Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Land Rover Range Rover L322 is known for (2005–2012), 5 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.
What to look for: On the test drive listen for a hum or whine rising with speed and throttle, and for clunks taking up drive.
Why it matters: A locked-up front differential at speed has been reported to bring the car to a sudden stop, which is a safety risk as well as a costly repair, so any whine or grinding noise on the test drive should be treated seriously rather than dismissed as normal four-wheel-drive noise.
What to look for: Walk around the car and smell near the rear and the fuel filler, then inside, for a strong petrol smell.
Why it matters: A persistent fuel smell points to an ongoing leak near the fuel tank, which is both a fire risk and an unpleasant daily annoyance, and the plastic flange is a known weak point specific to this build range rather than general wear.
What to look for: Before the car is started, check all four corners sit level, then listen for the compressor running a long time.
Why it matters: A tired system overworks the compressor until it also fails, turning a single leak into a multi-part repair, and sudden lowering while driving has been reported by US owners as a safety concern on this model, not just a comfort issue.
What to look for: On the test drive, watch the mirrors for blue or heavy smoke under hard acceleration, and listen for whistling.
Why it matters: A turbo fault on this engine is reported alongside oil loss, which can mean more than just a turbo replacement if caught late, and the actuators on replacement turbos need calibrating correctly or the fault can persist.
What to look for: Hear a true cold start (engine and bonnet both cold): a rattle from the front of the engine is the warning sign.
Why it matters: Revised tensioners and guides fix the fault, so a car that has already had this work done is a materially lower risk than one that has not, and the rattle itself is easy to miss if the seller has already warmed the engine before you arrive.
What to look for: Open the upper tailgate and look along the bottom edge and seam, and the skin near the number plate lights, for bubbles.
Why it matters: Shops report the repair comes back after a strip and repaint, and a replacement tailgate is costly with used ones often rusty too, so this is a recurring cost rather than a one-off fix and is worth factoring into the price.
Got a question about a Land Rover Range Rover L322? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
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.
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.