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Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography common problems: what to check before you buy

Credov's researched list of the 4 faults the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography is known for (2013–2021), 4 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.

Known problems on the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography

MHEV DC-DC converter fails

Safety risk

2020–2021 · D300, D350, P400, MHEV · Electrical

What to look for: Watch for a red battery light or 'electrical fault' message, especially while driving.

Why it matters: This fault has been reported to cause a complete loss of power steering and brake assist while driving, which is a serious safety risk, not just an inconvenience, and parts have reportedly been on back-order for extended periods.

Sources: 1 2

Air spring/strut leak

Costly if missed

2013–2021 · Suspension and steering

What to look for: Check all corners sit level before starting and after standing, then cycle access and off-road heights.

Why it matters: Front struts and rear dampers are common replacements on this generation once a car reaches high kilometres, so a corner that drops overnight is a fairly predictable repair cost rather than an unusual fault.

Sources: 1 2 3

Timing belt service (front + rear)

Costly if missed

2013–2020 · 306DT, 3.0 TDV6, SDV6 · diesel · Engine

What to look for: Ask for a receipt that names both the front timing belt and the rear fuel pump belt, with date and kilometres.

Why it matters: Because the rear belt is harder to reach, it is reported to sometimes be skipped by garages doing only the obvious front belt, so a receipt naming only one belt does not confirm the job was done properly - a snapped belt on either side wrecks the engine.

Sources: 1 2

Coolant crossover pipe leak

Costly if missed

2013–2021 · AJ133, 508PS, P525, P565 · petrol · Engine

What to look for: Check the coolant level cold and look with a torch around the front and rear thermostat housing for pink crust.

Why it matters: This fault has led to a fuel line rupture in at least one documented case after rapid overheating, so it is a safety issue as well as a mechanical one, and owners on specialist forums now fit aluminium replacement pipes pre-emptively rather than wait for a failure.

Sources: 1 2 3

Got a question about a Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.

Also check on every car

On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.

Other Land Rover models

Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.