2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar Problems & Complaints

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety and operability issue involving my 2018 Land Rover Range Rover, which has rendered the vehicle inoperable and unsafe to drive. Within approximately four months of purchase, the vehicle experienced repeated mechanical failures, including persistent check engine warnings, limp mode activation, failed compression testing, fuel injector failures across all cylinders, exhaust and turbo-related faults, and a full diesel particulate filter (DPF). The vehicle currently will not perform as designed and is unsafe to operate. The vehicle was repeatedly brought to Jaguar Land Rover South Orlando for service. Despite assurances that diagnostics showed “no issues,” the vehicle rapidly deteriorated and ultimately became inoperable. While in the dealership’s custody, additional concerns arose, including unauthorized third-party access to my vehicle without my consent and delays in releasing the vehicle for towing. Additionally, when the vehicle was finally released, the battery was fully depleted despite the vehicle being in the dealership’s possession and not operated by me, raising further concerns about improper handling. The dealership has quoted repair costs exceeding $13,500 and has refused to assist, citing “as-is” sale status, despite the vehicle failing shortly after purchase and exhibiting severe engine-related defects. These failures pose a potential safety risk due to loss of power, limp mode activation, and inability to safely operate the vehicle. I am concerned that these issues may reflect a broader defect pattern in this model year. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether these engine, fuel system, and emissions-related failures present a safety defect warranting further investigation.

Extreme loss of coolant at 40K miles, no engine fault codes, no visible leak, engine overheated rapidly and did not notify me until it was in the red.

When I’m driving my high beams automatically come on and blind the drivets ahead of me. They come on by themselves and it’s not even dark enough for them to be on. It happens when I’m on the freeway going to work. This has happened more than once. It’s happened four times already and it worries me cause I don’t want someone to think I’m flicking my high beams at them!!!

Oil Filter Housing cracked, leaking oil, smoking in cabin, risk of fire.

REAR CAMERA MALFUNCTION!! The rear backup camera has malfunctioned due to water entering the device. This is the same issue seemingly as the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport rear cameras, but the Velar has yet to be included in the recall. The Velar has the same 360 degree surround system. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor inside the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the fuel cap near the manifold had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000.

1. The components that failed were part of the coolant system, specifically the coolant pipes. JLR used plastic coolant pipes which over time deteriorate and lead to massive coolant leaks, and in my car it got so bad that even with the engine off the coolant would just pour out in a couple seconds. 2. This leads to severe overheating issues. While I was regularly driving home, the vehicle started smoking which prompted me to pull over. If I had kept going, there is a chance a catastrophic failure could have happened and put my life and others at risk since I was traveling on a high speed road. 3. This problem has been reproduced and reported by many owners, since the plastic coolant pipes have been used in many vehicles. The dealership also said they were aware of this issue and explained how the part deteriorates over time. 4. My car has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but has been by the dealership. 5. I did notice that the coolant was dropping a few weeks prior (it was significantly under MIN but no warning lights). I took it to the dealership and they conducted a pressure test but found no leaks. Then a few weeks later, as I was driving regularly, the vehicle started smoking and the low coolant light appeared. This was the first time the light appeared, and the coolant level was extremely low. I have videos/pictures of most things including the coolant level that prompted me to initially take the vehicle to the dealership, inspection report from the dealer, also the smoke and coolant level of the car during the breakdown, and the repair documents the dealer provided with the broken parts.

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in the months prior to the failure, there was a foul odor entering the cabin of the vehicle through the vents. The dealer was notified of the issue but offered no assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 86,000.

2018 Range Rover Velar started leaking coolant in Nov 2024. Car was diagnosed by the Land Rover dealership as a coolant inlet pipe leak. Claim has been submitted to Land Rover as this is a known ongoing issue with this model as well as others. Awaiting decision. Dealership quoted nearly $3000 to correct issue.

DRIVER-SIDE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE OUT. THEY'RE LED, YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT/DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT MODULE BECAUSE IT'S SEALED AND THERE ARE NO BULBS TO REPLACE. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS ONLINE AND IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. A NEW ASSEMBLY IS REPORTED TO BE $9,000, WHICH IS RIDICULOUS. THIS SHOULD HAVE A FACTORY RECALL. THIS CAR ONLY HAS ABOT 40,000 MILES ON IT.

Car smoking with burning fumes. Serviced at Land Rover dealership 5 months prior. Crank shaft pulley with the tensioner And belt failure/fault

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking lot; after driving approximately 35 MPH, an on-looker informed the contact that the daytime running lights were not operating as designed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the daytime running lights needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact attempted to have the daytime running lights replaced by a body shop with a used part but decided that new daytime running lights would be best. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,500.

I have owned this vehical for 2 years now and have repaired well over $7,000 worth of issues. Coolant issues are the number one issue, however we also repaired an oil leak and had electrical issues with the braking system. There are no current recalls for my car, but my coolant levels are low again and it is leaking again.

In February car began to increase in temp while driving , I pulled over and saw coolant leaking. I had car Towed to repair center and entire cooling system changed out. 1 month later same exact thing took place. Entire cooling system repaired for the second time. I called Land Rover inquiring about any complaints or recalls Associated w cooling system . None found at that time. In August while driving at 40 mph and after 10 min of driving in the evening. Dash read Low coolant level, no temp change decision to pull over at upcoming gas station was made in my head. I CHECKED THE Temp GUAGE WHICH read normal , at that time I noticed smoke everywhere, I immediately pulled To the side of the road , temp was Still reading normal. Parked and opened hood where engine was full of black smoke engulfed in smoke as if on fire , tow truck was called and the vehicle was towed home , because shops were closed it was 8 pm . Family freind changed out front plastic pipe that had a huge crack and radiator to see if car will run after event , but engine shakes and smokes when started . Absolutely NO overheating indicators were initiated. Absolutely no overheating warning WAS provided before or during event. Engine completely impaired Now. Undriveable. , frequent vin number checks for recall were conducted when this week saw recall for same vehicle same problem! Just not vin I immediately had car towed to Galpin van nuys requesting car be added to current recall they are charging me 299 diagnostic fee, and stated Land Rover will do nothing. They cannot add cars to a recall- I am demanding my vehicle be added to the COOLING SYSTEM RECALL AFFECTING MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL . If My dgter was driving w my granddaughters aboard W NO TEMP WARNINGS AND NO OVERHEATING ALARMS provided THE ENGINE COULD HAVE ENGULFED IN FLAMES killing my FAMILY !! Please evaluate car at Galpin van nuys service dept 10/20/2024 I paid 42000 cash for the car 10 mos ago 88,000 miles KARS PLUS PACOIMA

I am the owner of a 2018 Velar Land Rover. Without notice my main door switch has went out on the truck. I cannot adjust my mirrors which is a safety issue. I cannot adjust my mirrors for viewing while I am driving. I also cannot let down any windows and the rear doors are locked on child lock. This is a safety risk for me and my children who ride in the back seat of the vehicle. I have been having problems with this vehicle since I purchased it. I was able to take the vehicle to the same shop that had to replace the starter in the Velar, and they stated to me that it was the main power switch on the driver's door that has gone out, this was last month in August. On 9/25/24 I contacted the dealership to let them know the problem and to make a ticket. I was told that I would have to pay $300.00 for a diagnostic fee and after I pay for the fee that they would see if they could assist with some payment for the repairs. I talked with the supervisor to let her know that I should not have to pay for a diagnostic due to this truck always having repairs/ issues and this is a safety issue, and the main switch should have not gone out already without any notice.

I've been having various start/stop issues with my car in the middle of traffic with are real safety issues. My first visit at Land Rover dealership was back on July 12, 2024 for a powertrain recall. Full inspection during that time revealed that everything else worked fine with my car expect that a new set of tires were needed. Since then, I had intermittent window and blinder issues not working and various not functional start/stop feature. I had to replace the window driver switch and recently, I started having start up issues and have changed the battery. Going back to the dealer for inspection, I was informed that the reason why my car will randomly stopped in the middle of traffic is I need an update of my software transmission control module. I feel is a fundamental safety issue that was undetected from previous visit. Other issues that were raised by the dealer include an oil leak and the need to replace both the supercharger adn main drive belt because of oil saturation. I would add that this type of car had a known water pump manufacturing issues that I am not sure has been recalled. I also had to bear the costs of replacing the water pump for my car.I would like Jaguar/Land ROVER to cover these costs of repairs and work with me to address the outstanding issues specially the software related issues.

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, smoke was detected coming from the engine. The driver opened the hood and noticed that fluid was leaking from the engine. The low-coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had overheated, the expansion test hose was cracked, and coolant fluid was leaking. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under a warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 69,447.

Timing chain failure at low miles. Land Rover knows that thousands of these cars have issues with the timing chain failing yet refuses to do anything to correct the problem.

Engine malfunction at low mileage level less than 55,000 miles. Timing chain tensioner , timing chain guide. These are reported ongoing problems with Land Rover Range Rover Velars that are just beyond warranty . Can cause severe engine failure

There was a failure of airbag deployment during a front end collision at 45 mph which resulted in extensive bodily injury damages. Airbags failed to deploy in front end collision, causing extensive bodily injury damage surpassing insurance minimums. The police report as well as the insurance inspector's report both confirmed that airbags did not deploy when they should have deployed. There were never any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms.

P 265 45 R 21 I have a set of pirelli scorpion tires on my 2018 Land Rover velar. All the tires on the vehicle have an issue with the tread . The rubber is breaking off in chunks. Tires have lest than 50% wear on them they have been properly inflated and rotated . There is not signs on uneven wear from an alignment issue. I have contacted the manufacturer concerning this issue and I get no response from them . I believe these tires are defective and could cause a serious issue . These should be recalled. The vehicle is currently parked and not driven .

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that the front defroster failed to defrost the front windshield as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,300.

My car had a coolant leak and started overheating and i immediately took it to the dealership. It was found that the water pump and coolant was leaking in the front and back and the temp gauge was broken. This car has less than 68k miles and shouldn’t happen. I found a recall with the same vehicle but my vin is not pulling up in the recall. I also found out from other services that they are fixing this a lot with the model and the manufacturer won’t take responsibility. If this isn’t fixed my car will catch fire.

Safety feature: Day time running led light is not working properly. Turns on when the engine starts but then cuts off. The problem is that in order to repair the issue the whole headlight assembly has to be replaced. The dealer refuses to replace the assembly under the extended warranty because they indicate led lights aren’t covered. Due to the complexity of the issue and the cost of the part, the life expectancy of the part should last well past 5 years. All other dealerships cover the replacement of this part under their extended warranty as it is a common issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that coolant was leaking on the ground underneath the vehicle. The low coolant level warning light was illuminated. There was oil in the oil pan. There was smoke under the hood. The contact was adding coolant daily. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Air bag warning light keeps coming on dealer has repaired problem but it keeps recurring. I have had this issue since vehicle was new. Repair usually lasts 6 to eight months

UNKNOWN (unexplained engine failure)

The contact owns a 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar. The contact stated that the driver’s and passenger’s side windows failed to defrost as needed. The contact also stated that the failure obstructed her vision while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V139000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

The left side headlamp assembly is faulty. Recommend replacing the headlight assembly. This vehicle has 47000 miles 2018 why is this something that needs to be replaced this soon.

On 3/5 we were out of state on vacation, after we completed shopping for the day I was placing my shopping bags in the trunk of the vehicle. My friend, unaware that I had not stepped out of the way activated the self closing trunk door. The door failed to detect that there was an obstruction (me) and closed striking me on the top left side of my head causing me to have a concussion. I was seen at my doctor's office days later due to the headaches and other symptoms from the injury and was diagnosed as resulting from a traumatic head injury. The door deactivated after striking me and had to be reset manually. However, my concern is that a sensor should have detected that there was an obstruction and stopped or not closed at all. Other makes and models will have an alarm and will not close when there is an obstruction. I called Land Rover today at 4:51 p.m. and the representative could not find anything in the owner's manual that stated there is a sensor of any type. The doctor placed me off of work but as I am my only source of income, I am unable to stop working in order to recover. My vehicle is available for inspection if needed.

The vehicles auto stop/start does not function. I hear flushing behind the dash board once the vehicle is powered off and it makes weird noises for about 3-5 minutes before completely powering off.

Dial shifter complaint about the car being place in park inside my garage, left the car door open to return inside the home and once I was 100% out of the vehicle as witnessed by my neighbors, the car went out of park mode causing damaged to the car and my home. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? (Dial Shifter) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? (In order to stop the car, I risked my life by attempting to jump inside a moving car to place it back in park mode. This was to avoid any further damage, hitting my neighbors house or any pediatricians walking/playing near by.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? This problem have been reported by other consumers. See articles below: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/range-rover-lawsuits-gear-shifter-deadly-rollaway/ https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.itechpost.com/amp/articles/70923/20170103/land-rover-under-investigation-over-flawed-gear-selector-knob-thousands-of-vehicles-may-be-due-for-another-recall.htm Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? (This car have been towed to a local Range Rover dealership to address the complaint.) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? (No symptoms)

THE GEAR MALFUNCTION AFTER PLACED IN PARK , CAME OUT OF GEAR AND ROLLED IN REVERSE WITH OUT ANY WARNING. AS A RESULT I WAS INJURED

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON FREEWAY. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AT THE SPEED OF 60 -65, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN AND I PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY. AS SOON AS I PULLED OVER I COULD SEE THE SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. SO IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND STARTED TO CONTACT ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE BUT WHILE IN THE PROCESS OF CONTACTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WITHIN COUPLE MINS THE CAR STARTED CATCHING FIRE FROM THE HOOD SIDE THEN I PANICKED AND CALLED 911. THANKS TO THE FIRE SERVICE DEPARTMENT ! THEY CAME BY AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. OMG! MY WHOLE CAR EXCEPT THE REAR TRUCK WAS BURNT. IF I WAS INSIDE THE CAR FOR COUPLE MORE MINS I WOULD NOT BE ALIVE TO WRITE THIS REPORT. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND TRAUMATIZING ! I DON'T HAVE ANY CLUE HOW THIS ONE HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES WATCHING THE CAR CATCHING FIRE . I STRONGLY FEEL THAT I GOT A BAD APPLE . IN MY OPINION IT LOOKED LIKE SOMETHING WAS WRONG UNDER THE HOOD AS THE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HOOD . THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED AND A CAR CATCHING FIRE ON ITS OWN IS UNCOMMON. THIS MAKES ME ANXIOUS AND SCARED .

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 65 MILES PER HOUR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES OF WARNING INDICATORS SHOWING THAT THE VEHICLE'S CHARGING SYSTEM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING, THE CAR BEGAN TO JOLT AND LOOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHIN A MINUTE. FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. HAZARD LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE INITIAL DIAGNOSIS WAS A FAILED PULLEY, REQUIRING THAT THE ENGINE BE REPLACED.

THE SOFTWARE OF THE CAR HAS A LOT OF BUGS. THE DISPLAYS ON THE CENTER CONSOLE TURNS OFF , THE RADIO CONNECTION COMES AND GO AND THIS IS IN NYC. A FRIEND HAD HIS 2015 BMW TO SAME RADIO STATION AS MY CAR AND THEY WERE RIGHT NEXT TO EACH OTHER. I WAS NOT GETTING ANY SIGNAL WHILE HIS WAS PLAYING. THE CAR FOGS AND MAKES IT VERY HARD TO SEE AND DRIVE. I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE 4 TIMES IN ONE DUE TO THIS AND SOFTWARE ISSUE.

IN COLD TEMPERATURES THE WINDOWS FOG UP TO THE EXTENT THEY START DRIPPING. THE DEFROST DOES LITTLE TO SOLVE THE ISSUE. IT TAKES ANYWHERE FROM 10-30 MINUTES DEPENDING UPON THE TEMPERATURE.

WHEN DRIVING IN COLD EXTERNAL CONDITIONS, EXISTING DEFROST SYSTEM DOES NOT ADEQUATELY CLEAR THE SIDE WINDOWS (FRONT AND REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER) EVEN AFTER 2018 RECALL AND STATED "FIX". MAX DEFROST CAPABILITY DOES NOT CLEAR THE WINDOWS. WINDOWS ARE COMPLETELY FOGGED UP MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE VISIBILITY TO SAFELY CHANGE LANES. VISIBILITY IS SEVERELY IMPAIRED MAKING IT A SAFETY ISSUE. SERVICE TECHNICIANS CLAIM THAT IT IS FIXED WHEN IT IS NOT FIXED.

1. CAR WINDOWS DO NOT DEFROST WHEN DRIVING IN COLD WEATHER. ESPECIALLY THE SIDE WINDOWS GREATLY EFFECTING VISIBILITY IF HAVING TO TURN OR CHANGE LANES 2. LOWER ELECTRICAL PANEL GOES OUT RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS MAKES YOU UNABLE TO REGULATE TEMPERATURE OR CHANGE DRIVING TYPE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER VELAR. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR INSIDE AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V087000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LAND ROVER NORWOOD (LOCATED AT 449 NEPONSET ST, NORWOOD, MA 02062, (781) 619-9000) WHERE THE FUEL RAIL WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

WHEN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD FOGS UP IN THE MORNINGS/NIGHT, THE DEFOGGER VENTILATION JUST BELOW THE FRONT WINDSHIELD, DOES NOT TOTALLY CLEAR THE CONDENSATION, LEAVING BEHIND A BIG PATCH OF CONDENSATION THAT OBSTRUCTS CLEAR VISIBILITY. ALSO, I AM FACING A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THE MEDIA SCREENS AND ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM SINCE THE TIME I BOUGHT THE CAR. WHILE OPERATING THE CAR,THE TWO MEDIA SCREENS TURN OFF FROM TIME TO TIME. SOME DAYS, ONLY THE MEDIA PLAYER AND BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY DOES NOT WORK. FROM TIME TO TIME, WHEN I CONNECT MY PHONES (IPHONE X AND IPHONE XS) VIA USB CABLE, THE PHONE IS NOT DETECTED. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE, BUT IT HAPPENS MORE OFTEN THAN I IMAGINED.

WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE MY WIFE'S VEHICLE THE GAUGES FOR SPEED, TACHOMETER, VEHICLE STATUS ETC TURN OFF. THE TWO TOUCH SCREENS ALSO TURN OFF SO CANNOT CONTROL ANY CLIMATE, RADIO, DRIVE SETTINGS ETC. IT WILL COME ON INTERMITTENTLY AND TURN BACK OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CAR STILL OPERATES BUT WITHOUT ANY INSTRUMENTATION. UNKNOWN HOW THIS AFFECTS SAFETY FEATURES SUCH AS AIRBAGS.WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES IT IS LESS INTERMITTENT BUT HAPPENS FROM TIME TO TIME. IF I ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR SOMETIMES IT WON'T EVEN TURN ON BUT AFTER A COUPLE MINUTES I CAN GET IT TO START. IT IS PUSH BUTTON. HAVE TRIED BOTH SET OF KEYS.