Are Range Rovers reliable? LAND ROVER Range Rover III (L322) (03.2002 - 12.2012)

I've heard mixed reviews about the 2005 Range Rover. While some owners love them, others report frequent electrical and transmission issues. If you decide to go for it geometry arrow, consider getting a thorough inspection first. It could save you from unexpected repair costs down the road!

The 2005 Range Rover L322 is a vehicle that many owners love for its luxury and capability, but it does come with a reputation for some notable reliability issues you should be aware of before purchasing.

Common Issues
1. Transmission Problems:

The L322 uses ZF and GM5 automatic gearboxes, which are prone to failure, especially if not serviced regularly. Early symptoms include hesitation or reluctance to shift gears, warning lights on the dashboard, and chattering noises under load.

Transmission failures often occur around or after 80,000 miles. Timely gearbox oil servicing can sometimes delay or mitigate these issues, but once failing, the gearbox may need replacement or major repair.

2. Suspension Faults:

The air suspension system is complex and often problematic. Common failures include airbag leaks, faulty air pumps, and control unit issues. Suspension bushings, especially rear hub bushes and front lower ball joints, wear out due to the vehicle’s heavy weight (~3 tons), causing rattles, bangs, and rough ride quality.

Repairs can be costly but are necessary to maintain ride comfort and handling.

3. Electrical Issues:

Electrical gremlins are common, including failing modules, wiring problems, and grounding issues.

The fuel gauge is notoriously unreliable due to corroded connectors or faulty fuel pump sender units, sometimes causing the engine to stop unexpectedly if the ECU thinks the tank is empty.

4. Engine and Cooling System:

Loss of power can be caused by EGR valve faults or split intercooler hoses, especially on diesel variants.

Cooling system leaks, such as failed O-ring seals at the water jacket housing, can lead to overheating and coolant contamination in the gearbox.

Reliability Overview
The 2005 L322 is considered better built than earlier Land Rovers but still requires careful maintenance.

Electrical and suspension faults are the most frequent and expensive to fix.

Transmission issues are common but can be managed with regular servicing.

Rust and water leaks were more common in earlier models but largely addressed by 2005.

Advice for Buyers
Insist on a full, detailed service history, especially for transmission and suspension maintenance.

Have a professional inspection done, including diagnostic scans for fault codes, suspension checks, and transmission health assessment.

Be prepared for higher running costs compared to mainstream SUVs due to the vehicle’s complexity and weight.

Check for signs of suspension wear, rattles, and electrical faults during a test drive.

Verify the functionality of the fuel gauge and warning systems to avoid surprises.

The 2005 Range Rover L322 offers luxury and off-road prowess but comes with common issues like transmission failures, air suspension faults, electrical gremlins, and suspension wear. With proper maintenance and a thorough pre-purchase inspection, it can be a rewarding vehicle, but be prepared for potentially high repair costs and ongoing upkeep.

If you value the L322’s unique qualities and are willing to invest in maintenance, it can be a great choice. Otherwise, consider these reliability concerns carefully before buying.