Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: running costs are the problem rather than the car itself.
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Land Rover LR2, and it carries 1 recall. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 33 | 39% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 9% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 7 | 8% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 5% |
| Steering | 3 | 4% |
| Engine | 3 | 4% |
| Visibility | 3 | 4% |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 2% |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
My rear differential failed at 43k. This has been a common problem for LandRover 2008 LR2. The repair is costing me 5k to repair.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Ongoing problem with car not starting because of "steering wheel lock" message. Took to dealership first time and they replaced 2 fobs ($600) and starter ($2700). After 2 months same message came back on and car wouldn't
NHTSA complaint: Steering
I bought the 2008 Land Rover LR2 3 years ago and since then I've had to replace the motor transmission hoses tons of modules starter alternator and three batteries in the past year if that's not worse or bad enough I've
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Land Rover LR2. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making either a right or left turn, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inform
NHTSA complaint: Power train
I have a 2008 Land Rover LR2 in mint condition and regularly maintained by a Land Rover dealer and purchased new from a LR dealer in Pittsburgh. It only has 39K miles and always parked indoors. Last year I noticed a hum
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2008 Land Rover LR2. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start with the key in the ignition. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with body control module failure. The body contr
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
THE SUNROOF SIDE RAILS HAVE BROKEN AND THE PLASTIC PIECES ARE LODGED IN THE SUNROOF. IT WILL NOT OPERATE AND SEEMS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 LAND ROVER LR2. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. AS THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, BLACK SMOKE HAD
NHTSA complaint: Engine
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2008 Land Rover LR2. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
LAND ROVER IS RECALLING 12,353 MY 2008 LR2 VEHICLES BUILT WITH A SUNROOF. FAILURE OF EITHER THE LEFT OR RIGHT HAND SIDE SUNROOF GUIDE RAIL CAN OCCUR WHEN THE SUNROOF IS OPERATED. EXCESSIVE STRESS CAN DEVELOP IN THE OVER-MOLDED BRACKET WHICH COULD LEAD TO CRACKING DURING NORMAL SUNROOF OPERATION.
Risk: THE OBSTRUCTION COULD CAUSE THE SUNROOF, WHEN OPERATED, TO BIND, TWIST, AND POTENTIALLY DETACH FROM THE OPERATING MECHANISM. IF THE SUNROOF IS SUBSEQUENTLY CYCLED AND A VERTICAL FORCE APPLIED, I.E.,
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL RETENTION INSERTS TO BOTH SIDES OF THE GLASS PANEL GUIDE RAILS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 29, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
| Reliability raw | 84 | excellent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 59 | average |
| Depreciation | 57 | average |
| Performance | 66 | good |
| Efficiency | 33 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 33 of them (39%). There is 1 recall on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 84/100 (excellent) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip unless cheap, because running costs are the problem rather than the car itself. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.