Models · Land Rover
Land Rover Range Rover L405 buying guide
The fourth-generation Range Rover, revealed at the 2012 Paris show with V6 and V8 diesels and a supercharged V8 petrol. A long-wheelbase model and a diesel hybrid arrived in 2015, and most of the early problems are on pre-2015 cars.
The versions
- 3.0 TDV6 diesel, 255hp
- 4.4 SDV8 diesel V8, 335hp
- 5.0 supercharged V8 petrol, 510hp
- AdBlue on 65-plate and later diesels; a 3.0 diesel hybrid was added in 2015 but isn't covered here
- Standard and long-wheelbase bodies
What to check on a L405 Range Rover
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Knocking from the suspension
What to look for: Drive slowly over speed bumps and broken surfaces and listen for knocking from the front and rear. On 22in wheels, look at each rim for buckles.
Why it matters: Knocking usually points to worn front track control arms and rear lower arms, which are commonly replaced together. The larger 22in wheels are more prone to buckling in potholes.
Air suspension
What to look for: Raise and lower the car through its heights, check it sits level after standing, and watch for suspension warnings.
Why it matters: Faulty air suspension compressors and blown air springs are among the known faults. A car that holds its height and changes level promptly is what you want.
Diesel breather, EGR and fumes
What to look for: Look around the top of the engine and the turbo for oil leaks, check for warning lights on the drive, and with the air conditioning in auto mode, notice any exhaust smell in the cabin.
Why it matters: Turbo breather oil leaks and EGR valve problems are known on the diesels, and a modified breather pipe is the usual fix. The 3.0 TDV6 has had crankshaft bearing issues and uses a timing belt, so check the belt history; the 4.4 SDV8 avoids both.
Also in the full guide
- Panel fit and electrics on early cars
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the L405 Range Rover
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
Land Rover Range Rover L322 · Land Rover Range Rover L460 · Land Rover Range Rover P38
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Land Rover.