Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Land Rover LR2 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Rear differential went at 47K miles! Started hearing a humming noise on acceleration that progressively got worse over the next month. I researched the problem online, finding out that many people were experiencing the same thing around 50K miles and that it was the rear differential. I called Land Rover explaining the problem, but because I was no longer under warranty, I would be responsible for the entire cost. But before they could do anything, I needed to bring the car in and pay $125 so they could put the car on the lift and confirm it was in fact the rear differential. If it was the rear differential it would cost around $2500-3000! I explained that this issue is well documented on the internet, in multiple Land Rover forums and for a majority of people it is happening just after the warranty expires. …
The LR2 was driven by our daughter for several years, primarily highway mileage to and from college. In early 2015 the Rover began to make a whining noise from the rear axle. Over the course of two or three weeks the noise became progressively worse. After scheduling an appointment, Land Rover indicated that we had a damaged rear differential that would need to be replaced for approximately $2500.00. I've owned a fair number of vehicles and do know a number of auto mechanics. No one seems to have ever heard of rear differential failing at approximately 50K miles. I pressed the service manager for an answer and he referred me to the main headquarters of Land Rover. They refused replacement under warranty and failed to provide adequate compensation for the repair. …
Noticed that the vehicle had started to make humming noise and it seems the noise was coming from the rear of the vehicle. Land Rover shop checked and said the noise is coming from the tires. Replaced all 4 tires ($1000) and still the noise remained. Got it checked from two other Land Rover shops and both reached the same conclusion - read differential / bearing failure!! My LR2 has never gone off-road and the rear seats have been sparingly used. Called the Land Rover dealer and he quoted $8900 to replace the entire unit!! Unbelievable!! Online research shows this is a very common problem LR2 owners are facing. Land Rover must put a recall and fix this immediately to retain their reputation!!
Rear differential - noticed that the vehicle had started to make humming noise and it seems the noise was coming from the rear of the vehicle. Land Rover shop checked and said the noise is coming from the tires. Replaced all 4 tires ($1500) and still the noise remained. Got it checked from two other Land Rover shops and both reached the same conclusion - rear differential / bearing failure!! My LR2 has never gone off-road. I called the Land Rover dealer and he quoted $8900 to replace the entire unit!! Unbelievable!! Online research shows this is a very common problem LR2 owners are facing. Land Rover must put a recall and fix this immediately to retain their reputation!!
My 2009 LR2 VIN: ([redacted]) had 70K when purchased last year. The rear differential bearing has degraded/failed and it making this loud whine or humming noise. There are numerous voluntary recall bulletins #407296 is for 2010 and was dated 8/3/15. No mention of LR2's 2009 and older. It is the same issue. It is a safety hazard and Land Rover should fix it. There are thousands in need of repair and some have had theirs repaired multiple times. Please help us. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(b)(6).
My 2009 Land Rover LR2, has sounded very loud while driving on the highway. I thought it May have just been a tire issue that they were old and needed rotated or replaced. While my car was in the shop for an alarm system repair the dealership did a multipoint inspection. They said nothing was leaking or immediately wrong but I should get it back in for a more thorough inspection. I did and found my rear differential needs replaced. From researching I have found this his been a widespread and known issue dating back to the 2008 model.
Rear differential problems. Today August 8, 2020 I had to put my vehicle back in the shop and it's the same issue that I had a year ago. I had the same whirring noise and I was told it was my rear differential going out. Got it replaced on March 31, 2019. Fast forward to today same noise same issue. This has got to be a recall issue. Too too many complaints about this exact same issue. This is not a reasonable fix and to have to get the same thing replaced again within a year, unacceptable. Something needs to be done.
Rear end of LR2 started to hum at 62,522 miles. Brought it to Land Rover dealership and they told me that it was the rear differential and the cost of replacement would be $3000.00 dollars. No vehicle should be this costly at so low mileage and after further research this seems to be a common problem that Land Rover will not fix. Definetly recall worthy as this is not safe and could be a road hazard. Noise has loudend after a week.
Second rear differential needing to be replaced after <24K miles. The first was replaced after 68K miles. There is a loud grinding noise coming from the rear of the truck. Took the vehicle to the dealership and they advised what I thought that it was. Land Rover will not stand behind the part, tells me that it is over the 1 year warranty period. Too much of this part going bad and an expensive replacement.
Our LR2 has a failing rear differential which appears to be a common occurrence with lr2s. Danger of rear differential breaking/seizing and causing an accident. At present our drive train has a very loud and noticeable humming sound.
Transmission complaints in other LR2 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2009 Land Rover LR2?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2009 Land Rover LR2, 77% of the model year's 30 complaints. The component named most often is driveline › differential unit (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Land Rover LR2 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2009 Land Rover LR2. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Land Rover LR2 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.