Problems and recalls: L320 Range Rover Sport (2005-2013)

2005-2012 Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.0L TDV6: crankshaft bearing failure
In May 2014, Land Rover issued service bulletin SSM71816 for Land Rover L320 Range Rover Sport vehicles that had V6 diesel engines manufactured from 2005 to 2012, i.e. the Range Rover Sport 2.7L TDV6 and 3.0L TDV6. According to the bulletin, these vehicles could experience crankshaft failure due to:

• Incorrect location of the main crankshaft bearing shells during assembly; or,
• Rotation of the crankshaft bearing shells during normal use.
Owners have reported experiencing sudden engine failure and having had less than thirty (30) seconds to pull off the road once abnormal engine noises are heard. The service bulletin lists the following as symptoms of crankshaft failure:

• The engine may make a loud ‘rumbling/knocking’ noise when running which worsens under load. Furthermore, the engine oil pressure warning light may flash or be continuously illuminated, especially at low engine speeds;

• There may be a hole in the oil sump or engine cylinder block, with oil leakage and/or metallic debris in the under-tray; and,

• If the crankshaft seized, it would not be possible to turn the engine (via the starter motor or crankshaft pulley bolt).

It is understood that a new crankshaft bearing design was introduced in 2012 to prevent crankshaft bearing failure.