The 2018 Range Rover Sport TDV8 is a luxurious and capable SUV that’s great on the road, in all kinds of weather, and even when off-roading. It has plenty of features to keep you safe while driving and make your life easier. However, the Range Rover Sport can have problems like any other vehicle. These issues tend to be common among most modern Range Rover models.
Some owners report issues with their engines cutting out or failing to start, oil leaks underneath the engine, transmission problems (not as common as they used to be), warnings about low oil pressure lights coming on, engine lights coming on, and other issues. Let’s look at some of the common Range Rover Sport TDV8 problems and see if you can identify yours as one of them.
TDV8 Engine Problems
Any car can have engine issues, but the TDV8 does have a few common problems. These include:
- Leaking oil: This can be caused by a loose oil pan or a worn-out oil pan gasket. The gasket can be replaced, but the pan needs to be welded. This is not an easy job, so be prepared to pay to fix this.
- Leaking coolant: This can signify a cracked cylinder head or a leaking head gasket. This is not something that you can do at home, so if it is found to be a serious issue, you will have to get the work done at a garage.
- Cylinder misfires: This can be caused by several issues, including worn-out spark plugs, a loose or broken coil wire, or a faulty computer. Again, this is not something that you can do at home and will need to be taken to a garage.
- Turbo inlet pipes are prone to cracking, have them inspected and replaced if needed.
- Both turbos are also prone to failure and they are insanely expensive to replace, insanely expensive.
- A number of owners report problems with the fuel injectors. Read our article about faulty fuel injectors to identify fuel injector problems.
Exhaust Problems
Exhaust problems are something that you will hear more about if you buy a TDV8 that has been modified. While this does give you a sportier edge, it can lead to problems in the future.
Before you buy, ensure the exhaust is in good condition, and the system has been put on correctly. Doing this work at home is not advisable, as you could damage the car. If you buy a TDV8 that has had modifications to the exhaust, it is important to keep an eye on the level of corrosion.
This is especially important if modified with a stainless steel exhaust. Stainless steel is a softer metal, making it more likely to corrode. If it has been fitted with an aftermarket system, you may have to change it sooner than the original equipment.
Climate Control Problems
If you buy a TDV8 with climate control problems, it is likely to be either the air conditioning or the heating. As these cars age, you can expect problems with various parts of the AC system (air compressor, condenser, vaporizer, refrigerant leaks..).
Air Conditioning Problems
Air conditioning problems are usually due to a leak in the system. This can be easily detected by checking for water stains in the passenger footwell. If you find these, then it is likely that there is a leak in the system somewhere. If there is no sign of water leaks, then there may be a problem with the air conditioning compressor or the condenser which might be leaking or dirty.
Heating System Problems
Heating problems could mean that there is something wrong with the thermostat or that there is something wrong with the water pump. If the water pump is faulty, then it will cause the engine to run badly. If the thermostat is faulty, then the engine will run too hot or too cold.
Electronic Problems
Electronic problems are common with any car. The issues are usually related to the vehicle being out of date, but in the case of the TDV8 and TDV6, there are a few things to watch out for.
- The starter motor is a common problem, especially in TDV8s that have been modified. The starter motor is located in the front of the car, under the hood. It is advisable to check this as soon as you buy the car.
- The airbag control unit is another common problem in the TDV8s. There are several ways to check for faults. Getting any faults logged and fixed as soon as possible is important. This is a potentially dangerous fault.
- It is also a common problem for the TDV8 cars to have airbags that are not working. If you are having issues with the airbags, this should be checked as soon as possible.
- Alternators are also prone to failure as these cars have a mountain of electronic components. If you search through the owners forums, you can easily find owners who have replaced 2 or more alternators in the time of their ownership.
- Drained batteries also seem to be a common thing on these cars.
Air Suspension Problems
We already talked about the Mercedes Airmatic air suspension and its problems here on LifeOnFour. The air suspension on the Range Rover Sport is essentially the same, just as complicated, a bit less reliable and even more expensive to repair. As these cars age, it is normal to expect problems with the air suspension. Make sure you can afford it.
Range Rover TDV8 Reliability
The TDV8 has many great features, but some reliability issues can be problematic. While the issues are usually easy to fix, finding someone to fix them can be a pain, especially if you do not have a lot of car experience.
It is also hard to find parts and get them shipped if you do not live in the UK. This makes it important to ensure that you get a car with good maintenance records to know what parts have been replaced. You should also ensure that you get the car checked out by someone who knows what they are doing before buying it.
Range Rover 4.4 TDV8 Engine Problems
The 4.4-liter engine in the TDV8 is great, but it has some issues. The first problem is that the engine needs a lot of oil. This is not a problem if you use synthetic oil, but it can be an issue if you do not change it regularly or use regular oil. Expensive oil changes make people delay the oil changes, which is never a good idea.
Another common problem is also the weird chirping noise caused by the worn-out belt tensioner pulley, oil leaks from the crankshaft seal, rough idling due to an intake manifold vacuum leak
The other issue is some problems with the timing chain tensioner and valve guide seals. While these problems are relatively easy to fix, they can be expensive, and most people do not have the money for them.
Conclusion
Some other issues can arise with the TDV8, but most of them can be avoided by doing regular maintenance on the car and getting it checked out before buying it. Range rover 4.4 tdv8 engine problems will not cause many financial problems if you get them fixed initially.
The Range Rover Sport is a fantastic SUV, but it does come with its issues. The most common issue is the engine and electronic problems. You can reduce the risk of these happening by using high quality synthetic oil. When buying a used Range Rover Sport TDV8, it is important to check the engine for leaks and ask for the maintenance history. If you find a problem, it is better to fix it immediately; otherwise, it may worsen and become more expensive. If there is no maintenance history at this age of the car, just walk away, and save yourself the trouble.
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