The Range Rover Evoque is one of the best compact SUVs on the market. It features great performance thanks to an excellent turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It’s stylish, on the inside and out, and has loads of tech in the cabin. For the most part, the Evoque is also a reliable car, and you shouldn’t experience too many problems with it. However, the Evoque does have several reliability issues with the transmission, which can completely ruin the otherwise luxurious driving experience. In this article, we’ll explore the top Range Rover Evoque transmission problems. Let’s take a look, shall we?

The Range Rover Evoque comes equipped with a 9-speed automatic transmission. When this is working properly, it makes the Evoque a pleasure to drive. Gear changes are seamless, and you can really get the most out of the engine. The transmission is also designed for off-road use and towing. This makes the Evoque even more capable off-road, as well as increasing overall practicality.

However, countless drivers have stated that the transmission was the first thing to go wrong with their Evoque. So, what do these problems look like, and how can you fix them?

Symptoms of Range Rover Evoque Transmission Problems

Here are the most common symptoms of Range Rover Evoque transmission problems.

Shifting Delays. If your Evoque is struggling to upshift or feels slow and sluggish, there’s a good chance there’s a problem with the transmission. This is one of the most common, and annoying, symptoms of transmission failure.

Grinding Sounds during Acceleration. If you can hear strange noises under the hood when you accelerate, you may have a problem with your transmission. This could also be a symptom of an engine fault though.

Shaking. If your car constantly shakes as you drive, there may be a problem with your transmission. Check for shaking as the gearbox changes gear.

Whistling Noises Under the Hood. If you can hear a distinct whistling noise coming from under the hood as you drive, there’s most likely a problem with the transmission. You should also check for a burning smell.

Warning Light. If your Evoque’s transmission warning light comes on, then you can be pretty certain your transmission has a fault.

Causes of Range Rover Evoque Transmission Problems

Here are the main reasons why your transmission is failing.

Faulty Seal. All Range Rover Evoque’s come with a gearbox oil channel seal. This prevents oil from leaking into other parts of the engine, keeping the transmission lubricated. However, the design of the seal is absolutely terrible. The seal will often break, causing leaks and damaging your transmission. A lack of oil leads to grinding noises, and, if left, can ruin your transmission. This problem affects models manufactured after 2014 the most.

Dirty Transmission Fluid. If you don’t regularly service your vehicle, the transmission fluid can become dirty. This happens when the filter starts to a fault, causing dirt to enter the transmission. Dirty transmission fluid causes a loss of hydraulic power, causing slower gear changes. So, if your car is struggling to climb the gears, it’s probably because the transmission fluid is dirty.

Out-of-Date Software. The Evoque’s transmission is powered by software found in the infotainment system. If you miss a software update, your transmission may start to jerk as you drive.

Faulty Haldex Unit. The Range Rover Evoque uses a Haldex unit to distribute the power between the front and rear wheels. It’s normally one of the first parts of the transmission to go wrong and can cause jerky driving, as well as grinding noises. If you haven’t had your car serviced in over 40,000 miles, your Haldex unit is likely to break or become faulty.

If you’re unsure of the cause of your transmission problem, see a mechanic. They’ll be able to efficiently and accurately determine the cause of the problem, allowing you to fix it quickly and effectively.

Fixing the Transmission

Once you’ve diagnosed the problem, follow this guide to get your Range Rover Evoque transmission fixed in no time.

Transmission Fluid Issues

Fluid Change. If your transmission fluid is dirty, the cheapest solution is to have the fluid changed. You can do this yourself fairly easily, and new fluid is pretty cheap. Make sure to dispose of the old fluid properly, as it can be damaging to the environment. You should aim to change your transmission fluid at least every 30,000 miles.

Fluid Flush. A fluid change will only change the fluid in the transmission pan, and sometimes this won’t do the trick. If this is the case, you’ll need to perform a complete fluid flush. A fluid flush helps to get rid of dirty fluid in the cooler lines and smaller parts of the transmission. A fluid flush will cost nearly double the amount of a normal fluid change. However, it will ensure that your transmission works optimally, and will increase its life in the long run.

Replace the Filter. The cause of dirty transmission fluid is normally a faulty filter. As such, it’s normally a good idea to replace the filter shortly after you change/flush the dirty fluid. They’re pretty inexpensive and can be installed with relatively little experience. As a guide, you shouldn’t go more than 50,000 miles without replacing the transmission filter.

Other Transmission Fixes

Replace the Haldex Unit. If you’ve found that your Haldex unit is the problem, the simplest solution is to replace it. A replacement unit will set you back around $1,500 for the part and labor. Once you’ve replaced the Haldex unit, make sure to have your vehicle serviced regularly to increase its longevity.

Perform a Software Update. If your software is out of date, you can request a software update from Land Rover. This is normally free of charge and quick and should solve any transmission problems relating to the Transmission Control Module.

Replace the Seal. If your gearbox oil channel seal is faulty, you should have it replaced. Once you’ve done this, make sure to top up your transmission oil. A new seal is fairly cheap.

Transmission Replacement. Sometimes, the best fix is to replace the unit entirely. If your transmission is in particularly bad shape, it will probably cost more than it’s worth to fix it. Instead, opt for a new transmission. This will cost around $3,000.

How To Prevent Range Rover Evoque Transmission Problems

Perhaps the best solution to any vehicle problem is to stop it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to keep your Range Rover Evoque transmission in top shape.

Regular Services. The best way to prevent any kind of problem with your Range Rover Evoque is to have it serviced every 30,000 miles. During a service, the mechanics will change your transmission fluid, check the oil levels, and inform you of any damage that you may need to fix. This can help you to fix problems before they arise, saving you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Use the Handbrake. When parked, always remember to use your handbrake, especially when on an incline. This will help to reduce strain on your transmission, ultimately increasing its longevity. It’s an easy thing to do, but can increase the life of your transmission dramatically.

Avoid Overloading your Evoque. If your vehicle is overloaded, the transmission can become overstrained. As you drive, this can cause your transmission to overheat, causing long term damage. Avoid this by staying within your Evoque’s weight limit, which is around 500-600KG, depending on your trim.

Give your Evoque time to Warm Up. On colder days, give your Evoque around 60 seconds to warm up before driving. This time allows the transmission fluid to properly flow around, leading to optimal performance. Failing to do this could lead to serious transmission problems down the line.

Listen to your Car. Be aware of how your car feels, performs and sounds. If, at any point, things don’t seem right, then have your vehicle checked right away. Being aware can save you so much money in the long run, as you’ll be able to spot problems before they become permanent.

Final Thoughts

So, there’s everything you need to know about the most common Range Rover Evoque transmission problems. the Evoque is generally a reliable, practical, and powerful vehicle, that will be nothing but a pleasure to drive. However, when something goes wrong, like the transmission, fixing it can be a headache. to avoid such issues, have your vehicle serviced regularly and make sure to keep an eye out for any warning lights or strange noises.