Range Rover Hybrid Belching Black Smoke, Help Needed!

Hey there! I've got some experience with car repairs, and I actually had a similar issue with my 2019 Range Rover Sport Hybrid (also own a Range Rover Velar). Based on your description, I totally get your concern. My car showed almost identical symptoms, the black smoke, jerking, and that annoying check engine light. Turned out it was a faulty wiring harness connected to the fuel system. The connections had gotten corroded, causing all sorts of weird behavior. Got it fixed at my regular workshop, cost me around 95 Euro for the repair. They had to replace the wiring harness and plugs, and it's been running smoothly since then. Before I can give more specific advice though, could you share: How many miles/kilometers on your car? When did these symptoms first start? Have you noticed any other warning lights? Catch me up with these details and I'll try to help more!

Thanks for the detailed response! Just to update, I'm at 192,399 KM and had my last service done about 2 months ago. The issues actually started right after a long drive. Really interesting about that wiring harness, wouldn't have thought of that! These symptoms popped up pretty suddenly, and yeah, besides the check engine light, I'm also seeing the hybrid system warning light flickering occasionally. The dealer wants me to bring it in, but I wanted to get some real-world feedback first to avoid getting overcharged for something simple. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, at least now I know it might not be as catastrophic as I was thinking!

Hey there again! Thanks for the follow-up info about your Range Rover. You know, after reading your update, I'm even more convinced it could be similar to what I experienced, especially since you mentioned the hybrid system warning light. When my issue happened, I was around 180,000 KM, pretty close to where you are now. The sudden onset after a long drive is really familiar too, that's exactly how mine started! The flickering hybrid system light is particularly interesting because that's what eventually led my mechanic to check the wiring harness in the first place. I actually tried to get it diagnosed at the dealer first, and they quoted me something ridiculous, like 5 times what I ended up paying at my regular workshop! The wiring harness issue is pretty common in these hybrids, especially as they age. The vibration from driving can loosen connections over time, and the hybrid system is super sensitive to these electrical problems. Quick tip though, if you're planning to use an independent workshop, make sure they have experience with hybrid systems. My regular guy specializes in European hybrids, which made a huge difference. Keep us posted on what you find out! I'm really curious to know if it turns out to be the same issue.

Thanks so much for all this info, it's exactly what I needed! You've definitely calmed my nerves about the whole situation. I've actually got a great independent workshop nearby that specializes in hybrids, so I'll give them a call tomorrow. The fact that your issue happened around the same mileage and with such similar symptoms makes me feel much better about skipping the dealer. I'll make sure to mention the wiring harness possibility when I take it in. That price difference you mentioned between the dealer and your workshop is eye-opening! Really glad I asked here before heading straight to the dealer. I'll definitely update once I get it sorted. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience, it's been super helpful!