Stylish compact SUV that put Land Rover on the map for younger buyers. The 2.0L Ingenium TD4 diesel replaced the older 2.2L in 2015, bringing better efficiency but also some well-documented reliability concerns. The timing chain is the headline issue - stretched chains can cause catastrophic engine failure, typically between 50,000-80,000 miles. Oil dilution from incomplete DPF regenerations accelerates this wear, making the TD4 unsuitable for short-trip driving. The 9-speed ZF automatic gearbox can be problematic. Turbocharger failures, AdBlue system faults, and electrical gremlins round out a concerning reliability picture. Land Rover consistently ranks near the bottom of manufacturer reliability surveys. Check all recalls completed and insist on full service history with evidence of regular oil changes.
Chain stretches prematurely, causes cold start rattle, can snap and destroy engine - more- less
The 2.0 Ingenium diesel timing chain issue is well-documented across Evoque owner forums. The root cause is oil dilution from incomplete DPF regeneration cycles - when the car doesn't reach operating temperature long enough for regen to complete, unburned diesel enters the oil, reducing its lubricating properties. This accelerates chain and guide wear. Plastic chain guide particles can also clog the oil pickup, causing turbo and bearing failures. Symptoms start with a light metallic rattle on cold start for the first 10-30 seconds. Failures typically occur between 50,000-80,000 miles but have been reported as early as 34,000 miles. Land Rover's service schedule now recommends chain replacement at 7 years regardless of mileage. Chain replacement costs €1,800-4,500 depending on shop. If the chain snaps and causes valve/piston contact, you're looking at €6,000+ for engine rebuild or replacement.
9-speed ZF gearbox issues€800 - €10,000
Harsh shifts, jerking, mechatronic unit failures in ZF 9HP transmission - more- less
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic was problematic across multiple manufacturers. Common symptoms include harsh gear changes when shifting from neutral to drive, surge-like sensations during moderate-load driving, and shudders in 1st-2nd gear transitions. Forum users consistently advise avoiding the 9-speed if possible. Causes include mechatronic calibration issues, fluid overheat, valve block wear, and clutch pack friction problems. Software updates can sometimes resolve shift quality issues (€150-300). Mechatronic unit repair runs €1,500-3,500 at specialists. Complete transmission replacement has been quoted at €8,000-10,000 at dealers. ZF recalled approximately 500,000 9-speeds in 2016 due to a faulty sensor. Always ensure gearbox fluid is ZF-specific and at correct level.
Turbocharger failure€1,500 - €3,500
Oil starvation from diluted oil or blocked pickup causes turbo bearing wear - more- less
Turbo failures on the 2.0 Ingenium are often secondary to the oil dilution/timing chain issue - as engine oil loses its lubricating properties, the turbo bearings suffer. Symptoms include loss of power with engine management light, a siren-like whining or whistling that worsens over time, and blue smoke from the exhaust if oil leaks into the exhaust system. The turbo is positioned between the firewall and engine block, making access extremely difficult - this drives up labor costs significantly. OEM turbo with manifold is around €1,200-1,500 for parts alone. Total replacement cost at a dealer can reach €3,500-4,000. Independent specialists typically charge €1,500-2,500. When replacing, also replace oil feed pipes and flush the system thoroughly.
DPF clogging/regeneration issues€350 - €2,500
Incomplete regeneration cycles from short trips cause DPF blockage - more- less
The DPF on the 2.0 Ingenium requires frequent regeneration - approximately every 75-100 miles in urban driving. Land Rover states regeneration takes 40 minutes at 40-70 mph (covering at least 26 miles). If you primarily do short trips, the DPF will not regenerate properly, leading to soot buildup and eventually the red "Exhaust Filter Full - Visit Dealer" warning. This is a known issue around 50,000 miles. Forced regeneration at a dealer costs €100-150. Manual cleaning and regeneration runs €300-400. DPF replacement is €1,800-2,500. Critically, incomplete DPF regen also causes the oil dilution that damages the timing chain and turbo - it's all interconnected. The TD4 is genuinely unsuitable for drivers who don't regularly make journeys of 30+ minutes.
AdBlue/SCR system faults€250 - €900
NOx sensors fail, AdBlue pump issues cause immobilization warnings - more- less
2016+ Evoque diesels use AdBlue (SCR system) for emissions compliance. The system is sensitive - if AdBlue runs out, the car will refuse to start until topped up. Overfilling can damage the NOx sensors. Contamination is also common. NOx sensor replacement costs approximately €800-900 including labor. AdBlue pump replacement is €200-400. AdBlue injector replacement runs €450-900. When a new NOx sensor is fitted, the connector pin configuration may need adjustment as Land Rover changed suppliers. The system can also consume AdBlue excessively when faulty, which itself indicates contamination or sensor failure.
EGR valve clogging€500 - €1,100
Carbon buildup blocks EGR, causing rough idle and poor fuel economy - more- less
The EGR valve on diesel Evoques clogs with carbon over time, particularly in cars doing shorter journeys. Symptoms include rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, excessive smoke, and increased fuel consumption. A stuck EGR also accelerates DPF clogging. The valve can sometimes be cleaned rather than replaced - EGR cleaning costs €150-250. Full replacement at a dealer was quoted at €1,100 by one owner. Independent specialists charge €500-700. The job requires draining coolant as the EGR cooler must be removed with the valve. Manufacturers recommend EGR cleaning service every 50,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
Electrical/battery drain issues€150 - €800
Parasitic drain from modules not sleeping properly, flat batteries within days - more- less
Electrical problems are one of the most common Evoque complaints. Parasitic battery drain occurs when electronic modules fail to enter sleep mode after ignition off. Known culprits include the telematics unit, radio relay, and seatbelt module. The Evoque has 25 electronic processes that enter standby when turned off - if you don't double-lock with two presses of the fob, these processes continue draining the battery. Batteries can go flat within 7-10 days if not driven. Other issues include infotainment freezing/blanking (module replacement quoted at €3,000+ at dealer), power window malfunctions, and sensor failures. Simple fixes like fuse resets sometimes work. Complex module diagnosis can cost €150-300. A quality trickle charger is essential for infrequently driven Evoques.
Piston cooling oil jet solenoid€500 - €1,000
Coolant leak from thermostat housing damages solenoid below it - more- less
The 2.0 Ingenium uses an electronically controlled solenoid to manage oil flow to the piston cooling jets. The solenoid is positioned below the thermostat housing, which is prone to leaking. When coolant drips onto the solenoid connector, it causes corrosion and failure. The part itself costs around €150, but dealer quotes for the repair reach €1,000 due to labor. Independent JLR specialists typically charge €500-700 including thermostat gasket replacement and fresh coolant. If the solenoid fails completely, pistons can overheat under load, leading to accelerated wear.
Water pump/thermostat housing leak€700 - €1,200
Integrated electric water pump and thermostat housing develops leaks - more- less
The water pump and thermostat are integrated into a single housing on the Ingenium engine. Failures typically occur between 60,000-90,000 miles. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated electric design makes the part expensive - approximately €400-500. Labor is significant due to accessibility. Total replacement cost is €700-1,200 depending on shop. It's recommended to replace the thermostat and water pump together if one fails. Check coolant level regularly and watch for any signs of weeping around the housing.
Dual mass flywheel wear€1,200 - €1,800
DMF wears prematurely on manual transmission models, vibration through clutch - more- less
Manual transmission Evoques use a dual mass flywheel that can wear prematurely, particularly on cars with start-stop systems due to the constant engine cycling. Symptoms include excessive vibration through the clutch pedal, especially at idle. The flywheel and clutch are typically replaced together. Parts cost approximately €800-1,000 (€500 for flywheel, €350-500 for clutch kit). Labor requires gearbox removal. Total cost runs €1,200-1,800 at independent shops. Solid flywheel conversion kits are available as an alternative, eliminating future flywheel failures but making the gearbox slightly noisier at idle.
Higher than average reliability risk
The Evoque TD4 has multiple documented problem areas that are expensive to repair. The interconnected timing chain/DPF/oil dilution issue means one problem often leads to others. Land Rover ranked 27th out of 31 manufacturers for reliability. The Evoque finished 44th out of 46 in What Car?'s family SUV reliability survey. There is a 51% chance of needing a major repair within 10 years - 13% worse than segment average. Only buy with comprehensive service history showing regular oil changes, and verify all recalls are completed.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Land Rover dealer or approved specialist records essential. Verify oil change intervals - must be every 12 months or 16,000 km maximum.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. 235/55 R19 is common fitment. Budget €400-800 for a set.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for any rattling in the first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches and sills.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to ensure DPF regeneration cycle and gearbox reaches temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
The most critical check. Start the engine completely cold. Any metallic rattling in the first 10-30 seconds indicates timing chain wear. Walk away or negotiate significant price reduction for chain replacement.
Check oil level and condition
Remove the dipstick. Oil should be at correct level, dark but not black, and smell like oil - not diesel. Diesel smell indicates oil dilution from incomplete DPF regenerations. This is a red flag.
Test the 9-speed gearbox thoroughly
Drive for at least 20 minutes to get the gearbox to operating temperature. Feel for harsh shifts, hesitation, jerking from neutral to drive, and any clunking. Check for stored fault codes.
Check for DPF/AdBlue warnings
Look for any exhaust or emissions warning lights. Ask about the car's typical driving pattern - short trips are a major red flag for TD4 diesels.
Verify wiring harness recalls completed
Multiple recalls for engine wiring harness chafing causing short circuits. Check with Land Rover using VIN - particularly important for 2015-2017 models.
Test all electrical systems
Check infotainment boots up correctly, all buttons work, reverse camera functions, parking sensors operate. Test all windows, locks, and lights. Check for any warning lights on dashboard.
Listen for turbo whine or whistle
During the test drive, listen for any unusual whistling or siren-like sounds from the engine bay, particularly under acceleration. This indicates turbo bearing wear.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump or thermostat housing leak. Check for any coolant weeping around the front of the engine.
Occupant classification system (2012-2013)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflatorVerify completed
Fuel rail leak (2016-2018)Verify completed
The wiring harness recalls are particularly important as they can cause engine cut-out, loss of power steering, or under-bonnet fire. Contact a Land Rover dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed before purchase.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 80,000 km)Expired on most L538s
Corrosion perforation warranty6 years unlimited km
Vehicle Service Protection (extended)Up to 7 years / 160,000 km
Most L538 Evoques are now outside their original factory warranty. Land Rover's extended warranty (Vehicle Service Protection) can be purchased for vehicles under 1 year old with fewer than 25,000 miles and at least 30 days of factory warranty remaining. Given the Evoque's reliability concerns, extended warranty coverage is strongly recommended if available. Check with a Land Rover dealer about coverage options.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.