Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
SUV · Gas · 15 versions · owner report
Ranked #19 of 22 luxury compact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (274 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, heavily dominated by widespread and severe concerns over reliability and ownership costs.
8 problems reported (4 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Very frequent reports across various model years, including V6 petrol and four-cylinder engines. Repair costs cited up to $32,000 USD.
Screens (especially dual touchscreens) fail to boot, become sluggish, or freeze entirely, often requiring multiple ignition cycles or extended downtime to resolve. Affects climate control and other essential functions.
Various unspecified electrical faults causing malfunctions across different systems.
Consistently ranked at or near the bottom of major reliability surveys across multiple years and models, with high fault rates, long repair times, and high costs.
Mentioned in the context of Velar models, though specific details are limited.
Noted as a common point of failure and expense.
Sensors are reported to be slow to react compared to other brands, sometimes providing warnings after contact has occurred.
Isolated mention of rogue sensors causing system malfunctions.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Isolated recommendations suggest avoiding diesel engines (noted for issues) and the newer Ingenium inline-six engine due to a lack of available replacement blocks, making repairs prohibitively expensive. The older supercharged V6 (AJ126), while still problematic, is mentioned as having more available remanufactured parts. Higher trims with air suspension and panoramic roofs are noted as additional potential failure points.
Owners compare it most often with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE/GLC, Audi Q7/Q5, Volvo XC90 and Porsche Cayenne.
Is the Range Rover Velar right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, heavily dominated by widespread and severe concerns over reliability and ownership costs. The vehicle is consistently praised for its exceptional design, road presence, comfortable ride, high-quality interior materials, and smooth, powerful driving experience, particularly with the six-cylinder engines. However, this positive feedback is overwhelmingly overshadowed by very frequent reports of catastrophic mechanical failures, persistent electrical gremlins, and exorbitant repair costs. The consensus indicates deep appreciation for the vehicle's aesthetics and driving dynamics when functional, but profound frustration and financial strain due to its propensity for major, time-consuming, and expensive breakdowns. Owner satisfaction appears to be a high-risk gamble, heavily dependent on warranty coverage.
Positioned as a stylish, design-focused luxury SUV that sacrifices the legendary off-road capability of other Land Rover models for on-road aesthetics and presence. Frequently compared unfavorably to German rivals (BMW X5, Mercedes GLE) for long-term reliability, cost of ownership, and infotainment polish, though sometimes praised for a more solid or commanding feel. Considered superior in design and road presence to many competitors but is statistically cited as one of the least reliable vehicles in its class. The plug-in hybrid (P400e) is noted as an option for those with home solar, but real-world data is scarce.
Petrol/gasoline engines are strongly recommended over diesel due to perceived better reliability. Avoiding air suspension and panoramic glass roofs is suggested to reduce potential failure points and leaks. Purchasing a manufacturer-certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle or securing a comprehensive extended warranty from a JLR dealer is considered an absolute necessity by many owners. Premium fuel is recommended for better performance despite the engine accepting regular fuel.
Only recommended for purchase with a comprehensive, transferable factory warranty (new or CPO). Not recommended for out-of-warranty ownership due to extreme financial risk from potential repairs. Suitable for buyers who prioritize stunning design, comfort, and a commanding driving position over long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. Strongly advised to have any used vehicle thoroughly inspected by a certified independent Land Rover technician prior to purchase. Budget significantly for higher fuel and maintenance costs compared to mainstream brands. Be prepared for potential lengthy repair times, with reports of vehicles being in the shop for weeks. For short-term ownership (2-3 years), a warranty-covered vehicle may be feasible, but expect steep depreciation.
The 2018 model year, being the first model year of the Velar, is repeatedly singled out as particularly problematic, especially regarding infotainment and early-build issues. However, significant reliability concerns are reported across all model years up to and including 2024+. The plug-in hybrid (P400e) model lacks sufficient owner-reported data on real-world electric range or post-depletion fuel economy. Community feedback is heavily polarized between owners who have had trouble-free experiences and those who have suffered major, financially devastating failures, with the latter being far more prevalent in the discussions. The high cost of genuine parts and the complexity of dealer-only servicing for newer models (2018+) significantly exacerbate ownership costs when problems arise. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and purchase inquiries.
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2024 | 2 | 4 | other/i am not sure |
| 2023 | 6 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2022 | 8 | 4 | power train |
| 2021 | 12 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 16 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 27 | 2 | engine |
| 2018 | 43 | 3 | unknown or other |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2026 · seat belts:front:warning light/devicescampaign 26V297000
Jaguar Land Rover North America LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2026 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover vehicles. The seat belt warning system may not activate the audible warning chime as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubrication:filter/screencampaign 24V450000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Defender, 2024 Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The oil filter housing can crack and leak oil into the engine compartment.
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 24V678000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2024 Defender, Discovery Sport, Range Rover, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The Near Field Sensing Module (NFSM) may overheat and cause the 3D surround camera images, including the rearview camera image, not to display.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V248000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2024 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V599000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:oil/lubricationcampaign 23V044000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2023 Range Rover, Defender, 2022-2023 Discovery, and 2023 Range Rover Velar vehicles. The engine cam carrier oil channel may be blocked, which can lead to an oil leak.
2023 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V248000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2023 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V599000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2022 · seat belts:pretensionercampaign 22V523000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022-23 Land Rover Defender, Discovery, Discovery Sport and 2022 Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners may be damaged, which can cause the seat belts to not properly restrain occupants.
2022 · electrical system:adascampaign 22V581000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vehicles. The vehicles were manufactured without an Audio Amplifier Module (AAM), and therefore will not provide audio safety features, such as seat belt reminders, turn signal sounds, and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) warnings.
2022 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V248000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2022 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V599000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2021 · seat belts:front:retractorcampaign 21V668000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021 Range Rover, 2022 Range Rover Sport, 2020-2021 Range Rover Velar, Discovery Sport, 2020-2022 Discovery, and Defender vehicles. The seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly.
2021 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V248000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Land Rover Discovery, 2020-2023 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover, 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Jaguar F-Pace, and 2021-2022 Jaguar E-Pace mild-hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs). Insufficient electrical load balancing during times of high demand can lead to a current overload condition and malfunction of the DCDC converter. A failure of the DC-DC converter will result in a loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
2021 · electrical system:propulsion system:dc/dc convertercampaign 26V599000
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2019-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, 2020-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Land Rover Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Land Rover Defender, 2021-2024 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace, F-Pace, and Land Rover Discovery vehicles. The DC-DC converter may malfunction due to an electrical overload that can occur during high power demand. Additionally, a software error can cause the DC-DC converter to stop functioning at vehicle start-up under certain circumstances. Failure of the DC-DC converter will result in the loss of 12-Volt system charging and can lead to complete loss of drive power and exterior lighting.
7 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
3.0 P400 Mild Hybrid
3.0L 6-cylinder · 400 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2023–2026