2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Rigid brake pipes2.4× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  17.1% All 2009 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.2% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Wheel bearings3× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  6.4% All 2009 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.8% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Chassis rust or damage3.6× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  5.1% All 2009 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Prop shaft36× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  3.6% All 2009 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.6× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  7.8% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  36% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  30% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  30% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  25% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  13% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Driveshafts and joints
  8% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Fuel pump and front differential failures

  All engines

  The fuel pump and front differential can both fail without warning and leave the car stranded.

  At the viewing: Ask whether either has been replaced, with invoices.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Engine system fault warning

  All engines

  An 'engine system fault' message can mean expensive electrical faults.

  At the viewing: Make sure no warning messages show.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Recalls: brake servo, fuel pump, seatbelts, gearbox park

  Some cars

  Recalls covered rear seatbelts and the automatic's park function (built Aug to Sept 2005), wheel weights that could damage sensors and hoses (2006), and brake servo and fuel pump faults (2009).

  At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

• Steering wheel vibration

  All engines

  Some cars vibrate through the steering wheel. A Land Rover garage may be able to fit a damper.

  At the viewing: Feel for vibration at speed.

  Source: Carbuyer: used Range Rover Sport buying guide (2005-2013)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have the fuel pump and front differential been replaced?
2. Has it had any engine system fault warnings?
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2009 Land Rover Range Rover Sport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?