What Are the Most Common Range Rover Suspension Issues? (Expert Guide)

By Hermanth B
Page last updated: 12/08/2023 | Next review date: 12/08/2025
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Hermanth B
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In this brief article we are going to discuss the different Range Rover air suspension issues, what the causes are, and how these issues can be effectively dealt with.

Range Rovers have always been known for their ruggedness and off-road capabilities. The Range Rover’s suspension system design has always been a key factor in its ability to navigate various kinds of terrain.

Range Rover Air Suspension

Back in 1993, Air suspension was introduced in some Range Rover models, replacing the conventional coil spring suspension. The air suspension system gave the Range Rover the ability to adjust its suspension ride height to facilitate off-roading as well as normal daily driving. By 1995, all Range Rover models got air suspension as standard. 

The Electronic Air Suspension (EAS) system software adjusts air pressure in the air springs automatically depending on the speed of the car and the kind terrain it goes through.

The Range Rover air suspension system consists of: 

  • Air bags sit in the four corners of the vehicle, and individual pressures can be adjusted according to the vehicle body corners’ distance from the wheels. 
  • There are Height sensors also at each corner of the vehicle that detect the body’s distance from the ground. 
  • The air compressor is used to generate air pressure in the system
  • The storage tank which is the air reservoir and filter
  • The valve block routes air to individual air springs of the car
  • The electronic control unit regulates the system’s settings and allows the driver to adjust the vehicle’s height. 

Most of these system components are quite expensive to replace. Moreover, if any of these components fail, then the whole air suspension system ceases to function .

What are the common Range Rover Air suspension Problems?

Air Spring Damage

Air Spring Damage is a common problem with Range Rovers. The Air Springs tend to wear out at the top and bottom over time, or they can blow out suddenly when damaged by road debris. Slow leaks in air springs can overwork the air compressor pump. 

The Air Springs usually have a life of 100,000 miles or 6 years in most climates.

Sensor Faults

The air suspension sensors in the Range Rover get damaged from harsh weather, Dirt. Any kind of sensor malfunction or failure will make the vehicle incapable of leveling itself. In addition, the vehicle could get stuck at one particular ride height setting.

Air Compressor Failure

The air compressor could wear over time, and reduce pumping speed. An error message will show when the pumping system works slower than it is supposed to. 

Valve block Failure 

This is probably the most expensive of system components. It  could eventually start leaking or could fail to shut off air flow between the individual air springs. 

Air Suspension Electronic control unit (ECU) failure

ECU failure will cause the system to incorrectly regulate the air suspension system.

What does it mean when my Range Rover says suspension fault?

When any part or component of the Range Rover Air Suspension system malfunctions, the diagnostic system detects that and the dashboard displays the error message  “EAS FAULT”. Once this error appears on the display, there is a likelihood of the air springs deflating. 

It would be wise to immediately diagnose Range Rover for all the possible faults. 

How to Deal With Range Rover Air Suspension System Failure? How do you maintain air suspension?

  • Range Rover owners can also avoid air suspension issues if they perform regular maintenance.
    • Periodically Bleeding the air tank
    • Changing the inlet air filter
    • Inspecting the air circuit lines for cracks, blocks, or leaks, 

Are all measures that can prevent future problems.

  • Air suspension components are generally costly to replace. So some Range Rover owners, instead of repairing their air suspension, choose to remove their air suspension system and substitute it with steel springs. 

This would eliminate all the typical air suspension system problems, but at the cost of your Range Rover’s off-road abilities.

Conclusion

In this brief article we have discussed the different Range Rover air suspension issues, what the causes are, and how these issues can be effectively dealt with.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

 

How much does it cost to fix a Range Rover air suspension?

The Range Rover Sport Active Suspension Air Spring Replacement would Cost an Estimated $1,600. The labor involved would cost around $298.

A compressor replacement part would cost around $450.

How long do Range Rover air suspension last?

From maintenance feedback from the past, it is estimated that each air spring must be replaced at an interval of every 50,000 and 70,000 miles. If usage pattern is normal with lesser Off-roading the air spring could last upto 10 years as well. 

Can you drive Range Rover air suspension inactive?

Yes, you can drive your Range Rover with the “Air Susp Inactive” message ON. You can drive for as long as you want, but, only as long as:

  • Your car stayed at the normal ride – height mode (NRH) even after you saw the message
  • If there is no leakage in your air suspension system

Do Range Rovers have a lot of problems?

Yes, Range Rovers do have problems and these problems are in a wide range of areas like:

  • Air suspension
  • Engine
  • Engine electricals
  • Air conditioning
  • Satellite-navigation
  • Electricals of the interiors
  • Gearbox and drivetrain and 
  • Bodywork (Leaks from the sunroof and around the tailgate)