2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Ball joint dust cover6.6× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  7.9% All 2016 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Airbag warning light13× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  2.6% All 2016 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.2% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Rigid brake pipes2.7× usual
  Land Rover Range Rover Sport

  4% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.2% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  19% 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.

• Brakes
  19% 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
  12% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  5% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% 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.

Known faults on the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol

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.

• Leaks from the tailgate and sunroof

  All engines

  Poor panel fit is common, and leaks from the tailgate and sunroof can play havoc with the electrics.

  At the viewing: Look for uneven panel gaps, damp carpets and water marks, and test all the electrics.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Many recalls (22)

  All engines

  There have been 22 recalls, covering wiring that can chafe, seatbelt pre-tensioners, loose wheel nuts, doors unlatching, airbags, fuel leaks, brake servo failure and the instrument cluster.

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

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Timing chain due every five years (some engines)

  Check which engine

  Auto Express gives a timing chain change interval of five years or 140,000 miles, about £600 at a dealer with the water pump.

  At the viewing: Ask for service records showing the work was done on time.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

• Tyres that can’t be repaired

  Cars on original tyres

  The original Continental tyres have a foam layer to cut noise, so punctures can’t be repaired.

  At the viewing: See which tyres it has and how much tread is left.

  Source: Auto Express: used Range Rover Sport (Mk2, 2013-2022) buyer’s guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol

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

1. Has it had any water leaks or electrical faults?
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 6.6× as often on the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 13× as often on the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?