2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Engine Problems

Shortly after purchase of the vehicle on November 26, 2021, the vehicle began experiencing repeated DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), SCR, and DPF system failures, accompanied by dashboard warning indicators, drivability instability, reduced power warnings, and eventual shutdown conditions. The most serious safety concern is that when the DEF/emissions warning activates, the vehicle may enter reduced-power mode and ultimately become non-operable, creating a significant roadway safety hazard. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced conditions where it could lose power, become unreliable in traffic, or shut down unexpectedly after emissions-related warnings appeared. The vehicle required repeated repair attempts beginning almost immediately after delivery, including diagnostics and repairs involving: DEF system malfunction SCR/DPF restriction codes Reduced power warnings Fuel pressure-related faults Emissions-system failures Drivability instability Suspension-related concerns Despite multiple repair attempts by authorized facilities and warranty-related interventions, the same categories of failures continued to recur. This condition creates a serious safety concern because the vehicle can become unreliable or effectively inoperable while being driven, particularly after activation of emissions-related warning systems. The repeated loss-of-power and shutdown-related behavior creates risk during normal roadway operation. I am requesting review of the recurring emissions-system failure pattern, drivability instability, and operational shutdown behavior associated with this vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11741124

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that there was a slight shaking coming from the steering while driving at various speeds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering). The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted on three occasions, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11732452

Incident

Jan 6, 2026

Mileage

58,000 mi

On 4/13/2025 as my husband and I were exiting the Zoom Express Car Wash, vehicle accelerated as I shifted from neutral to drive. As shown in the footage, I was unable to brake and stop the vehicle. After attempting to brake several times, my husband shifted the gear shift from drive to neutral and the vehicle rolled to a complete stop. The impact of hitting two barriers, two curbs and ditch caused back injury. Germain Land Rover was unable to reproduce the malfunction due to the vehicle was inoperable. Germain Land Rover was unable to identify any failures. The vehicle's alarm engaged as we were going through the car wash. Please provide an email to forward the accident footage I received from Zoom Express Car Wash.

NHTSA ID

11677749

Incident

Apr 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "DEF Quality Error No Engine Restarts In 250 miles" displayed, and the vehicle shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who flushed and refilled the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the injectors, updated the PCM, cleaned the filter, and flushed and refilled the DEF system. The failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who removed suds from the intake manifold, replaced the valve covers, and flushed and refilled the DEF system for the third time. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,735.

NHTSA ID

11656499

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Mileage

115,735 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated that coolant began to leak from the engine without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a leak was discovered in all of the hoses connected to the radiator. The contact had the vehicle repaired by the mechanic. Approximately a year later, the "Low Engine Coolant" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and discovered coolant pouring out of the engine. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the expansion tank was defective and needed to be replaced. Once the mechanic began working on the vehicle, he also discovered a leak in the radiator and a defective thermostat. The contact was informed by the mechanic that there was a recall(recall unknown) placed on the vehicle; however, the contact's vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ID

11635209

Incident

Jan 8, 2025

Mileage

96,000 mi

Vehicle started smoking and stalled on the interstate. The mechanic said, overheating engine caused cylinder heads to possibly warp and leak, overheating enough to cause this is also indicator that piston rings may have been affected, along with all bearings internal of engine. The safety of my daughter was at risk had no one been able to pick her up that night in a timely manner. The vehicle is at the service station now.

NHTSA ID

11624243

Incident

Oct 20, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The message to “See Dealer” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed a power control update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.

NHTSA ID

11618849

Incident

Jan 1, 2018

Mileage

53,000 mi

I had a 64,000 mile tune up on my vehicle upon picking up the car the tech mentioned I may want to replace start/stop switch as it “felt funny upon reprogramming the vehicle” I was given a written estimate and sent on my way in the vehicle. Driving on the highway 66mph heard a ding looked at dash to see a “start/stop switch fail” warning and the car went completely dead I had no blinker no hazards nothing thankfully I was in travel lane and there was a breakdown lane available to move into. My children and I were almost killed. Dealership claims they’ve never heard of this issue. I had never encountered any issues like this prior

NHTSA ID

11577624

Incident

Mar 15, 2024

Available for inspection. While driving on the highway within traffic at approximately 70mph, the vehicle abruptly began to vibrate and a rumbling/knocking noise emanated from the engine compartment. The vehicle lost acceleration and I was forced to pull over. Yes safety of myself and others was at risk - Not only was I in traffic, but my family was in the vehicle. No warnings, indicators, or messages appeared. In 2016, Land Rover issued a Special Service Message, SSM 72578 - Crankshaft/Crankshaft Bearing Concerns - 3.0 TDV6 Diesel Engine. This message depicts the symptoms I experienced. The Land Rover service technicians stated the engine no longer turns and is seized.

NHTSA ID

11566626

Incident

Dec 23, 2023

Our engine locked up when a hose split under the water pump. I have talked to numerous people that their vehicles were damaged/affected the same way. The dealer says that we need to replace the entire engine (Cost $24,000). I was also speaking to a dealer that said they know of potentially hundreds that were affected this way. This hose issue/concern should have been recalled and replaced before this major/costly damage to the engine. I feel that Land Rover should cover this damage/expense because they are aware that this is an issue/concern. I was told that when this hose splits that the engine overheats/locks up in just seconds.

NHTSA ID

11534705

Incident

May 31, 2023

The vehicle has a Incorrect Diesel Exhaust Fluid Quality Detected Warning only have 249 miles before no engine starts. Vehicle currently has 83,000 miles on odometer. Dealer stated that I needed a Catalytic converter and NOX Sensor cost $2800 The land keep assist, lane departure warning and front facing camera are all inoperative.

NHTSA ID

11492368

Incident

Sep 9, 2022

Was driving in traffic 7 min into the journey with no warning light the car shut down, would not start. No light or indicator before engine overheaded and never gave a warning of anything. This cause the engine to need to be replaced. The Land Rover dealership here in Jacksonville said they see this 3 Times a week.

NHTSA ID

11475468

Incident

Mar 25, 2022

ENGINE OIL IS LEAKING FROM TURBO DIRECTLY ONTO EXHAUST. THIS HAS BEEN NOTICED SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD 15000 MILES. WHEN TRAVELING AND COME TO COMPLETE STOP, STRONG OIL BURNING SMELL IS IS NOTICED INSIDE THE CAR AND OUTSIDE THE CAR, NO FLAMES HAVE BEEN SEEN YET. THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 24000 MILES AND IT IS GETTING A LOT WORSE. HIGH POTENTIAL OF FIRE.

NHTSA ID

11317869

Incident

Feb 3, 2018

Mileage

15,000 mi

WITHOUT ANY SIGNS AND WARNINGS, MY CAR'S ENGINE LIGHT WAS SUDDENLY ON AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME. WHEN MY HUSBAND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED A REPLACEMENT. WE HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN $20,000 BECAUSE OUR CAR (2016 LAND ROVER SPORT) WAS 7000 MILES BEYOND THE WARRANTY MILEAGE (50,000).

NHTSA ID

11277796

Incident

Oct 2, 2019

Mileage

57,000 mi

THE CAR FAILED TO OPERATE WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT ANY INDICATION OR WARNING LIGHT. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND YET ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CAR IS UNDER A LEASE WITH APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MILES ON IT AND IT FAILED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. LAND ROVER OF SUDBURY AND LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA REFUSE TO WARRANTY THE VEHICLE AND CLAIM THE REPAIR WILL COST OVER $35,000.

NHTSA ID

11196522

Incident

Mar 10, 2019

Mileage

24,500 mi