Automatic gearbox problems
What Car? describes automatic gearbox problems on the Evoque as fairly common, ranging from software faults and actuator problems to failure of the gearbox itself.
Range Rover · L538 · 2011–2019
Range Rover Evoque (L538) parts and spares
The first-generation Evoque, built from 2011 and sold in South Africa with 2.2 SD4 and TD4 diesels and the Si4 turbo petrol, later with 2.0 Ingenium engines.
Range Rover Evoque (L538) parts by system
Each system page explains what is specific to the Range Rover Evoque (L538) before you narrow down to the part.
Range Rover Evoque (L538) engine parts 2 known issues in this system
Range Rover Evoque (L538) brakes
Range Rover Evoque (L538) suspension
Range Rover Evoque (L538) electrical 1 known issue in this system
Range Rover Evoque (L538) lighting
Range Rover Evoque (L538) exhaust
Range Rover Evoque (L538) transmission 2 known issues in this system
Range Rover Evoque (L538) cooling
Range Rover Evoque (L538) fuel system
Range Rover Evoque (L538) body parts
Range Rover Evoque (L538) interior 1 known issue in this system
Parts commonly needed for the Range Rover Evoque (L538)
Evoque L538 owners most often look for gearbox-related parts and reconditioned gearboxes, air-conditioning components, rear differentials and couplings on all-wheel-drive versions, and timing belt or timing chain kits depending on engine. Headlights, bumpers, mirrors and door handles are frequent body orders on a car used mainly in town. Brake parts and suspension bushes are routine. Give us your VIN and say whether it is a 2.2 or 2.0 engine and a Coupe or five-door. On all-wheel-drive versions, a drumming or humming from the rear is worth diagnosing before ordering parts, because a rear wheel bearing and a rear differential bearing can sound very similar and cost very different amounts.
About the Range Rover Evoque (L538)
The first Evoque arrived in South Africa around 2011 and brought Range Rover styling to a compact, city-friendly SUV. It sold in five-door and three-door Coupe body styles, and local classifieds list many 2.2 SD4 diesels in Pure, Prestige, Dynamic, HSE Dynamic and Autobiography trims, alongside the Si4 turbo petrol. Later in its life the 2.0 Ingenium diesel replaced the older 2.2. The Evoque is closely related to the Freelander 2 and Discovery Sport under the skin, so its all-wheel-drive derivatives use a similar rear coupling and differential, and its rear differential can develop the same drumming or humming bearing noise. The Evoque's reputation on reliability is weaker than its image: What Car? rates used Evoque reliability as very poor, with most complaints about non-engine electrics such as the air-conditioning and navigation, followed by automatic gearbox problems and then engine and suspension issues. Automatic gearbox faults range from software to actuator problems to failures of the gearbox itself. For parts buyers, the engine question comes first: a 2.2 diesel needs a timing belt kit, while a 2.0 Ingenium diesel may need timing chain work. Send us your VIN and engine, and tell us whether your Evoque is a Coupe or five-door.
Range Rover Evoque (L538) engines
Engine parts are rarely shared between these units, so quote the engine code or number with every engine-related enquiry.
| Engine | Code / family | Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2 SD4 / TD4 turbodiesel | — | Diesel |
| 2.0 Si4 turbo petrol | Si4 | Petrol |
| 2.0 Ingenium diesel (later models) | Ingenium | Diesel |
Known Range Rover Evoque (L538) problems
The faults owners and specialists report most often on this generation, and where to look for the parts involved.
Electrical, air-conditioning and navigation faults
Non-engine electrics, especially the air-conditioning and sat-nav units, account for most reported Evoque problems according to What Car?.
Rear differential bearing noise
A drumming or humming from the rear of an all-wheel-drive Evoque often means the rear diff bearings are failing, a problem shared with the related Freelander 2.
2.0 Ingenium diesel timing chain (later models)
Later Evoques with the 2.0 Ingenium diesel are listed by JLR specialists among models affected by premature timing chain stretch.
2.2 diesel timing belt
The 2.2 diesel shared with the Freelander 2 and Discovery Sport uses a timing belt that must be changed on schedule.
Keeping a Range Rover Evoque (L538) running
On the first-generation Evoque, keep the automatic gearbox software and fluid in good order, and have any harsh or hesitant shifts diagnosed early. The 2.2 SD4 and TD4 diesels use a timing belt that must be changed on schedule, while later 2.0 Ingenium diesels use timing chains that need clean, correct oil. On all-wheel-drive versions, a hum from the rear can mean rear differential bearing wear. Air-conditioning and other electrical faults are the most commonly reported problems.
Range Rover Evoque (L538) questions
Is the first-generation Range Rover Evoque reliable?
What Car? rates used Evoque reliability as very poor. Most reported problems involve non-engine electrics, especially the air-conditioning and sat-nav, followed by automatic gearbox issues, then engine and suspension problems. A full service history and a pre-purchase diagnostic check are worthwhile.
Does my Evoque have a timing belt or a timing chain?
The 2.2 SD4 and TD4 diesels use a timing belt with a scheduled replacement interval. Evoques fitted with the later 2.0 Ingenium diesel use timing chains. Check your engine designation or VIN, and tell us which engine you have when ordering.
Other Range Rover models
Range Rover Sport (L320) 2005–2013 · L320
Range Rover Sport (L494) 2013–2022 · L494
Range Rover (L405) 2013–2022 · L405
Range Rover (L322) 2002–2012 · L322
Range Rover Velar 2017–present · L560
Range Rover Evoque (L551) 2019–present · L551
Range Rover (L460) 2022–present · L460
Range Rover Sport (L461) 2022–present · L461
Need a part for your Range Rover Evoque (L538)?
Send the part name, your VIN and engine number. The SparesBoyz parts team checks fitment for your L538 before quoting.