Model year record

2005 Land Rover LR3 recalls & problems

The 2005 Land Rover LR3 has 5 safety recalls and 96 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is suspension (20 complaints).

Recalls5safety recalls

Complaints96filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SteeringJun 4, 2008

Column

Recall 08V24800037,142 vehicles

Problem: LAND ROVER IS RECALLING 37,142 MY 2005-2006 LR3 AND RANGE ROVER SPORT VEHICLES. RELATIVE MOTION BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL HUB AND/OR THE STEERING COLUMN COWL WITH THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH INCLUDES THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG CIRCUITRY, COULD RESULT IN FRACTURING OF THE AIR BAG WIRING CONNECTION. IF AN AIR BAG WIRE FRACTURES, THE SRS WARNING LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE SRS WARNING LIGHT INDICATES TO THE DRIVER THAT THERE IS A CONCERN WITH THE SRS SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE AND THAT IMMEDIATE REPAIR IS NECESSARY.
Risk: IF THE SRS WARNING LIGHT IS IGNORED AND A VEHICLE CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY TO COMMAND DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG OCCURS, THE AIR BAG MODULE MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE INTENDED MANNER. THE CONDITION MAY RESULT IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF ONLY ONE STAGE OF THE DUAL STAGE DRIVER'S AIR BAG OR THE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AT ALL INCREASING THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVER.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSERT 1MM SPACERS BETWEEN THE LOWER LEFT HAND SIDE OF THE COLUMN SWITCH MOUNTING POINT AND THE COLUMN LOCK TO IMPROVE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE COLUMN SWITCH. TWO FOAM PADS WILL ALSO BE FITTED TO THE TOP OF THE STEERING COLUMN SWITCH GEAR TO PROVIDE ASSURED CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE COWL AND THE CLOCKSPRING FACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

EquipmentJul 3, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E047000245,845 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET THULE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACKS WITH FOLD DOWN STYLE BIKE ARMS. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Risk: WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH POINT HAS TO POTENTIAL OF CAUSING A SEVERE LACERATION OR AMPUTATION TO THE USER'S FINGERTIPS OR HAND.
Fix: THULE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT AND INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT THULE AT 800-THULE91 (800-848-5391). NOTES: LAND ROVER PURCHASED SOME OF THESE BIKE RACKS FOR USE ON THEIR LR3 AND RANGE ROVER SPORT VEHICLES, PART NO. LRNAPBR4. L. L. BEAN ALSO SELLS SOME OF THESE BIKE RACKS UNDER THE MODEL NAME OF HITCHING POST PRO (WD75, WD76, WD77, WD78, YL05, BBG9, BBH1, BBH2, BBH4), EXPRESSWAY (WD72, WD73, BBH5, BBH6), OR TRAILBLAZER (WD31, BBH7). REI HAS ALSO PURCHASED SOME OF THESE BIKE RACKS UNDER MODEL NAMES: HITCHING POST PRO (934, 934XT, 935, 935XT, 936, 936XT, 937, 937XT, 951, 951XT), EXPRESSWAY (995, 995XT, 996, 996XT), AND TRAILBLAZER (998, 998XT).

Fuel system, gasolineJan 17, 2007

Storage

Recall 07V0110006,116 vehicles

Problem: SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE FUEL TANKS THAT CONTAIN AN INTERNAL BREATHER PIPE THAT WAS NOT MADE TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE SWELLING AND CRACKING OF A GROMMET AND SUBSEQUENT DETACHMENT OF THE BREATHER PIPE FROM A CONNECTOR TUBE. WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE DETACHED JOINT, FUEL MAY THEN ENTER THE BREATHER PIPE AND EXCESS FUEL MAY BE DISCHARGED ONTO THE GROUND.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

Electrical systemApr 20, 2006

Ignition › Switch

Recall 06V13100045,900 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, 'THEFT PROTECTION.' WHEN THE IGNITION IS SWITCHED OFF, AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME, IT IS POSSIBLE TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER IS NOT IN PARK.
Risk: THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE DRIVELINE CONTROL TRANSFER BOX ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) WITH REVISED SOFTWARE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-201-818-8500.

Fuel system, gasolineAug 29, 2005

Storage

Recall 05V37600017,263 vehicles

Problem: SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE FUEL TANKS THAT CONTAIN AN INTERNAL BREATHER PIPE THAT WAS NOT MADE TO SPECIFICATION. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE SWELLING AND CRACKING OF A GROMMET AND SUBSEQUENT DETACHMENT OF THE BREATHER PIPE FROM A CONNECTOR TUBE. WHEN THE FUEL LEVEL IN THE TANK IS ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE DETACHED JOINT, FUEL MAY THEN ENTER THE BREATHER PIPE.
Risk: THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE FUEL ODOR, DRIVABILITY CONCERNS SUCH AS HESITATION, MISFIRE, STALLING, ROUGH RUNNING, OR DIFFICULTY IN STARTING AND THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT MAY BE ILLUMINATED. IF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL FLOWING INTO THE BREATHER PIPE REACHES THE VAPOR CANISTER AND EXCEEDS ITS CAPACITY, THE EXCESS FUEL MAY BE DISCHARGED ONTO THE GROUND. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 24, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2005 Land Rover LR3 4-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

LR3

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

LR3

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.4 L · 8 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
SuspensionRear › Springs › Air suspension system; Front	20	21,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring; 12v/24v/48v battery	19	35,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Driveline › Differential unit	16	65,000 mi
Fuel system, gasolineStorage › Tank assembly; Storage	15	9,750 mi
TiresTread/belt; Temporary/emergency spare tire	15	25,300 mi
StructureBody; Frame and members	10	45,000 mi
VisibilityWindshield; Sun/moon roof assembly	9	47,350 mi
Air bags	7	100,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine	5	10,500 mi
Vehicle speed controlCruise control	5	7,500 mi
Steering	5	26,000 mi
Equipment	3	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Service brakes
After a heavy rainstorm in [XXX] , my 2005 Land Rover LR3 experienced catastrophic water intrusion through the A-pillar design flaw documented in Land Roverâs own TSB LA501-007. When I opened the passenger door, ~1.5 inches of water poured out. Immediately afterward, the vehicle developed multiple failures: flickering lights, radio inoperative, driverâs window stuck, ABS warning lights illuminated, âTransmission Faultâ error displayed, and the air suspension automatically lowered into its fail-safe mode. This is not wear and tear. Land Rover has acknowledged the defect internally (A-pillar locator holes allowing water ingress into the footwell), but never issued a recall or owner…
Sep 20, 2025
Air bags
Others of same model and year were recalled and mine was not, despite having same issue with airbag fault in steering column
Jul 1, 2020
Fuel/propulsion system
SINCE PURCHASING MY SECOND HAND 2005 LAND ROVER LR3 IN 2013, I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. I EXPERIENCE DRIVABILITY CONCERNS SUCH AS HESITATION, MISFIRE, STALLING, ROUGH RUNNING, AND DIFFICULTY IN STARTING, AND THE 'CHECK ENGINE' LIGHT IS ALMOST ALWAYS ILLUMINATED. I HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THESE ISSUES, AND HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY CHASING THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING EQUIPMENT AND SPENDING A LOT OF TIME IN DOING SO. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THIS ISSUE BEING A RECALL ISSUE FOR 17263 OTHER LAND ROVERS LR3 (NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID 05V376000) NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL I WAS RESEARCHING THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE IN ORDER TO SELL IT. WHILE ON THE KELLY BLUE BOOK WEBSITE, I WAS ALERTED THERE…
Nov 20, 2019 · 172,000 miles
Suspension
THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION IS TOTALLY DEAD. THERE WAS A RECALL YEARS AGO BUT I DIDNT GET IT DONE. NOW WHEN I SEARCH RECALLS ITS NOT THERE, BECAUSE SOMEONE THINKS THE WORK WAS COMPLETED. THAT IS SIMPLY FALSE. I CAN BARELY DRIVE THIS VEHICLE NOW BECAUSE THE LEFT SIDE DROPPED DUE TO AIR SUSPENSION. THE SERVICE GUY TOLD ME THE SUSPENSION WAS BUILT IMPROPERLY.
Mar 9, 2016 · 99,000 miles
Seat belts
SHOULDER BRACKET MANUFACTURING DEFECT, ALL YEARS, PROBABLY LR4 AS WELL AS EOROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL MODELS DISCOVERY 3 AND 4, RANGE ROVER SPORT CASTING SPLITS AND CRACKS AT MULTIPLE POINTS AROUND BOLT HOLE OVER TIME. 4 OF 4 UNITS I INSPECTED WITH SIMILARR FAILURE. THERE WAS NO INCIDENT, FRAYED SEATBELT, ORDERED USED REPLACEMENT, THEY WERE AS BAD AS THE ONE ON THE VEHICLE, ALL WERE CRACKED. NO ACCIDENT WITH THE VEHICLE. FACTORY ORIGINAL AND ONE ADDITIONAL UNIT AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
Jul 2, 2018
Engine
AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE REVVED UP, ALMOST GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT, HAD TO STAND ON THE BRAKE IN ORDER TO KEEP IT FROM TAKING OFF, IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL, ENGINE CONTINUED RACING WHILE IN NUETRAL.
Mar 3, 2018 · 130,531 miles
Power train
VEHICLE AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP STATIONARY WITH ENGINE RUNNING IN DRIVE, IE, STOP LIGHT, STOP SIGN, AND PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO GAS PEDAL THE VEHCLE FAILS TO MOVE FORWARD FOR SEVERAL SECONDS, MORE PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO GAS PEDAL TO ELICIT RESPONSE FROM VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY EVERYTHING SEEMS TO 'KICK' IN RESULTING IN A VIOLENT JOLT AS VEHICLE SUDDENLY REVS UP AND BEGINS TO MOVE. DELAY BETWEEN FORWARD MOVEMET AND APPLIED GAS PEDAL IS SEVERAL SECONDS AND HAPPENS OFTEN. VEHICHLE HAS BEEN INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO VISIBLE ISSUES AND NO ERROR CODES BELIEVE TO BE PRESENT. WHEN READING ON THE ONLINE LAND ROVER FORUMS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM AND HAS RESULTED IN WHAT IS LIKELY TO…
Jan 5, 2016 · 84,000 miles
Service brakes
THIS DESCRIPTION WAS BLANK.
Apr 9, 2017

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.