Range Rover L405 Engine Problems: A Guide by Engine

The fourth-generation Range Rover (L405, 2013–2021) used more engine families than most of its rivals, and each has its own weak points.

The best-documented L405 engine problems are:

• 3.0 V6 diesel: crankshaft bearing failure, which Land Rover itself has acknowledged.
• 4.4 SDV8: oil-supply and timing concerns.
• 5.0 supercharged V8: cooling-system leaks.
• Later plug-in hybrid: a recall affecting water pump belts.

Early cars (2013–2015) also had more electrical and quality problems than later ones. Some of those can be mistaken for engine faults.

L405 Engines and Production Periods

Which Engine Do You Have?

Engine dates are approximate. The line-up changed with the 2018 facelift. Confirm your engine code from the VIN.

RR Engine Works covers these engines on its Vogue Mk4 L405, Range Rover 3.0 and Range Rover 4.4 pages.

Known L405 Engine Problems

Diesel Engines: 3.0 V6 and 4.4 SDV8

3.0 TDV6 / SDV6: crankshaft and bearing failure

• Land Rover's service bulletin SSM 72578 covers crankshaft and crankshaft-bearing concerns on the 3.0 TDV6 and lists the L405 among the affected models (NHTSA copy).
• Cause given: the main bearing shells rotate in their housings.
• Symptoms listed: rumbling or knocking that gets worse under load; an oil-pressure warning; in severe cases, a seized engine or a holed block.
• Production change: from engine number 011215-1001200, crankshafts were built with a tighter main-bearing tolerance.

3.0 V6: timing drive service

• PistonHeads notes that timing-drive servicing on the V6 is an expensive job (PistonHeads).
• Specialists also report timing chain wear on V6 and V8 diesels (JLR Engines).
• Check the service history to see when this work was last done.

4.4 SDV8: oil supply, timing chains, EGR and breathers

• Timing chains. These sit at the rear of the engine. A rattle on start-up from the back of the engine bay should not be dismissed as normal diesel noise. JLR Engines quotes £2,800–£3,800 for a preventative chain and tensioner job, and £5,500–£8,500 for a rebuild after chain failure (VAT not stated).
• Oil pump and oil supply. Specialists and owners report problems that can starve the engine of oil. Low oil pressure warnings must be acted on straight away.
• EGR valves and turbo breather leaks. PistonHeads reports both on the SDV8. A modified breather pipe can cost up to £850.

Petrol, Ingenium and Plug-in Hybrid

5.0 supercharged V8

• Specialists report leaks from the plastic coolant crossover pipe in the engine's "V".
• Timing components can also wear on high-mileage engines.
• Unexplained coolant loss on these engines should always be investigated.

P400e plug-in hybrid

• RoverParts reports a US recall of about 2,300 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport plug-in hybrids from 2019–2022.
• The water pump drive belt could break, leading to overheating and a coolant leak onto hot parts, which is a fire risk (RoverParts).
• UK owners should check by VIN.

3.0 Ingenium six-cylinder (late L405)

• Like other modern diesels, the D300 can suffer DPF and oil-dilution issues if it is mostly driven on short trips.
• The 48V mild-hybrid electronics can also trigger warning lights that are not engine faults.

Not always the engine. Early L405s (2013–2015) attracted more complaints about electrics, wiring and build quality. Random warning lights on these cars may come from electrical faults rather than mechanical ones.

Diagnosis and When to Stop

Warning Signs and Repair Routes

Stop and arrange recovery if you get:

• an oil-pressure warning;
• a deep knock from the bottom of the engine (especially on the V6 diesel);
• a loud timing rattle;
• overheating;
• a strong smell of burning oil or coolant.

Book a diagnosis soon if you notice:

• a short rattle on cold start;
• slow coolant loss;
• a rising oil level;
• repeated DPF warnings;
• oil around the turbo breathers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Range Rover L405 Engine Problems FAQs

What are the most common Range Rover L405 engine problems?
 Crankshaft bearing failure on the 3.0 V6 diesel, timing-chain and oil-supply concerns on the 4.4 SDV8, coolant leaks on the 5.0 supercharged V8, and a water pump belt recall on some plug-in hybrids.

Which L405 engine is the most reliable?
 There is no published data on failure rates. Condition and service history matter more than the badge. Later (2018–2021) cars are generally reported to have fewer problems than the earliest examples.

Does the L405 SDV6 have crankshaft problems?
 The 3.0 V6 diesel family is covered by Land Rover's SSM 72578 bulletin, which deals with crankshaft and bearing concerns. A knock or an oil-pressure warning should be treated as urgent.

What years of L405 should I avoid?
 Early 2013–2015 cars attracted more electrical and quality complaints. When buying any L405, look for completed recalls, a full service history, and a specialist pre-purchase check.

Is the 4.4 SDV8 reliable?
 It is strong when maintained. Its main risks are oil supply and rear timing-chain wear, so act on any oil-pressure warning or start-up rattle straight away.

If your L405 has any of these symptoms, contact RR Engine Works on 01708 592377 via the contact page. Please share your registration, engine, mileage and the symptoms you've noticed.