IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2015–2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2015–2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538). 2 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

The 2015–2018 period has 2 more issues than the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Transfer Box / PTU Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) can fail or leak, leading to expensive driveline repairs.

Most affected: AWD models

Estimated cost: £1,000–£2,000Affects: 2011–2018Often appears around: 50k-100k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Whining noise from underneath
  • •Clunking when taking up drive
  • •Traction Reduced message

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for whine at constant speed
  • ✓Matching tyres on all corners

Ingenium Timing Chain Wear (The "Slap")

SeriousEngine

The 2.0 diesel engine suffers from timing chain stretch, often known as "timing chain slap". This is accelerated by oil dilution reaching the 6-7% threshold, which degrades lubrication.

Most affected: 2.0 Ingenium Diesel

Estimated cost: £2,000–£3,500Affects: 2015–2018Often appears around: 40k-90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Cold start metallic rattle
  • •Service required warning as early as 6k miles
  • •Restricted Performance mode

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Oil change history (interim changes are vital)
  • ✓Startup noise
  • ✓Rising oil levels on dipstick

Door Lock Actuator Failures

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The door lock actuators fail intermittently, causing doors to unlock spontaneously or refuse to lock. A common and annoying electrical fault.

Most affected: All models

Estimated cost: £100–£250 per doorAffects: 2011–2018Often appears around: 40,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Doors unlocking spontaneously
  • •Central locking not working
  • •Unable to lock car

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test all door locks multiple times
  • ✓Check for intermittent unlock behavior

Water Ingress through Panoramic Roof

ModerateBodywork & Rust

Blocked sunroof drains and poor sealing lead to wet carpets, misted windows, and potential electrical damage from water reaching modules.

Most affected: Models with Panoramic Roof

Estimated cost: £150–£800Affects: 2011–2018Often appears around: Any

Typical symptoms

  • •Wet front or rear carpets
  • •Misted windows
  • •Electrical glitches after rain

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check under boot floor carpet
  • ✓Inspect front footwells
  • ✓Test sunroof drain channels

Buying Tips for the 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538)

  • ✓Prefer the early 2.2 diesel (2011-2015) for better long-term reliability.
  • ✓On Ingenium models (2015+), check for cold start rattle and rising oil levels.
  • ✓Listen for transfer box whine - they are a known failure point on hard-used cars.
  • ✓Check for dampness in the boot and rear footwells.
2011–2014 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538)

Browse 2015–2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538) in our Directory

View MOT history, registration data, and reliability scores for 2015–2018 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538) vehicles.

View 2015–2018 Directory

Other Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Mk1 (L538) Year Periods

2011–20142015–2018

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