2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, wipers and visibility, and exterior lights. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 72
- Recalls
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 3
- 1 injury
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/4
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Range Rover Sport is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0L 8-cylGas | 4WD | 19 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD | 24 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylHybrid | 4WD | 21 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | 4WD | 480 mi range |
- The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was sold in four versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Range Rover Sport that averages well under the EPA 19 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Windshield cracking without impact
12,000–15,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical12No crashes
Sudden power loss is the main pattern. Reports describe a charging system or electrical fault warning, then limp mode, stalling in traffic or at highway speed, or a dead battery and no-start. Many reports blame the DC/DC converter in the mild-hybrid system, and replacement parts are on backorder for months. One filing describes the cabin filling with smoke and catching fire on the highway right after an electrical warning. Others mention a blank instrument cluster and doors or windows that stop working. Several filings name the Discovery or Defender rather than this model.
Wipers and visibility12No crashes
Windshields crack with no impact. The cracks appear while driving, overnight, or while the car is parked in very hot or cold weather. They often spread fast enough that repair is no longer an option. Some owners report two or more replacements, waits of several months for glass, and paying out of pocket after the manufacturer refused to cover it. Cracks can also interfere with the cameras and lane-keeping sensors. Most of these filings describe the Defender rather than this model.
Exterior lights8No crashes
Daytime running lights and halo headlamps fail, often on one side and sometimes on both. No warning light comes on. Dealers say the entire headlamp assembly must be replaced, and replacement units are back-ordered. Owners report the repair being refused under warranty and extended coverage. Other reports describe tail, brake and turn lights going out on one side when bright light hits them, and an instrument cluster that dims too far to read. Nearly all of these filings name the Defender.
Steering71 crash
Power steering assist cuts out, sometimes while turning, and the wheel can become very heavy at a standstill. Other reports describe the wheel pulling erratically at 55 mph on dry roads. In one crash report, stability control would not hand control back to the driver in the rain, and the car hit a guardrail, injuring a passenger. Some loss-of-assist cases followed a DC/DC converter failure that shut the car down. Reduced-traction warnings also appear, which a dealer traced to unfinished vehicle configuration.
Transmission7No crashes
Sudden shutdowns while driving are the main pattern. The car loses power, lights and propulsion, sometimes at night or at highway speed, then restarts later. Other reports include a gearbox fault that left the car stuck in park at 3,000 miles, repeated limp-mode stalls, and push-button no-starts lasting hours. One report describes engine misfires near 56,800 miles, and another describes a two-wheel-drive warning caused by unprogrammed 4WD modules. Dealers often cannot find the cause, and some cars return with the same fault.
Engine5No crashes
Coolant keeps disappearing with no visible leak. Owners top it up weekly or monthly and get repeated low-coolant warnings. In one case, after several dealer visits that found nothing, the coolant turned out to be leaking onto the turbocharger. Another owner reports the engine running hot after every drive. Other filings describe stalling while driving, a no-start blamed on the DC/DC converter, and a transmission that drops into neutral at stops and leaves the car stranded in traffic.
Suspension4No crashes
Knocking from the front end while turning is the most serious pattern. One car had a cracked steering knuckle at the upper ball joint mount. Another owner reports a suspension fault warning at 14k miles, with the ride height adjusting itself on the freeway and popping noises. One report describes the Dynamic Response roll-control system failing after hydraulic lines corroded and leaked, losing all pressure. Warranty coverage was denied in at least one case.
Airbags2No crashes
No airbag failures are reported. Both filings come from Evoque owners who say they received a passenger airbag recall notice but cannot get the repair. Dealers say the parts are on backorder with no delivery date, even after a later letter said the remedy was available. Owners say neither the dealers nor the manufacturer could tell them when the work would be done.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Range Rover Sport owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Well maintained vehicle I’ve been sole owner of. Driving normally along highway at normal speed. Electrical issue warning alert pops up, immediately goes away. This happened again, car fills with smoke and is immediately on fire. Happened very quickly. Have had zero issues with this vehicle otherwise. No warnings. Car was functioning perfectly leading up to the incident.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
2 complete windshield replacements needed since taking delivery June 2021. This incident was a small chip from a rock on the road that then spread across bottom half of drivers side windshield. These incidents are not isolated, seems other owners are reporting the same thing on this vehicle.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2022
Problem statement: Windshield Issue: The windshield developed a sudden crack while the vehicle was stationary, with no external impact or action Conditions: stationary, outside temp: 97 deg Impacting: visibility and safety features such as cameras, sensor, and lane departure assist
Filed with NHTSA, September 2021
Headlamps are faulty. Replaced the drivers side at almost the end of the 49k miles and after about another 900 miles, the passenger side went out. There is a defect with these lights and they’re back ordered through the UK. Police have told me that I have a headlight out and there is nothing I can do about this.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2023
Ever since I purchased my Defender back in 2021, the instrument cluster automatically dims. Usually when at dusk or dawn, the cluster dims so much, it is impossible to read with sunglasses, and very poorly lit without sunglasses. I have the dimmer switch set to the brightest setting, but it still automatically dims despite being set to the brightest.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
After 2000 miles of driving, I received a warning that I had reduced traction and needed to drive with caution. When I took vehicle to dealer they determined the “initial configuration was not complete”.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2021
The ignition does not turn on or the car will not power on with the key. The car has been at the dealership for a month and they have been unable to repair what is clearly an electronic problem with the vehicle. The power button in the ignition does not power up and the vehicle does not start.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2022
How the 2021 compares with other Range Rover Sport years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 Range Rover Sport years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical1225
- Wipers and visibility127
- Exterior lights82
- Steering76
- Transmission712
- Engine510
Recalls to confirm (15)
Recall repairs are free at any Land Rover dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V454000AirbagsJul 2025
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) is recalling certain 2020–2025 Range Rover Evoque vehicles. The passenger air bag may tear during deployment.
Risk: A torn air bag may not adequately protect an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a torn air bag may allow hot gases to escape, which can cause a burn injury.
Fix: Dealers will repair the passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 17 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N945.
24E102000EquipmentDec 2024
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with Raised Air Intake (RAI) aftermarket accessory equipment, with part number VPLEP0543. The raised air intake may not be secured properly, which can allow the intake to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: A detached raised air intake can fall off the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, remove and reinstall the RAI accessory, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed February 20, 2025. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N964.
24V364000Backup cameraMay 2024
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Range Rover Sport vehicles equipped with a Surround Camera System. Water may enter into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display or display a distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display can decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera for damage. If no damage is found, the camera will be fitted with a new seal. If damage is found, the camera will be replaced and calibrated. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 18, 2024. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N901. These vehicles were previously recalled under 24V-023 for this same issue and will need to have the new remedy completed.
24V023000Backup cameraJan 2024
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles equipped with a Surround Camera System. Water may enter into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display or display a distorted image. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and add a new seal or replace the camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed to Range Rover owners March 4, 2024. Interim notification letters were mailed to Range Rover Sport owners March 7, 2024. Range Rover Sport owners will receive a second notice once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N778.
23V221000EngineMar 2023
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Land Rover Range Rover PHEV and 2019-2022 Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV vehicles. The water pump pulley drive belt may become damaged or detach, which can allow the engine to overheat. An overheated engine can rupture the engine coolant elbow pipe, leaking coolant onto the turbocharger heat shield.
Risk: Coolant leaking onto the turbocharger heat shield inside the engine compartment can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine coolant elbow and the turbocharger feed coolant pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 19, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N785.
23V044000EngineFeb 2023
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the engine cam carrier and related components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N763.
23V031000ElectricalJan 2023
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Range Rover PHEV and 2020-2022 Range Rover Sport PHEV vehicles. The vehicles fail to make sufficient pedestrian warning sounds when stationary and in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.".
Risk: A vehicle that fails to make sufficient sound may result in pedestrians being unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the audio amplifier software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 16, 2023. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N742.
21V668000Seat beltsAug 2021
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
Risk: An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 20, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N630.
21V584000EquipmentJul 2021
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles. The owner's manual incorrectly states that the third-row seating is equipped with LATCH child seat restraints with top tethers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems.".
Risk: Incorrect child restraint information may result in a child seat being improperly secured, which can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: Land Rover will mail owners the correct information to insert into the owner's manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 23, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N601.
21V499000SeatsJul 2021
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Defender 90 vehicles equipped with manually-adjustable front seats. The front seat track end-stop bracket may become deformed, which could prevent the seat from locking into place.
Risk: A seat that is not properly locked into place can move unintentionally during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front seat tracks, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N609.
21V457000ElectricalJun 2021
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Discovery vehicles. A loose contact between the battery ground stud and the chassis may result in various electrical faults, possibly causing a loss of electrical power or the vehicle to shut down while driving.
Risk: A vehicle that shuts down or loses exterior lighting while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ground stud, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 10, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N607.
21V435000Exterior lightsJun 2021
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Defender X vehicles equipped with smoked rear light assemblies. A voltage spike, triggered by a bright light shining on the rear of the vehicle, can cause the turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights to fail.
Risk: Turn signals, brake lights, and tail lights that fail to illuminate can reduce visibility to other drivers and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the rear light assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 27, 2021. Owners can contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N598.
21V424000TransmissionJun 2021
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Land Rover Defender vehicles equipped with 6-cylinder engines. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) may unexpectedly switch off while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in an engine stall with no warning.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: The Connected Diagnostic Services (CDS) and the Over-the-air (OTA) diagnostics functionality will be disabled, either by a dealer or through an OTA update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 28, 2021. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N599.
20V585000ElectricalSep 2020
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Range Rover Sport vehicles equipped with 20-inch, 21-inch, or 22-inch wheels. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) recommended pressure has been set incorrectly in the instrument cluster. As a result, the TPMS warning light will not illuminate when tire pressure reaches 25% below the cold inflation pressure stated on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems.".
Risk: Drivers may unknowingly operate the vehicle with low tire pressure, possibly causing tire tread separation, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Land Rover's number for this recall is N494.
20V586000Wheels and tiresSep 2020
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Range Rover Sport vehicles equipped with 19-inch wheels. The tire inflation pressure label and the tire placard label state the incorrect tire pressures for the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".
Risk: Failure to inflate tires to the correct pressure could lead to loss of vehicle stability and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will apply the correct labels, free of charge. The recall began October 30, 2020. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-369-1000. Land Rover's number for this recall is N491.
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2021 owner complaints, side by side
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