especially with frequent short trips.
  • Solution: Attempt to regenerate the DPF through a forced regeneration cycle (performed by a mechanic or dealership). If regeneration fails, the DPF may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (for forced regeneration) - $2,000+ (for DPF replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, poor acceleration. The EGR valve can become clogged with soot and carbon deposits.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky shifts, hesitation when accelerating, particularly between certain gears.
  • Solution: First, try a transmission fluid flush and software update. If that doesn’t work, valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 (fluid flush/software), $1,500 - $3,000+ (valve body), $4,000 - $8,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, particularly when accelerating from a stop.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging or leaning to one side, “Suspension Fault” warning light, inability to adjust ride height, loud noise from the compressor.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. Also inspect the system for leaks that may have caused the compressor to overwork.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure – vehicle sagging, especially overnight, warning lights.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+ per strut (depending on location and brand)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, lagging, screen going blank, Bluetooth connectivity problems, navigation malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In more severe cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (if software update resolves the issue) - $1,500+ (for unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, car not starting, requiring frequent jump starts. Parasitic draws can be difficult to diagnose.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic draw (faulty module, relay, etc.). A load test to check if the battery is still good is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures (Oxygen Sensors, Mass Airflow Sensors, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light, poor fuel economy, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific sensor failure and replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor (depending on the sensor and location)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Power tailgate not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Inspect and replace the tailgate struts, motor, or latch mechanism as needed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing correctly, getting stuck, leaking.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair the sunroof tracks, motor, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, while offering luxury and performance, is known for its reliability issues, which can lead to costly repairs. Engine problems, particularly with the timing chain and supercharger on the V8 and cooling and supercharger on the V6, are common and expensive to fix. The air suspension system is another area prone to failure, and electrical gremlins can also plague the vehicle. The 8-speed transmission can also experience issues. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor sensor replacements to several thousand dollars for engine or transmission overhauls. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in the potential for expensive repairs when considering purchasing a 2016 Range Rover Sport.