Used buying checklist
Land Rover Range Rover Sport reliability, common problems and used buying checks
A used Land Rover Range Rover Sport looks better than average for reliability in UK MOT data: 14.8% of 139,815 tests failed, compared with 18.7% across all indexed models. A good example should have a clean MOT history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). MOT data does not capture every reliability issue, especially intermittent engine, gearbox or infotainment faults that do not appear during the test.
- 14.8% MOT failure rate
- Median tested mileage 75,848 miles
- 20,710 failed MOT tests analysed
Corrosion and structure is the clearest area to check
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in this model's MOT history (23.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). Example MOT phrases from this area include corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced, excessively corroded, and corroded and seriously weakened.
Example MOT phrases to search in the car's history:
- corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced
- excessively corroded
- corroded and seriously weakened
- ferrule excessively corroded
- ball joint excessively worn
- ball joint has excessive play
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s)
- ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt
- slightly damaged
- warning lamp indicates a fault
Focus on corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
The model's recorded failure rate is 14.8%, -3.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. Use the seller questions below to check whether repeat MOT notes have actually been repaired.
- MOT tests analysed139,815 tests
- Median tested mileage75,848 miles
- Failed MOT tests20,710
Should you buy a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport?
85.2% of the MOT tests we analysed for this model passed. The model's recorded failure rate is 14.8%, -3.9 percentage points compared with the average across all models. This is a buying brief for the exact car in front of you: clean repeat history matters more than badge reputation.
- Repeat unresolved MOT notes for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical
- corrosion and structure appearing across more than one MOT
- Any dangerous MOT failure on the exact car, especially if the same area appears again later
- No paperwork showing applicable recall work has been completed
- A seller who cannot explain MOT wording such as "corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced"
It can be, if the exact car has a clean history for corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical, then compare the car's mileage and recall record below.
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (23.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Past 100k miles on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
The MOT failure rate rises from 9.2% at 0-3 years to 21.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%.
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller.
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
What should I check first?
Start with corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, lights and electrical, and windscreen, wipers, and mirrors. The checklist on this page explains why each area is being recommended, what to inspect, and what to ask the seller. Each item shows whether it comes from MOT results, recall notices, or a standard used-car check.
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Corrosion and structure Seen in MOT results
Corrosion and structure is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (23.4 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Inspect sills, subframes, mounting points, arches, and underside corrosion advisories.
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Suspension and steering Seen in MOT results
Suspension and steering is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (9.6 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Listen for knocks, check uneven tyre wear, and inspect steering play.
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Lights and electrical Seen in MOT results
Lights and electrical is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (7.5 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check every lamp, warning light, horn, battery condition, and dashboard messages.
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Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors Seen in MOT results
Windscreen, wipers, and mirrors is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (5.8 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check windscreen damage, wiper operation, washers, mirrors, and demisting.
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Emissions, engine, and exhaust Seen in MOT results
Emissions, engine, and exhaust is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (4.2 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check warning lights, smoke, exhaust leaks, recent emissions failures, and service history.
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Tyres and wheels Seen in MOT results
Tyres and wheels is one of the most common MOT problem areas for this model (2.3 MOT notes per 100 tests).
What to check: Check tyre age, tread depth, sidewall damage, wheel condition, and alignment wear.
What changes with mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
Common MOT problem areas
Common faults: what usually fails on this model?
Corrosion and structure is the clearest named problem area in the MOT history (23.4 MOT notes per 100 tests). These counts are issue notes, not failure rates, because a single MOT can list several faults.
Recall-related areas to verify
Official recall areas
Manufacturer recall notices for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport mainly involve 6 areas: emissions, engine, and exhaust, lights and electrical, brakes, and mixed recall notices. Treat each as something to verify on the specific car you are viewing; the recall table below shows the official notice text.
Mileage and age checks
Mileage changes: what starts showing up after high mileage?
Past 100k miles on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical. On lower-mileage cars, the most common named areas are windscreen, wipers, and mirrors, corrosion and structure, and tyres and wheels.
| Mileage range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-50k | 37,343 | 32,416 | 9.2%-1.6 percentage points vs all models | 35,098 miles |
| 50-100k | 58,408 | 48,038 | 14.6%-6.1 percentage points vs all models | 73,468 miles |
| 100-150k | 33,667 | 27,055 | 19.8%-6.4 percentage points vs all models | 119,692 miles |
| 150-200k | 8,427 | 6,650 | 21.7%-5.6 percentage points vs all models | 164,403 miles |
| 200k+ | 945 | 734 | 23.8%-2.7 percentage points vs all models | 213,150 miles |
Problem areas by mileage
Past 100k miles on the Land Rover Range Rover Sport, MOT records most often point to corrosion and structure, suspension and steering, and lights and electrical.
| Mileage range | Car areas most often recorded | Specific MOT defect examples |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50k |
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| 50-100k |
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| 100-150k |
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| 150-200k |
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| 200k+ |
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Fair comparisons: is this problem normal for its age?
The MOT failure rate rises from 9.2% at 0-3 years to 21.4% at 15+ years. Compare the car with the nearest age range before treating a fault as normal wear or a warning sign. The average MOT failure rate across all models in the same dataset is 18.7%. The highest failure rate by age is 21.4% for 15+ years cars, based on 22,917 tests.
| Age range | Tests | Vehicles | Failure rate (vs all models) | Median age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 years 2023–2026 reg. |
4,786 | 4,320 | 9.2%+0.7 percentage points vs all models | 3.0 years |
| 3-6 years 2020–2023 reg. |
33,076 | 28,255 | 9.4%-1.2 percentage points vs all models | 4.8 years |
| 6-10 years 2016–2020 reg. |
45,651 | 38,009 | 14.0%-2.7 percentage points vs all models | 7.9 years |
| 10-15 years 2011–2016 reg. |
33,385 | 26,923 | 17.6%-5.9 percentage points vs all models | 12.3 years |
| 15+ years pre-2011 reg. |
22,917 | 17,810 | 21.4%-4.4 percentage points vs all models | 16.6 years |
Recall records and data freshness
Recall context: are there safety notices to know about?
6 relevant recall notices appear for this model. Treat them as safety checks to verify for the exact car, not as normal MOT wear.
| 2026-02-11 | Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Samsung PHEV Battery Cell Degradation A concern has been identified on certain Range Rover & Range Rover Sport PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) vehicles containing high-voltage batteries with cells manufactured between 11th and 12th April 2018. Cathode damage introduced during the cell folding process can lead to high time-in-service cell degradation. Data will be extracted from vehicles then the high voltage traction battery pack will be replaced. |
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| 2025-10-30 | Gear Shift Module Moisture Ingress On Affected vehicles it is possible that moisture has entered the Gear Shift Module (GSM) during the assembly process. Under certain conditions there is a risk that this moisture could result in non-illumination of the Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicating the selected gear. Non-illumination of the LED gear indicator adjacent to the shifter would not conform to regulated requirements for automatic transmission control position indicator illumination. Affected vehicles will have the Gear Shift Module replaced. |
| 2025-06-05 | Discovery (L319) and Range Rover Sport (L320) Tow Ball Detachment The manufacturer has determined that in affected vehicles the instructions provided on the method of use of detachable tow balls does not adequately warn of a non-obvious risk which could lead to a failure of the tow ball mechanism causing in-use detachment of the tow ball and trailer detachment. Customers will be provided with an additional retaining bracket to fit to the vehicle when using the detachable tow ball together with full installation instructions. |
| 2025-05-09 | Security Guidance Jaguar Land Rover in conjunction with law enforcement and insurance bodies is aware of the increase in thefts of vehicles in specific geographical locations within the United Kingdom. there is no fault with Jaguar Land Rover's security systems and they continue to meet stringent automotive legislation. Jaguar Land Rover is offering owners guidance on how to maximise vehicle security and protect against theft. Vehicle registered keepers will be sent a security guidance letter only - there is no repair action. |
| 2025-03-11 | Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Second Row Centre Seat Belt Buckle Cable Misaligned On affected vehicles the second-row centre seat belt buckle may have been manufactured incorrectly. An internal obstruction to the seat belt tongue can prevent correct latching. In the event of a crash an insecurely latched seat belt buckle could increase the risk of personal injury. Vehicles will have the centre seat belt buckle and buckle retaining bolt replaced. |
| 2025-01-27 | Security Enhancement For affected vehicles the manufacturer has developed a software enhancement to further increase vehicle security. The software enhancement will deploy this update and reduce the theft risk. |
Related searches
Common ways people look up the Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Each link runs the search and lands on the relevant section of this report.
Related reliability guides
See where this model sits against other Land Rover reports by MOT failure rate and common problem area.
Compare high-confidence model reports across all makes.
Use the fleet mileage baseline before checking this model's own mileage table.
Compare this model's age pattern with the wider MOT baseline.
Sources used: DVSA MOT tests (Apr 2026); vehicle recalls (Apr 2026); MOT fault wording (May 2025). These are patterns from many MOT tests and recall notices. They help you decide what to inspect and what to ask; they do not certify the condition of one specific car.