2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is upgrading its Preliminary Evaluation (PE25006) of front steering knuckle fractures on model year (MY) 2014 through 2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles to an Engineering Analysis.  ODI opened PE25006 on June 27, 2025, after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports of the front aluminum steering knuckles fracturing in these vehicles. The reports describe the fractures occurring at the joint where the steering knuckle attaches to the upper control arm ball joint in one or both steering knuckles.  Fracture of the front suspension knuckle can lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm. Detachment of the upper suspension arm results in the driver’s inability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. ODI reviewed information supplied by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in response to Information Request letters as well as reviewed the data with JLR on numerous occasions. ODI further reviewed relevant data on a peer vehicle with a significantly similar steering knuckle design, the MY 2014 through 2017 Range Rover.  Much of the information is contradictory and requires a deeper analysis that is available in an Engineering Analysis. On August 5, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) filed safety recall 25V514.  This recall covers certain MY 2014 and all MY 2015-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.  The remedy for recall 25V514 addresses knuckles with and without a visible fracture.  Knuckles that have developed a visible fracture will be replaced with a new knuckle of a substantially similar design.  Knuckles with no fracture visibly present will have a brace attached to the upper portion of the front steering knuckle.  JLR states that the purpose of the brace is to prevent the component from completely separating should a fracture develop. NHTSA continues to receive allegations of fractures occurring in the front steering knuckles of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.  Two of the most recent VOQs received by ODI involve front steering knuckle fractures occurring on MY 2020 and MY 2021 Range Rover L405 vehicles.  ODI will continue to investigate the component design and assess the potential safety risk as part of this Engineering Analysis and evaluate the recall remedies for Recall 25V514.  Further, the scope of this Engineering Analysis will be expanded to include MY 2018-2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles as they have a substantially similar component design. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is upgrading its Preliminary Evaluation (PE25006) of front steering knuckle fractures on model year (MY) 2014 through 2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles to an Engineering Analysis.  ODI opened PE25006 on June 27, 2025, after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports of the front aluminum steering knuckles fracturing in these vehicles. The reports describe the fractures occurring at the joint where the steering knuckle attaches to the upper control arm ball joint in one or both steering knuckles.  Fracture of the front suspension knuckle can lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm. Detachment of the upper suspension arm results in the driver’s inability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. ODI reviewed information supplied by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in response to Information Request letters as well as reviewed the data with JLR on numerous occasions. ODI further reviewed relevant data on a peer vehicle with a significantly similar steering knuckle design, the MY 2014 through 2017 Range Rover.  Much of the information is contradictory and requires a deeper analysis that is available in an Engineering Analysis. On August 5, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) filed safety recall 25V514.  This recall covers certain MY 2014 and all MY 2015-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.  The remedy for recall 25V514 addresses knuckles with and without a visible fracture.  Knuckles that have developed a visible fracture will be replaced with a new knuckle of a substantially similar design.  Knuckles with no fracture visibly present will have a brace fitted to the upper portion of the front steering knuckle.  JLR states that the purpose of the brace is to prevent the component from completely separating should a fracture develop. NHTSA continues to receive allegations of fractures occurring in the front steering knuckles of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.  ODI will close PE25006 and continue to investigate the component design and assess the potential safety risk as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26003) and evaluate the recall remedies for Recall 25V514.  Further, the scope of this Engineering Analysis will be expanded to include MY 2018-2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles as they have a substantially similar component design. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

On May 24, 2019, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (JLR) submitted two Part 573 letters to NHTSA describing door latch defects that could result in doors opening while driving in certain model year (MY) 2013-2016 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles equipped with JLR?s Unilatch Keyless Vehicle (KV) entry system.Recall 19V-392 (JLR Recall N335) describes a KV lever binding defect in approximately 65,385 MY 2013-2016 Range Rover and MY 2014-2016 Range Rover Sport vehicles built between May 9, 2012 and March 5, 2015. Moisture intrusion may result in KV motor bearing corrosion, which may prevent the KV lever from returning to the home position and prevent the latch pawl from properly engaging the latch claw. Vehicles recalled under 19V-392 will be checked for a pre-existing error state and mechanically disabled if an error is detected. If no error is detected, the vehicles will receive a software update that will disable the KV entry function on the vehicle.Recall 19V-390 (JLR Recall N336) describes a defect in the KV latching system of left-side doors in approximately 28,671 MY 2016 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles built between October 1, 2015 and May 27, 2016. A spring in the KV latching system may jam between the outside transmission lever and chamfer bush, preventing the latch assembly from returning to its correct position and fully latching the door. Vehicles recalled under 19V-390 will have the left-side latch assemblies replaced with assemblies that meet the engineering specification.ODI?s analysis of consumer complaints and field reports identified a total of 161 latch failures in the subject vehicles, including 57 involving doors opening with the vehicle in motion. The analysis found that 157 of the latch complaints and 56 of the door opening in motion incidents involve vehicles and latch assemblies covered under Recalls 19V-390 and 19V-392. Engineering Analysis EA18-004 is closed based upon JLR?s recall actions. For more information about the recall defect conditions and related field data, see the attached report.

The underside fuel tank support and shielding system on my 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport L494 TD6 diesel, with approximately 85,000 miles, is experiencing significant and premature corrosion and deterioration. An independent mechanic recently brought this condition to my attention during an inspection and documented the corrosion with photographs. The fuel tank support shields and associated structural components are severely rusting, flaking and disintegrating. These components serve not only to protect the fuel tanks but also form part of the assembly responsible for supporting and retaining them. One suspected contributing factor is galvanic corrosion resulting from dissimilar metals used in the assembly. The steel fuel tank support/shield components are attached to an aluminum heat shield, potentially accelerating corrosion at the contact points and mounting locations. I am particularly concerned because deterioration of these components could compromise the structural integrity of the fuel tank mounting system, potentially allowing the fuel tank to become inadequately supported, shift or detach. It could also result in damage to the fuel system and potential fuel leakage, creating a serious safety hazard. This degree of corrosion and deterioration at approximately 85,000 miles raises concerns about premature failure under normal vehicle use. Other Range Rover Sport owners have reported comparable premature corrosion and deterioration of these components. Of particular relevance, NHTSA complaint #11775230 reportedly involves a 2016 Range Rover Sport TD6 diesel with similar fuel tank support/shield corrosion. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this condition as a potential safety-related defect affecting Range Rover Sport vehicles and determine whether the design, materials or construction of the fuel tank support assembly contribute to premature corrosion and potential failure.

NHTSA ID

11776784

Incident

Nov 9, 2026

I am reporting severe corrosion of the fuel tank shield on my 2016 Range Rover Sport HSE, raising concerns about a potential systemic safety defect. The vehicle has been regularly serviced by Land Rover dealerships and independent mechanics and garage-kept for most of its life. No service provider previously warned us of significant fuel tank shield corrosion. During an unrelated recall visit, Land Rover Princeton identified severe fuel tank shield corrosion and classified the condition as CRITICAL. On November 28, 2025, the dealership estimated replacement at $2,233.02, but parts were backordered. Despite this critical classification, the dealership advised that the vehicle could be driven, while warning that road debris could puncture the inadequately protected fuel tank, potentially causing gasoline spillage and a fire hazard. When we returned in August 2026, nine months later, replacement parts remained unavailable, leaving this critical condition unresolved. Other 2016 Range Rover Sport owners have reported similar corrosion in NHTSA complaints 11715458 and 11739019. More concerning, an owner of an L405 Range Rover publicly reported severe fuel tank shield corrosion, attributing it to galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals. That owner also claimed Land Rover acknowledged the issue as safety-related and granted a repair credit after a federal complaint. These reports suggest the problem may extend beyond the 2016 Range Rover Sport to other Land Rover models, raising concerns about a broader design or materials defect rather than isolated wear. Given the recurring complaints, potential fuel leakage and fire hazards, and prolonged parts shortages, I question why this issue has not prompted a safety recall. I request that NHTSA investigate the extent of this condition across Land Rover models, its underlying cause, and whether a recall or manufacturer corrective action is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11775793

Incident

Nov 28, 2025

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK:SHIELD Complaint Description: The undercarriage fuel tank protection shield/cradle on my 2016 Range Rover Sport 3.0L Td6 Diesel (L494) has suffered catastrophic, premature rust and perforation. This is due to a known engineering design flaw where incompatible materials (galvanic corrosion) cause the heavy steel shield to disintegrate rapidly under normal operating conditions. The specific structural component failing on my vehicle is the Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (OEM Part Number: LR071011). On this diesel model, the nearby Emission/Tank Shield (OEM Part Number: LR090186) is also severely corroded. This is a critical safety hazard: the shield is a heavy load-bearing cradle meant to structurally support and protect the fuel tank. Because the shield is rotting away, the heavy plastic fuel tank is at imminent risk of dropping or shifting while driving, which could puncture the fuel lines, crack the tank, or drag on the roadway, creating a severe fuel leak, road hazard, and fire risk. Land Rover is aware of this structural defect but has not issued a formal safety recall. This component should be recalled immediately to prevent fuel tank detachment.

NHTSA ID

11775230

Incident

Oct 30, 2026

I purchased this car a week ago, and the engine made a loud noise and shut down in the middle of the roadway, almost caused a rear end collision. I pulled to the side of the road and all the oil was running out of the engine. The mechanic said the plastic timing chain in that model is common to fail, and in my case destroyed the engine block, $24,000 to repair a $16,000 car is insane. This is apparently a know issue with this vehicle and nothing is being done about it.

NHTSA ID

11767412

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted three times, and each time parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue; however, it could not provide an ETA for when parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11757386

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11753236

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving 2 MPH in the driveway, the rear latch opened unexpectedly. The trunk ajar message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering) and 19V390000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID

11745910

Incident

May 31, 2026

Mileage

92,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the suspension fault warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed front knuckle and suspension failure. The dealer confirmed that the failure was consistent with an unrepaired recall repair. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted several times, but the contact was repeatedly informed that parts were not yet available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11745713

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

Smart Key Deactivated message on instrument cluster and unable to start their vehicle

TELEMATIC TCU2 MODULES NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Grid lines are no longer showing in reverse camera image after software update to IPMB camera module.

Engine Will Crank, No Start When At Operating Temperature

Engine Will Crank, No Start When At Operating Temperature

Telematic TCU2 Module 2015-2017MY No Longer Available