Many Range Rover owners assume their warranty will cover any major issues. However, while Land Rover has built a strong reputation for high-end SUVs, it’s important to note that even luxury brands can have flaws. Your SUV may already have ongoing problems that the dealership repeatedly fails to fix. In this case, simple repairs might not be enough.
Fortunately, circumstances like this are exactly why California has put the Lemon Law in place. This law protects you from the inconvenience and troubles that come with owning a Range Rover lemon. The main question now is: how do you know if your luxury SUV qualifies?
This guide breaks down common Range Rover problems that could make your vehicle eligible for a claim.
Understanding Lemon Law for Range Rover Owners
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what makes a car a lemon under California law. In the Golden State, a vehicle qualifies if:
- It has a substantial defect affecting its use, value, or safety
- The problem persists despite multiple repair attempts by an authorized dealership
- The vehicle has spent an excessive number of days in the shop
For Range Rover owners, if your vehicle constantly stalls or breaks down, you may have a strong case for compensation.
Common Defects Found in Range Rovers
Let’s look at the most common defects that can turn your Range Rover from a luxury vehicle to a sour lemon.
Transmission Problems that Render Your SUV Immobile
One of the most frustrating and dangerous issues reported by Range Rover owners is transmission failure. It’s scary when you’re at a green light, pressing the gas pedal, yet nothing happens. Or worse, your car suddenly jerks forward in traffic. This could be risky to you and other road users, but unfortunately, it’s an all-too-common occurrence.
Below are some of the more popular complaints made by owners:
- Delayed or rough shifting that makes driving feel unpredictable
- Complete transmission failure that leaves drivers stranded
- Warning lights and error messages popping up without explanation
The sad part is that some Range Rovers experience these problems within the first few thousand miles. This proves that even a high price tag doesn’t guarantee reliability or safety.
High-Tech Electrical System
Luxury vehicles like Range Rovers have state-of-the-art tech, but this futuristic technology tends to stop working at the worst times. Many owners report infotainment system freezes, blacking out, or unresponsive key fobs that make it impossible to unlock or start the vehicle. Owners have complained about everything from random warning lights to sudden electrical shutdowns on the highway, which can be as frustrating as it is dangerous.
Air Suspension Troubles
One of the signature features of a Range Rover is its air suspension system, designed to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride. To be fair, when it works, it’s fantastic. But when it doesn’t, you’re left with an SUV that feels unstable, uneven, and sometimes unsafe.
Owners have reported that their air suspension collapses suddenly, while others claim their vehicles sit too low or too high. Others talk about receiving constant suspension warning messages, even after repairs. These issues are particularly frustrating, because they usually lead to multiple dealership visits with mechanics replacing parts that fail to fully resolve the problem.
Engine Problems Where Your SUV Won’t Start
A luxury SUV should have a powerful, dependable engine, but some Range Rovers are anything but reliable. Sudden stalling, excessive oil leaks, engine overheating, and coolant shortages are only some of the common complaints we hear from owners. Among these reports, one of the most alarming issues is the engine randomly shutting off, leaving drivers stranded without warning.
Brake Malfunctions Can Make Stopping a Guessing Game
Brakes are one of the most critical safety features in any vehicle, yet many Range Rover owners report issues that put their safety at risk. Some of the most common brake-related problems include:
- A soft or unresponsive brake pedal that doesn’t let you stop the SUV in time
- Premature brake wear, requiring costly replacements far too soon
- Parking brake malfunctions that cause the vehicle to roll unexpectedly
These issues could be grounds for protection under the Land Rover Lemon Law.
What to Do if You Have Similar Complaints
If you’ve been dealing with one or more of these serious defects, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. This is how you can take action:
Keep Detailed Records of Every Repair Attempt
Every time you visit the dealership, get a detailed service report outlining the problem and what they did to fix it. It must contain the service date, specific issue reported, repairs attempted, and mileage at the time of service. This documentation is crucial in proving that your SUV has a recurring issue that remains unresolved.
Document the Problems Yourself
Don’t make the mistake of relying solely on dealership records. Keep your own personal log detailing your experiences, such as:
- When and where the issue occurred (e.g., the engine stalls when idling at a red light)
- Any warning lights or error messages displayed
- Photos or videos capturing the problem
- Any conversations with dealership service employees regarding the unresolved issues
This firsthand documentation strengthens your case by proving the defect is ongoing and not an isolated incident.
Confirm Your Vehicle Meets the Lemon Law Criteria in California and Contact Land Rover
Under California law, your Range Rover may qualify as a lemon if:
- The defect significantly affects its use, safety, or value
- The dealership has made at least two attempts to repair a safety-related issue or four attempts for other serious defects.
- Your SUV has been out of service for 30 days or more (not necessarily consecutive) due to repairs.
If your vehicle meets these conditions, you likely have a solid case, and you can confidently reach out to Land Rover’s customer support. Inform them of the issues affecting your vehicle and how the dealership has failed to provide a permanent solution. Most importantly, state in clear terms that you wish to file a Range Rover claim and the type of compensation you’re looking for.
Talk to a Lemon Law Attorney
While you can try negotiating with Land Rover directly, luxury automakers often push back against lemon claims. A seasoned lemon law attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. This could mean a full refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement.
The most interesting part about lemon law cases is that California allows you to seek legal representation without paying out of pocket. Many California lemon law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. If they win your case, Land Rover will typically cover the legal fees.
Don’t Settle for Less
Land Rover may offer additional repairs, extended warranties, or trade-in deals to make the problem “go away.” They also may offer an initial settlement that seems like a decent amount of money at first, but is nowhere near the amount you deserve. While these quick fixes may seem tempting, don’t settle unless the offer truly compensates you for your inconvenience.
Don’t Settle For A Faulty Range Rover
A functional Range Rover should be the reality, not a fever dream that ends in stress and endless repairs. If your car has one of the common defects we discussed, don’t ignore it. Repeated repairs for the same issue could mean your SUV qualifies as a lemon, and you could be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
Manufacturers should be held responsible for selling unreliable vehicles, and it’s up to you to demand compensation when they don’t meet advertised standards. Contact a Lemon Law expert from Quill & Arrow today to explore your options and get the quality and luxury you deserve.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions