Range Rover L405 Engine Problems: The 5.0 SC V8 Reliability Guide
Common Failure Points & Costs
| Component | Failure Mileage | Symptom | Est. Cost (USD) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timing Chain (2013-2015) | 60k - 90k miles | Rattle on start-up, Check Engine Light P0016 | $5,000 - $8,000 | Critical |
| Air Suspension Struts | 50k - 80k miles | Car sagging, 'Suspension Fault', compressor running constantly | $1,200 - $2,500 per corner | High |
| Coolant Pipes (Valley) | 60k - 80k miles | Sudden coolant loss, overheating | $1,800 - $3,000 | Critical |
| Active Roll Control (ARC) Pipes | 50k - 70k miles | Hydraulic fluid leak, knocking noise over bumps | $2,000 - $4,000 | Medium |
| Lower Control Arms | 40k - 60k miles | Clunking over bumps, wandering steering | $800 - $1,500 | Medium |
Reliability Verdict
The L405 is a masterpiece of luxury but a minefield of maintenance. The V8 engine (especially pre-2016) has critical timing and cooling flaws. Combined with complex air suspension and active roll control systems, the L405 requires a 'supercar' maintenance budget of $4k-$6k per year.
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Range Rover L405 Engine Problems: The $100,000 Depreciation Hero
The Fourth Generation Range Rover (L405), produced from 2013 to 2022, is widely considered the best luxury SUV ever made. It shed 900 pounds of weight thanks to an all-aluminum monocoque. It introduced the world to the “yacht on wheels” aesthetic. It drives like a cloud and climbs mountains like a goat.
But now, you can buy one for $25,000.
That depreciation cliff exists for a reason. The L405, particularly with the optional 5.0L Supercharged V8, is a complex machine with expensive tastes. This guide explores the reliability of the L405, focusing specifically on the Supercharged V8 models (HSE Dynamic, Autobiography, SVAutobiography).
1. The Engine: 5.0 SC V8 (AJ133) in the L405
The L405 launched right in the middle of the AJ133 engine’s “transition period” regarding timing chain guides.
The 2013-2015 Danger Zone
Early L405s used the pre-update 6mm timing chains and aluminum guides. These are notorious for failure.
- The Issue: The tensioner piston burrows into the guide, causing slack.
- The Symptom: A loud rattle on cold start.
- The Fix: A $6,000+ timing chain job.
- Buying Tip: If looking at a 2013-2015 L405, assume it needs chains unless proven otherwise.
The 2016+ Safe Haven
From late 2015/2016 onwards, Land Rover updated the guides to the steel-button design.
- Reliability: drastically improved. Timing chain failures on 2017+ L405s are rare (provided oil changes are frequent).
- Recommendation: Stretch your budget to buy a 2016+ or 2017+ model. The premium you pay upfront is less than the repair bill for the timing chains on an older one.
2. Common L405 V8 Problems
Beyond the internal engine issues, the L405 chassis introduces its own set of gremlins that often get blamed on the engine.
A. Coolant Smell & Overheating
As detailed in our AJ133 Engine Guide, the plastic Y-pipes under the supercharger are a guaranteed failure point.
- L405 Specifics: On the L405, the expansion tank seams also notorious for splitting.
- Cost: $2,000 for a full cooling refresh. Do this before it bursts.
B. Suspension Faults (Air Struts & Compressors)
The L405 rides on complex air suspension.
- Strut Leaks: The rubber air bags dry rot and crack around 60k-80k miles. The car will sag overnight.
- Compressor Burnout: If you ignore a leak, the compressor runs 24/7 trying to keep the car up. It will burn out.
- Cost: OEM struts are $1,200 each. Arnott aftermarket units are $600 each.
C. Active Roll Control (ARC) Leaks
Supercharged models come with specialized “Dynamic Response” sway bars. These are hydraulic.
- The Fail: The hydraulic lines corrode or the actuator seals faill.
- The Symptom: Red fluid leaking on the driveway. A “knocking” sound over bumps as the sway bar disconnects.
- Cost: This is a nightmare repair. The system is pressurized and threaded through the chassis. Repairs often exceed $3,000.
D. Lower Control Arms
The L405 is heavy. It eats suspension bushings.
- Symptom: A distinct “clunk” when braking to a stop or hitting a pothole.
- Fix: Replace the entire control arm.
- Interval: Expect to do this every 50,000 miles.
3. The Electronics: Screens & Shifters
The Rotary Shifter
The “cool” dial shifter that rises from the console.
- The Fail: It gets stuck down. Or it rises but won’t turn.
- The Cause: A soldered connection on the circuit board cracks.
- The Fix: Replacement of the shifter module ($600).
Infotainment Lag
- 2013-2016: Used the older, agonizingly slow system.
- 2017+: Updated to “InControl Touch Pro” (Widescreen). Much faster, supports CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Why it matters: The 2017 update makes the car feel 5 years newer.
4. Maintenance Scheme
Owning an L405 V8 requires discipline.
| Service | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Change | 5,000 mi | Strict. 5W-20 Castrol Edge Professional. |
| Diff Fluid | 40,000 mi | Critical for locking rear diffs. |
| Transfer Case | 60,000 mi | Don’t ignore the AWD system. |
| Dynamic Response | 60,000 mi | Flush the ARC hydraulic fluid. |
| Brake Fluid | 2 years | Moisture kills the ABS module. |
5. Buying Advice: The Checklist
- Chains: If Pre-2015, are they done? (Listen for rattle).
- Pipes: Has the water pump/crossover pipe been replaced? (Smell for coolant).
- Suspension: Does it rise and lower smoothly? Let it sit for 20 mins—does it sag?
- ARC: Look underneath. Are the sway bars wet with hydraulic fluid?
- History: Are there oil changes every 15k miles? (Run away). Or every 7k? (Buy).
The Best Year to Buy?
2017 Range Rover Supercharged.
- First year of updated Infotainment.
- Safe from timing chain issues.
- Depreciated enough to be a bargain relative to newer models.
The L405 is the finest SUV in the world when it works. Treat it with respect, wallet-open maintenance, and it will reward you. Treat it like a Honda Pilot, and it will destroy you.
Expert Buying Advice
Target a 2017+ model (updated infotainment and updated engine timing guides). Demand service records showing coolant pipe replacement. Avoid 2013-2014 models unless they have a documented timing chain service.