The 2019 Range Rover Velar is the least reliable version of the SUV with countless complaints. Here’s why used car buyers should avoid it.
First cruising into the automotive market in March 2017, the Land Rover Range Rover Velar caught the eye of avid car enthusiasts and boasted itself as a stylish, luxurious crossover SUV. Six years on, the Velar has since been deemed an unreliable option, with the 2019 model year accumulating countless complaints regarding the SUV’s engine, transmission, and electrical issues. According to Car Complaints, the 2019 Range Rover Velar received the most complaints. The SUV was recalled following customer reports of sudden engine failure, inoperative infotainment systems, random stalling, and unstable steering.
Any car owner would agree that a dependable vehicle is a high commodity, and it seems that the 2019 Range Rover Velar is not an SUV that you can depend on. Costly maintenance and the likelihood that this crossover will spend more time in the mechanics than in its owner’s garage add to the 2019 Velar’s poor reputation.
Although the 2019 Range Rover Velar presents as a robust, lavish SUV, it seems that it comes with more faults than one would assume.
The 2019 Range Rover Velar Has Experienced Numerous Engine Issues
According to NHTSA complaints, the 2019 Range Rover Velar has been known to completely shut down at various speeds, with no prior warning. Following a recall of the 2019 Range Rover Velar, it was determined that the crankshaft pulley retaining bold was damaged in just under 2,000 Velars, subsequently resulting in engine failure. Owners have also experienced fuel leaking in the engine compartment. The poorly made fuel rail end caps have been found to leak, resulting in fuel vapor and liquid seeping under the hood. The recalled Velars were taken for the fuel rails to be replaced free of charge, although it’s not what one expects when splashing out at least $50,625 on a luxury SUV. Unlucky Velar owners have reported experiencing unexpected transmission problems. Although never trivial, they can often be rather costly. While driving, the Velar has been known to pop up an alert reading “Transmission Fault” on the instrument panel before the car loses power and ultimately stops. When this unknown error occurs the 2019 Range Rover Velar makes it impossible for drivers to change into park mode without turning off the engine. Owners found that the solution to this irritating issue was to change the Transmission Control Module, which although rather straightforward, will come at a cost of $800.
2019 Velar Owners Have Reported Electrical Faults
Electronics form the heart of most modern cars’ comfort, entertainment, and safety features. Since its release, the 2019 Range Rover Velar has been reported to be riddled with electrical problems, often limiting those sought-after features.
There are numerous reports that 2019 Velar owners have found their SUV’s transmission to be stuck in Park, for no apparent reason. Following further investigation, it was deemed that a faulty brake light switch was to blame. When the Velar’s computer system detects this issue, it predicts that the vehicle is dangerous to drive, thus locking it in Park. Any gearhead will agree that a flat battery is one of the most frustrating issues a car owner can face, and the 2019 Range Rover Velar isn’t a stranger to this problem. Some instances have seen the Velar’s infotainment system not shutting down correctly, or its hands-free locking system failing, therefore draining the battery.
There’s no doubt that the Velar’s infotainment system looks futuristic, but it has faced its fair share of technical problems. According to Car Complaints, owners have reported that their central console screen is stuck on the rearview camera screen, with some complaining that the screen has randomly gone completely blank whilst driving. The 2019 Range Rover Velar’s top screen has been known to shut down without any prior warning, leaving the only solution to be a $1400 trip to the garage for a control unit replacement.
Dependable Alternatives To The 2019 Range Rover Velar
For a car enthusiast searching for a reliable alternative to the 2019 Range Rover Velar, there are several options that will offer heightened performance, reliability, and overall value for money, minus the faulty systems.
With a starting price of $70,300, the Audi Q8 boasts itself as a stylish and luxurious SUV with a spacious interior. The glorious Mercedes-Benz GLE also offers a comfortable interior, and advanced safety features. Offering improved performance, the sporty Jaguar F-Pace carries a well-loved reputation. Each alternative is known for its dependability, meaning fewer trips to the mechanic.
There’s no denying that the British automotive giants Land Rover can look back at their Range Rover collection and be proud, although it’s unlikely that the 2019 Velar will be at the forefront of their fondest memories. Due to poor electrical systems, engine issues, and transmission faults, it seems the 2019 Range Rover Velar will continue to be tainted with an undependable reputation.
Source: Car Complaints, Land Rover, NHTSA
