2016 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

After an inspection underneath the car, the fuel tank is at risk of falling off because the cover that holds it is completely rusted. It is very dangerous to drive like this after the tank is filled with fuel and the weight of the tank increases without knowing what can support it.

The contact owns a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front suspension made an abnormal sound while driving over a bump in the roadway, while depressing the brake pedal, or while turning. The sound became louder over time. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,300.

I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving a 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged 5.0L (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 88,000 miles. The vehicle experienced sudden engine failure due to a timing chain malfunction. Timing chain failure in this engine platform can result in immediate engine stall and total loss of propulsion without warning. A sudden engine stall while driving presents a serious safety risk, including loss of power steering assist, reduced braking performance, and increased risk of collision. The 5.0L AJ133 engine used in 2013–2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles has a documented pattern of premature timing chain and timing chain tensioner failures. Numerous owner reports indicate similar failures occurring before expected service life. In my case, the timing chain failure caused catastrophic internal engine damage requiring full engine replacement. The failure occurred despite proper maintenance and without prior warning indicators sufficient to prevent breakdown. This issue represents a potential safety defect because sudden engine failure can occur while the vehicle is in motion, creating hazardous driving conditions. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue for potential investigation into premature timing chain failure in 2013–2017 Land Rover Range Rover 5.0L Supercharged vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

This era of Land Rover products used an inferior metal for the fuel tank shield where they corrode prematurely. The shield has almost completely disintegrated where it no longer will support the fuel tank. If the fuel tank falls, it will come in direct contact with the driveshaft and destroy the tank leading to a massive fuel leak and subsequent fire. My tank is currently held up with ratchet straps to avoid this happening. With the exception of the fuel tank shield, every other undercarriage component is rust/corrosion free.

Rusted out fuel tank shield that protects against objects piercing fuel tank and catching fire