5 Common Faults on a Used Range Rover (L322 Model)

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I absolutely love my L322 Range Rover, and after over two years of owning it, I could never see myself without an L322 around. That's now to say they're flawless, though. As great as they are and as much as I love them, they're far from perfect. Let's break down some of the top 5 common faults on a used Range Rover L322 in today's video!

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Before we start talking about them, I think it's important to point out a couple of things. The L322 changed a lot over the years - from new engines to transmissions to electrics. Not EVERY model is going to experience ALL of the issues, but these are common ones to look out for.

With such a complex suspension set up, it's inevitable that there will be issues now and then. From air springs to compressors to height sensors, the air suspension is an extremely over-engineered system capable of constantly adjusting itself to make sure everything is perfect. So with that, it will fail at some point in its life - usually multiple times.

Possibly the most annoying part about the air suspension faults, though, is that it can be difficult to tell exactly what failed without a code scanner. Personally, I just use a small one that connects with my phone to pull anything that comes up, but there are tons of options. If you're interested in getting one like this, there's an Amazon Affiliate link below that will take you directly to them. Just be sure they work with your model before purchasing.

Transmission failure is also common in earlier models, and even though most of those issues were worked out in later models, if it isn't serviced correctly, it can still be prone to failure over time. While it was originally thought to not need service in the early model years, testing over time proved otherwise. Keeping up with the gearbox service isn't just recommended - it's necessary to keep the tank rolling down the road.

Early signs of transmission failure in the L322 include a hesitation to shift as well throwing faults on the dash as the problem progresses. The L322 was designed to shift smoothly and really without any hesitation. While conditions like cold weather can cause a slightly different shifting experience as it ages, it's still designed to be smooth. If shifting becomes jerky or hesitant, it's past time for a gearbox oil service. If taken care of quickly, the problem can go away, but if it's failing, it's going to fail regardless at that point.

But in all seriousness, having a faulty fuel gauge is probably the most annoying thing to deal with. I've seen numerous people complain about their L322 running out of fuel at a quarter of a tank left on the display. Obviously, running the Range Rover out of fuel comes with a number of warnings in the owners manual talking about how “the resulting misfire can damage the catalytic converter,” so unless it's fixed, you'll have to monitor your mileage manually. Not a huge deal, but it does take some of the high-class experience out of the equation.

Alright, to be fair, the suspension bushings on the control arms are a bit like brakes - they're expected to wear down over time. The L322 is about the weight of San Francisco, so obviously, both of them are going to have issues with supporting all that weight.

I debated on adding the control arm bushings to the list because technically they're designed to fail over time and be a standard maintenance item, but it is a common fail point to watch out for. Typically, you'll start to notice a clunking or chattering noise when driving over a bump, and the car will end up out of alignment. It's not the end of the world, though, and I'd much rather deal with this than transmission failure.

I could make an entire video about common engine problems on the L322... maybe the Accord drivers have a point. Regardless, the engines used throughout the years have all had their issues. From vanos issues in early models to timing chains in later models, you get to pick your poison.

With 2010 to 2012 L322 models, the timing chain guides start to wear down over time just like with any chain system. Supercharged models typically start to experience it earlier on, while naturally aspirated models have a bit more time... usually.

Early symptoms of an inevitable timing chain replacement include a knocking in the engine bay. The timing chain will usually sound like a sewing machine about to explode. When timing chain starts knocking, it's politely telling you to fix it before it goes.