Is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 (2013-2022) reliable in Australia?

This generation is summarized with a trust score of 45 out of 100 based on recurring themes in owner reports and platform notes (not a lab test). Use the buy/avoid lists and inspection points below before purchase.

Which Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 configuration should I buy used?

3.0L SDV6 Diesel with ZF 8-speed automatic: Robust engine with good torque Reasonable fuel economy for its class

Which Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 configurations should I avoid?

5.0L Supercharged V8 (AJ133): Potential for timing chain tensioner issues Common oil leaks

What should I inspect on a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016?

Air suspension compressor and strut failures Electrical system gremlins (infotainment, sensors) HVAC system malfunctions Brake vacuum pump failures (on some engine variants)

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REPORT: LAND ROVER > RANGE ROVER SPORT > MODEL YEAR 2016 (2013-2022)

Used car reliability snapshot for Australia: Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 (2013-2022). Compare recommended configurations, known weak points, and inspection priorities before you buy.

Vehicle background from retrieved sources

The L494 Range Rover Sport is the second generation, sharing its platform with the Range Rover L405. It offers a blend of luxury, on-road performance, and off-road capability, but is known for complex electronics and air suspension systems that can lead to significant reliability concerns.

Generation / series codes: L494

Body styles: SUV

Drivetrains: All-Wheel Drive

Reliability sentiment for this generation is generally mixed to poor, with common issues related to complex electronic systems and air suspension. Regular maintenance and pre-purchase inspections are highly recommended.

Trust score: 45 / 100

Verdict: CAUTION

RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATIONS (THE 'BUY' LIST)

3.0L SDV6 Diesel with ZF 8-speed automatic
- Robust engine with good torque
- Reasonable fuel economy for its class
- Generally reliable transmission

CONFIGURATIONS TO AVOID (THE 'LEMON' LIST)

5.0L Supercharged V8 (AJ133)
- Potential for timing chain tensioner issues
- Common oil leaks
- Higher running and maintenance costs

Used car buyer guide (Australia)

Common problems & platform risks

For the Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 (2013-2022), recurring issues often cluster around specific engines, transmissions, and shared chassis electronics. The trust score reflects how often serious powertrain or drivetrain problems show up in real-world reports versus routine maintenance. Always verify with a pre-purchase inspection and service history.

What to inspect before you buy

Use the platform-wide inspection list above for leaks, rust, suspension wear, and electronics. On a test drive, listen for drivetrain noises, check transmission behaviour when hot, and scan for warning lights. In Australia, heat and urban short trips can accelerate wear—factor in climate-appropriate servicing.

Best engine or trim to target

A typical starting point is configurations similar to: 3.0L SDV6 Diesel with ZF 8-speed automatic. Cross-check against the recommended list and your budget; the "sweet spot" often balances fewer reported failures with parts availability.

Configurations to be cautious about

Sources frequently flag higher risk around: 5.0L Supercharged V8 (AJ133). That does not mean every car fails—use it as a prioritisation list for inspection and price negotiation.

Ownership cost signals

Higher reported failure rates usually mean more workshop time and parts cost. Before buying, get quotes for common jobs on this generation (timing, fluids, suspension, transmission service) from an independent specialist familiar with the brand.

PLATFORM-WIDE QUIRKS & INSPECTION POINTS (ALL MODELS)

Air suspension compressor and strut failures
Electrical system gremlins (infotainment, sensors)
HVAC system malfunctions
Brake vacuum pump failures (on some engine variants)

Frequently asked questions

Is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 (2013-2022) reliable in Australia?: This generation is summarized with a trust score of 45 out of 100 based on recurring themes in owner reports and platform notes (not a lab test). Use the buy/avoid lists and inspection points below before purchase.
Which Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 configuration should I buy used?: 3.0L SDV6 Diesel with ZF 8-speed automatic: Robust engine with good torque Reasonable fuel economy for its class
Which Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016 configurations should I avoid?: 5.0L Supercharged V8 (AJ133): Potential for timing chain tensioner issues Common oil leaks
What should I inspect on a used Land Rover Range Rover Sport model year 2016?: Air suspension compressor and strut failures Electrical system gremlins (infotainment, sensors) HVAC system malfunctions Brake vacuum pump failures (on some engine variants)

Sources

No web sources were attached to this report. This usually means grounding was unavailable and the fallback structured generation mode was used.

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