2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a stylish and luxurious SUV known for its sleek design, comfortable ride, and off-road capabilities. It was available with a range of engine options including a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 producing 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0L supercharged V6 making 380 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0L diesel producing 180 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Velar’s striking aesthetics and premium interior, but common complaints revolve around reliability issues, particularly with the infotainment system, and higher than average maintenance costs.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Gas)

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, particularly on startup. Check engine light illumination. Potential for engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, visible coolant leaks around the engine.
  • Solution: Identifying and replacing the leaking component, such as water pump, hoses, or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L Supercharged V6 (Gas)

• Supercharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the supercharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, visible coolant leaks around the engine.
  • Solution: Identifying and replacing the leaking component, such as water pump, hoses, or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Diesel

• EGR Valve Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor performance, black smoke from the exhaust, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, warning lights indicating a blocked DPF.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration of the DPF or replacement if severely blocked.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, hesitation when accelerating.
  • Solution: Software update/reprogramming of the transmission control module (TCM). In some cases, valve body replacement or full transmission replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) to $6,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, abnormal noises during acceleration, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, “Suspension Fault” warning light, inability to adjust ride height.
  • Solution: Replacing the air struts, air compressor, or ride height sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+ (depending on the component)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues (Touch Pro Duo)
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, lagging, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, navigation errors, complete system failure.
  • Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the infotainment module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $2,000+ (module replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Frequent dead batteries, difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Identifying and addressing the parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, accessory left on).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, unusual noises during operation, water leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, track, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows not operating smoothly, failing to open or close, unusual noises during operation.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while admired for its design and luxury, suffers from a range of reliability issues. Engine problems such as timing chain and supercharger issues can be costly to repair. The air suspension and infotainment system are other areas that are prone to problems. These issues range from annoying glitches to potentially expensive repairs. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and budget accordingly for potential maintenance and repairs. The severity and cost of these issues make a pre-purchase inspection essential.