2013-2018 Range Rover Dash Panel: Solving Leather Peeling & Facelift Confusion
This guide covers the common leather dash problems and the critical interior differences between 2013-2017 and 2018 Range Rover models you must know before buying a replacement.
- The 2018 model year had a major interior facelift; dash panels are NOT interchangeable between 2013-2017 and 2018 models.
- The most common failure is cosmetic leather bubbling and peeling, especially in hot climates.
- You must match your replacement dash to your vehicle's Head-Up Display (HUD) configuration (or lack thereof).
- Replacement is a very complex, professional-level job requiring 10-15 hours of labor.
Key Failure Symptoms
The most common failure of the L405 Range Rover dash panel is cosmetic, not functional. The primary issue reported by owners is the leather covering bubbling, peeling, or shrinking. This is often called delamination.
- Leather Bubbling/Peeling: The leather skin separates from the underlying plastic structure. This typically starts around areas exposed to high heat and sun, such as the defroster vents near the windshield and the top of the instrument cluster hood. While more common in hot, humid climates, it can happen in any environment.
- Shrinking and Pulling: The leather may shrink over time, causing it to pull away from edges and seams, exposing the substrate underneath.
- Rattles and Noises: While less common, a loose or improperly installed dash panel can cause persistent rattles and squeaks as the vehicle moves. This can also be a symptom of failing electrical modules behind the dash.
CRITICAL: 2013-2017 vs. 2018 Facelift Compatibility
The 2018 model year marked a significant interior refresh for the Range Rover. The dash panel is NOT interchangeable between pre-facelift and facelift models. You must purchase the correct dash for your specific model year.
- 2013-2017 Models: Feature a single, central infotainment touchscreen with physical knobs and buttons below it for climate control.
- 2018 Models: Feature the 'Touch Pro Duo' system, which has two 10-inch touchscreens stacked vertically in the center console. The lower screen replaces the physical climate control knobs. The entire center stack and dash shape are different to accommodate this system. 🎬 Watch a comparison between 2017 and 2018 Range Rover interiors
Attempting to install a 2018 dash in a 2017 or older vehicle (or vice-versa) will not work due to differences in wiring, mounting points, and physical shape.
Buying a Used 2013-2018 Range Rover Dash Panel
Due to the high cost of a new OEM dash, a quality used part is an excellent option. However, careful inspection and verification are essential.
Inspection Checklist
- Verify the Year: First and foremost, confirm if the donor vehicle was a 2013-2017 model or a 2018 facelift model. Count the screens in the center stack to be sure.
- Check for Leather Delamination: Closely inspect the entire surface, especially around the windshield vents. Press gently on the leather; it should feel bonded to the structure underneath. Any bubbling, lifting, or waviness is a major red flag.
- Inspect for Airbag Deployment: NEVER purchase a dash from a vehicle where the passenger airbag has deployed. Look for tears, stress marks, or a missing airbag cover. A deployed airbag often damages the dash structure itself, making it unsafe and unusable.
- Check Mounting Points: Turn the dash over and inspect all plastic tabs, clips, and screw holes. These are easily broken during removal and are critical for a secure, rattle-free installation.
- Match Head-Up Display (HUD): Determine if your vehicle has the optional Head-Up Display (HUD). A dash for a HUD-equipped vehicle has a specific square cutout on the driver's side top surface for the projector. A non-HUD dash will not have this cutout. They are not interchangeable. You can check for HUD in your vehicle by looking for this cutout or checking the vehicle settings in the instrument panel menu.
- Match Color and Trim: Range Rovers were offered in numerous interior color schemes (Ebony, Ivory, Tan, Pimento, etc.) and leather grades (Grained, Windsor, Semi-Aniline). Obtain the VIN of the donor vehicle if possible to verify the exact interior trim code.
Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs
While the dash panel itself has not been the subject of a direct safety recall, related components have.
- Leather Delamination: This is the most widely known issue. While Land Rover has issued TSBs for this problem on other models, a specific one for the L405 Range Rover is not widely published. However, it is a well-documented complaint in owner forums. Dealers may deny warranty coverage for this, classifying it as 'trim'.
- NHTSA Recall 17V-679 (N124): Affects some 2017 Range Rover vehicles. The instrument cluster display could intermittently go blank, losing the speedometer and other critical information. The fix was a software update performed by the dealer. While not a fault of the dash panel itself, it's a critical issue for the components housed within it.
- TSB LTB01160NAS2: For 2018 models with the Touch Pro Duo system, this bulletin addresses the lower interactive display delaminating or separating.
- Electrical Gremlins: Many owners report various electrical faults that appear to be dash-related, such as multiple warning lights (ABS, stability control, etc.). These are often caused by a corroded main electrical ground point located in the front wheel well 🎬 Watch this video on diagnosing multiple L405 dashboard warnings, not a fault in the dash itself.
Replacement Difficulty & Cost
Replacing the dash panel on a 2013-2018 Range Rover is a complex and time-consuming job, not recommended for a DIY mechanic without significant experience.
- Difficulty: 5 out of 5
- Time: 10-15 hours for a professional technician.
- Process: The procedure involves disconnecting the battery, removing the center console, A-pillar trims, steering wheel and airbag, instrument cluster, infotainment screens, and glove box, and carefully disconnecting dozens of electrical connectors. Retrofitting a Head-Up Display is even more complex and requires replacing the windshield as well.
Cost Comparison
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Dash Panel | $2,500 - $4,000+ |
| Used OEM Dash Panel | $700 - $1,500 |
| Aftermarket Dash Cover (Cap) | $150 - $300 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $1,500 - $2,500+ |
Note: An aftermarket dash cover or cap is a plastic piece that glues on top of your existing damaged dash. It is a cosmetic fix and does not replace the original component.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I repair my peeling leather dash instead of replacing it?
It is sometimes possible for a professional automotive upholsterer to remove the dash, strip the old leather, and re-wrap it. This is a specialized, labor-intensive job that may cost as much as or more than a good used replacement dash. Using spray adhesive to stick down bubbles is a temporary fix at best and often looks worse.
Will a dash from a Range Rover Sport fit my full-size Range Rover?
No. Although they look similar and share some components, the dash panels for the Range Rover (L405) and Range Rover Sport (L494) are different and not interchangeable.
My dash is lighting up with multiple warnings like 'ABS Fault' and 'Stability Control Not Available'. Is my dash bad?
This is unlikely to be the dash panel itself. This classic symptom on the L405 Range Rover is very often caused by a corroded chassis ground point located behind the plastic liner in the front wheel well. Before suspecting expensive modules, have this ground connection cleaned and secured. 🎬 See how to fix ABS and stability control faults caused by ground corrosion A low battery can also cause numerous random electrical faults.
What is the difference between a standard leather and a Windsor leather dash?
Windsor leather is a higher-grade, softer, semi-aniline leather that was available on higher trim levels like the Autobiography. The standard dash uses a more common grained leather. While they are physically interchangeable (assuming year and HUD match), the texture and finish will be different, so it's best to match your vehicle's original specification.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: lr034214 lr044844 LR056030 LR088401 LR104046 lr108766 lr113265 LR113268 LR148193
Varies significantly by model year (pre/post 2018 facelift), color (Ebony, Ivory, Tan, etc.), leather type (Grained, Windsor), and Head-Up Display (HUD) option.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Land Rover Range Rover: