VehicleVerdict

2006 Land Rover LR3 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 74 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.5 times the median LR3 year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 5 LR3 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (15), electrical system (10), and tires & wheels (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

74

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other LR3 years?

LR3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted149 complaints2005: 149 complaints2006: 74 complaints2007: 21 complaints2008: 11 complaints2009: 4 complaints
LR3 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all LR3 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Land Rover LR3 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension1520%
Electrical System1014%
Tires & Wheels912%
Engine68%
Speed Control57%
Transmission57%
Brakes45%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Latches & Locks34%
Other34%
Fuel System23%
Steering23%
Body & Structure23%
Seat Belts23%
Lighting11%
Driver Assistance11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2006 Land Rover LR3 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08V248000SteeringJune 4, 2008 · 37,142 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

07E047000OtherJuly 3, 2007 · 245,845 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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).

07V011000Fuel SystemJanuary 17, 2007 · 6,116 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANKS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

06V131000Electrical SystemApril 20, 2006 · 45,900 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH RESULTING FROM THE UNINTENDED MOVEMENT OF PARKED VEHICLES.

Remedy

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.

05V501000Seat BeltsNovember 1, 2005 · 548 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A INCORRECTLY BUILT SEAT BELT BUCKLE MOUNTINGS.

Consequence

WHEN THE REAR LEFT HAND SECOND ROW SEAT BELT IS USED, THE BUCKLE MAY NOT BE FULLY RETAINED. A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE SECOND ROW LEFT HAND SEAT BELT BUCKLE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN NOVEMBER 2, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

05V502000TransmissionNovember 1, 2005 · 1,949 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.

Consequence

CONSEQUENTLY PARK MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE LEVER IN THE VEHICLE IS MOVED TO PARK AND ALL INDICATORS SHOW PARK POSITION IS ACHIEVED. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY CONDITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LAND ROVER LR3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE COMPRESSOR FOR THE AIR SUSPENSION HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES ON HER VEHICLE. A WEEK AFTER THE MOST RECENT REPAIR, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 15, 2009 · fire

LANDROVER LR 3 HAVE A KNOWN PROBLEM OF HAVING WATER COLLECT IN THE SUNROOF AREA DUE TO BLOCKAGE IN SOME DRAINAGE TUBE FROM DEBRIS. CLEANING OF THESE TUBES IS NOT A REGULAR PART OF MAINTENANCE IF YOU TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE. THE WATER COLLECT AND…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 3, 2014 · fire

I HAVE EXPERIENCED ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR ON MY 2006 LR3. THE TIRES STARTED WEARING UNEVENLY IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PURCHASE. THE DEALER CHANGED SOME ALIGNMENT ISSUES AT 10,000 MILES THAT SAID THEY WERE FROM A DEFECT AT THE FACTORY AND I WAS TOLD THE TIRES WOULD START TO WEAR EVENLY. AT 16,000 THE TIRES…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 19, 2007

VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 65K MILES AND HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT THE SUSPENSION AIR COMPRESSOR MUST BE REPLACED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. THE DEALER IS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME DUE TO THE PART BEING ON BACK ORDER DUE TO THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES NEEDING THIS SAME…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 19, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 LAND ROVER LR3. WHILE SLOWLY BACKING UP THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED VERY FAST INTO A TWELVE INCH CEMENT WALL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT FROM ACCELERATING FURTHER. SHE WILL TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IN A FEW…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 6, 2008 · crash

2006 Land Rover LR3 — common questions

Is the 2006 Land Rover LR3 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 74 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 5 LR3 years. It is one of the LR3 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 LR3 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (15 complaints), electrical system (10 complaints), tires & wheels (9 complaints).

Does the 2006 Land Rover LR3 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Land Rover LR3. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Land Rover LR3 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LR3 years to avoid are 2005, 2006. The cleanest record among LR3 years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.