Land Rover Common Faults
Owning a Land Rover is like owning a country manor house. It’s built with high-quality craftsmanship and is wonderful to look at, but it also needs a lot of care and attention. Regular servicing and inspections are required to ensure it runs as it should for years to come.
Land Rover vehicles can have common problems that cause them to break down and impose a safety risk. Having a better understanding of common maintenance issues is essential if you want to save money and avoid expensive repairs later down the line.
We have a host of Land Rover experts at South Coast Garage, and each one of them is familiar with common problems that occur across all models. In this guide, we cover the main issues you may find in yours if you own or are looking to buy a Land Rover.
Let’s get started!
Which Land Rover Models Are Prone to Certain Issues?
Land Rover has released many different models over its illustrious history. For a reliable classic utility vehicle, you have the Defender, and for the luxury on and off-road experience there’s the iconic Range Rover.
Taking the Land Rover Discovery as an example, you may experience these common issues:
- Leaking air springs
- Problems with the air compressor
- Issues with the valve block
- Trouble with the handbrake
- Loss of power and warning lights for the engine
- Corrosion in brake lines
- Problems with suspension arms, brushes, and ball joints
Alongside this, the Defender is usually a reliable and trustworthy vehicle but like many other cars, they are prone to corrosion. Noticeably on the underbody due to water ingress issues, water gets trapped and can eat away at the chassis.
Engine head gasket problems are also present across Land Rover vehicles. Any problems with overheating will increase the likelihood of a blown head gasket. If a head gasket is blown then not only could it be an expensive repair, but it may also render your engine useless and require a complete replacement.
Common Faults with Land Rover Vehicles
Here are some common maintenance issues across Land Rover vehicles:
Handbrake Issues:
Land Rover users may face problems with their handbrakes. Electronic handbrakes use actuators and control modules to decide when to activate the automatic handbrake system. At times, these modules can malfunction, triggering a warning light on the dashboard.
In older models, if the handbrake cable is misaligned and lacks proper tension, it might not secure your Land Rover on an incline. This problem could also arise from worn handbrake shoes.
Air Suspension Problems:
The Land Rover air suspension systems, designed to offer a smooth and adjustable ride, are susceptible to malfunctions. The system depends on a sealed air pump and the air hoses may develop leaks, causing air compressors to overwork.
Fixing the air suspension on your Land Rover could be costly, especially if the compressor requires replacement.
Coolant Dripping:
Ageing Land Rover Discovery models often have coolant leaks around the throttle body area. This coolant drips onto the engine casing, forming a puddle on the ground.
Oil Leaks:
Many vehicles encounter oil leaks, a common issue due to various areas on the engine where a loose bolt or faulty seal can lead to oil leakage. Maintaining the correct oil level is crucial to ensure proper lubrication and cooling of the engine internals. Common Land Rover oil leaks occur at the bottom of the engine, around the oil pan, and on top, around the valve covers.
Battery Drain Problems:
Certain Land Rover models suffer from a parasitic draw on the battery, even when the engine is off. Repeated excess draw can shorten the battery life, potentially leaving you stranded and in need of a jumpstart.
Sunroof Leakage:
The combination of a pinched drain hose and the sunroof seal design may result in a leaky Land Rover sunroof. This allows water to enter the cabin, reaching electrical components and causing issues.
Finding skilled Land Rover technicians can be challenging, but at South Coast Garage, our dedicated team is ready to help if you’re facing any of these problems. With extensive experience helping Land Rover owners in the local area, we help get you back on the road quickly!
How To Detect Land Rover Common Faults – Warning Signs to Look out for
To avoid unwanted repair bills later down the line, make sure you look out for the following symptoms and warning signs:
Handbrake issue:
If you notice a squeaky sound when you activate the handbrake, it might mean that the parking brake module is wearing out. When you go for your next service, make sure they check the alignment of your handbrake cable, if applicable. Also, if you have to replace the handbrake cable, make sure to change the rear brake pads, discs, and shoes at the same time.
Air suspension trouble:
Signs of air suspension problems include the vehicle leaning to one side or seeming lower than usual. If you’re trying to adjust the suspension height in the vehicle settings and nothing is happening, the compressor itself might be faulty.
Coolant leakage:
If the fluid reservoir tank is going below the recommended level, it could mean there’s a leak. Coolant leaks also leave a puddle on the ground. After parking for a while, check under your vehicle before driving to see if there are any coolant leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Any oil build-up on the engine and gearbox components suggests there might be an oil leak. Examine the engine bay when you open the bonnet and look for dark fluid spots on the floor if you suspect an oil leak.
Battery problems:
These could involve trouble starting the Land Rover and having to replace batteries more frequently. While more specialised tools can determine the current draw on the battery, it’s advisable to consult electrical experts about battery drain issues.
Sunroof leaks:
Alongside checking for noticeable dripping inside the cabin, inspect the seals for pinching and wear. Rubber seals can deteriorate over time due to ageing and sun exposure, and they may require replacement.
If you encounter any of these issues and need professional assistance, contact South Coast Garage. Our team of dedicated Land Rover experts is ready to address common Land Rover problems and get you back on the road quickly!
How To Prevent Common Land Rover Faults
To ensure your Land Rover lasts for years to come and maintains its value, you must perform preventative maintenance. You can also avoid unexpected breakdowns and make your experience much less stressful as an owner.
Follow these tips to maintain your Land Rover properly:
- Regular maintenance: It’s important to schedule regular check-ups with a reliable Land Rover expert. The team of professionals at South Coast Garage can find and fix potential issues early on, preventing them from turning into expensive repairs.
- Fluid replacements: Ensure that important fluids such as engine oil, gearbox oil, and coolant are changed regularly at a trustworthy garage. Using clean, fresh fluids helps keep your Land Rover’s systems working well and can prolong the life of crucial parts.
- Check-ups: Having regular check-ups done by professionals can reveal hidden problems. From worn brake pads to ageing suspension parts, these check-ups assist in addressing issues before they impact safety or performance.
These tips will go a long way in preventing issues and expensive repairs later down the line.
With a team of Land Rover experts at South Coast Garage, we are on hand to assist with diagnosing, servicing, and repairing any issue with your vehicle. Contact us today to book your appointment!
DIY vs Professional Maintenance
You may be able to work out issues with your Land Rover at home if you are confident doing so. To avoid any damage it is best to consult professionals when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. To put your mind and rest, reach out to our team at South Coast Garage. We maintain and service all Land Rover models, and our experts are on hand to quickly diagnose and fix any issue.
Act Now to Avoid Maintenance Issues With Your Land Rover
To ensure your Land Rover is safe and reliable, you need to perform routine maintenance. Ignoring service schedules or not addressing warning signs can lead to issues. With Land Rover models experiencing air suspension issues and coolant leaks, fixing them could be expensive.
At South Coast Garage, our team of Land Rover experts are ready to keep on top of your maintenance. Thanks to our expert team with combined decades of experience, we help your vehicle get back on the road safely, inspect for any small issues, and address them before they escalate into expensive repairs. Don’t hesitate to call our team at South Coast Garage today!
