Land rover Freelander problems
The Land Rover Freelander is a series of four-wheel-drive vehicles that was manufactured and marketed by Land Rover from 1997 to 2015. Initially a compact SUV built on a body-on-frame chassis, the second generation model, sold from 2007 to 2015 in North America and the Middle East as the LR2 and in Europe as the Freelander 2, transitioned to a car-based platform which placed it into the compact crossover SUV class, and was developed alongside the Volvo XC60, the Volvo S80 and the third generation Ford Mondeo. The name 'Freelander' is derived from the combination of 'Freedom' and 'Lander'.
After having built exclusively body-on-frame 4WD vehicles for half a century, the first generation Freelander was the brand's first model to use monocoque (unibody) structures, and was offered in three- and five-door body options, including a semi soft-top. The second generation (2007–2015) dropped all two-door options, leaving only a five-door estate car-like body, and – after 62 years – became the brand's first ever to offer a two-wheel drive option (as of 2010).
After a five-year hiatus, the two-door Freelanders were succeeded by the three-door versions of the Range Rover Evoque in 2011, and the five-door generation 2 was replaced by the Discovery Sport in 2015, the nameplate spanning two generations and less than eighteen years.
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Land rover Freelander model years
Common Land rover Freelander problems
The Land Rover Freelander, introduced in 1997, has been known for several common problems that have affected its performance and reliability. These issues have been reported by owners and documented in various sources.
- Rear Suspension Problem (1997-2003 cars): Some models built between June 1997 and June 1998 had problems with their rear suspension. There was an issue with the welding process, meaning the rear hub assembly could fracture. This would cause the car to deviate from a straight line on the road.
- Front Seat Problems (1997-2003 cars): On some Freelanders built between August 2000 and February 2001, there was an issue with the front seats. They sometimes didn't latch properly after using the tip lever, meaning the backrest could attempt to fold forward if the vehicle was brought to a sudden stop.
- Engine Harness Problem (1997-2003 cars): On cars built between August and November 2000, there was an issue with the engine wiring harness. The harness could chafe upon the wiring and cause it to fail. That could result in the headlights, engine management, cooling fans, fuel pumps, ignition, air-con, anti-lock braking, hill-descent control, horn or SRS system failing.
- Handbrake Problem (1997-2003 cars): There was a problem with the handbrake on some Freelanders built between October 1997 and February 2001. The handbrake ratchet mechanism wasn't tight enough, meaning there was the possibility it could loosen the brakes and allow the car roll on uneven surfaces.
- Diagnostic Connector Problem (1997-2003 petrol cars): On some petrol Freelanders built between July 2000 and March 2002, there was an issue with the diagnostic connector. The connector didn't meet the required safety levels, and had to be changed.
- Head Gasket Problems (1997-2003 1.8 petrol cars): Blown head gaskets on first-generation 1.8-litre petrol models were a common problem. If the coolant level fell too low then the gasket would tend to fail. Water in the oil is a good sign of an impending problem.
- Child Lock Problems (1997-2003 cars): There has been an issue reported with the child lock on some cars built between July and September 2002. It was found that the left-hand rear door could still be opened from the inside even if the child lock was switched on.
- Airbag Problem (2003-2006 cars): On some Freelanders built between August and October 2004, there were problems with the passenger airbag. The deflector panel contained in the passenger air-bag module was not to the incorrect specification. Some airbags wouldn't deploy properly and would therefore not be as safe as intended.
These problems have contributed to the Freelander's reputation for unreliability, but many of these issues can be addressed through proper maintenance and repairs. It is important for owners to be aware of these common problems and to take appropriate action to ensure the safety and longevity of their vehicles.
Is the Land Rover Freelander reliable?
The Freelander 2 ranked 19th in our Driver Power 2017 used car survey, and was in the top 10 for safety, comfort, practicality and handling. But while 22nd for reliability is also great, 83rd for running costs isn't.
What is a common fault on a Freelander 2?
If you are experiencing a loss of power it can be caused by a number of issues, most will require the vehicle being plugged into diagnostic equipment to find the exact cause, however the most common faults are EGR valves or a split in one of the intercooler hoses.
How long do Land Rover Freelanders last?
The estimated lifespan of a Land Rover Freelander is 236,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit. Fuel type is a major factor when looking into a vehicles lifespan/life expectancy.
Why did Land Rover discontinue the Freelander?
Due to a combination of financial concerns and poor sales, Land Rover decided to discontinue the Freelander in 2014 and replace it with the Discovery Sport.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Land rover Freelander years
We have researched Land rover problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Land rover Freelander cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Land rover Freelander model years:
- Land rover Freelander 2002
- Land rover Freelander 2003
- Land rover Freelander 2004
- Land rover Freelander 2005
- Land rover Freelander 2001
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Land rover Freelander model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Land rover Freelander years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Land rover Freelander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Land rover Freelander , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Land rover Freelander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Freelander model years
A total of 7 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Freelander model years
There were a total of 11 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Freelander model years
There were a total of 5 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 455 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Land rover Freelander . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Land rover Freelander vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Land rover Freelander 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2019-12-21
- VIN: SALNC12215A
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: HARD SHIFT 1ST AND 2ND GEARS AND MAJOR POWER LOSS CANNOT EXCEED 35MPH DUDLEY WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY IT WOULDN'T EXCEL
Land rover Freelander 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-20
- Date Complaint: 2019-03-20
- VIN: SALNY22295A
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WE BOUGHT A VEHICLE FROM JUSTIN HARRIS. THE AD ON CRAIGSLIST LIST DIDNT MENTION ANYTHING ABT THE ENGINE IT ONLY SAID IT NEEDED A BATTERY & THE KEY PROGRAMMED. COME TO FIND OUT THE ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY SEIZED. HE HAS OUR MONEY & THE CAR. HE REFUSES TO RETURN ANY CALLS OR TEXT MESSAGES.
Land rover Freelander 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2018-07-31
- VIN: SALNY22253A
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN 2003 FROM LAND ROVER, BRAND NEW. DEALT WITH A FEW RECALLS AND OTHER ISSUES ( SUN ROOF WAS OFF TRACK, DID NOT WORK. LEATHER SEATS HAD DEFORMATIONS ON SEATS. TRUCK NEED AN ACID WASH FOR SPOTS THAT DEVELOPED ON BUMPER) SOON MY ENGINE AND COOLANT ISSUES OCCURRED. WHY DRIVING ID NOTICE MY TRUCK START TO OVERHEAT. THIS WAS EVEN AFTER BEING SERVICED AT LAND ROVER. COME TO FIND OUT MY COOLANT WAS LEAKING. THE ISSUE CONTINUED TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD TO GET NEW EXTERNAL PARTS ( THERMOSTAT, WATER PIPE, EXPANSION TANK) THIS HELPED BUT NOT FOR LONG. MY TRUCK CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT AND LEAK, O THE POINT I HAD TO REPLACE THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET AND THE TIMING BELT.. I ACCUMULATED ONLY 56,000 MILES OVER 9 YEARS OF DRIVING THIS TRUCK AND SPENT +$20,000 TRYING TO SAVE IT ... I SEE WHY THIS MODEL WAS DISCONTINUED AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR. I HAVE TO TAKE MY SITUATION TO CIVIL COURT EVEN THOUGH THIS SHOULD FALL UNDER THE LEMON LAW.THE CLASS ACTION GROUP I WAS APART OF FOR 4 YEARS HAS MADE NO PROGRESS AT ALL.
Land rover Freelander 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2016-04-04
- Date Complaint: 2017-11-28
- VIN: SALNM22203A
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OUTSTANDING WARRANTS, TICKETS, COMPLAINTS ETC.
Land rover Freelander 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-31
- VIN: SALNE22243A
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER FREELANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HILL DESCENT CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND BRAKE INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG HESITATION AND STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE RECALL WAS CLOSED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V041000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: EA05016 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Land rover Freelander 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2016-02-24
- VIN: SALNY22263A
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC), TRACTION CONTROL (TC) AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS MAY ALSO BE ILLUMINATED
Land rover Freelander 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-05
- Date Complaint: 2016-02-24
- VIN: SALNY22263A
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 1.COOLANT SYSTEM:STRONG ANTIFREEZE ODOR IN VEHICLE CABIN - REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR;REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR CAP; THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILURE; REPLACED ALL COOLANT LINES AND HOSES AS PREVENTATIVE MEASURE; HEATER CORE FAILURE - LEAKED ANTI FREEZE INTO HEATER CHAMBER 2.TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (1 OF 3): CODE F4 APPEARED ON ODOMETER; HILL DECENT FAULT LIGHT ILLUMINATED; TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED; BRAKE ANTI BLOCK LIGHT ILLUMINATED; TRANSMISSION (WHILE IN AUTOMATIC D) WILL NOT DOWNSHIFT PAST 2. TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT BEYOND 3; MANUALLY SHIFTING DOWN TO 1, TRANSMISSION EXPERIENCES HARSH SHIFTING ACCOMPANIED BY LOUD CLUNKING SOUND SHIFTING FROM 1 TO 2; WILL NOT MANUALLY SHIFT BEYOND 3. 3.INTAKE MANIFOLD AND INDUCTION SYSTEM: VEHICLE REVERTED TO CREEP' MODE AND WOULD NOT TRAVEL BEYOND 5 MPH; TOWED VEHICLE TO RESIDENCE; DISCOVERED INTAKE MANIFOLD BUTTERFLY VALVES WERE DISCONNECTED FROM ACTUATION ROD - REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD 4.FUEL SYSTEM:VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAY - REPLACED FUEL PUMP 5. SUNROOF, WINDOWS, AND DOORS: SUNROOF WILL NOT CLOSE REPLACE SUNROOF ACTUATION MECHANISM 3 TIMES; POWER WINDOW REGULATOR FAIL ON: LEFT FRONT (2 TIMES); RIGHT FRONT; LEFT REAR; RIGHT REAR (3 TIMES); REAR DOOR (2 TIMES): 5.WARNING AND CAUTION SYSTEM: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES THEN EXTINGUISHES, THEN ILLUMINATES AND STAYS ILLUMINATED (MULTIPLE REPEAT DISCREPANCY AND ONGOING): PURCHASED OBDM II CODE SCANNER/READER: MOST COMMON FAULT LEFT #2 BANK TOO LEAN; MISFIRE DETECTED ON #2 OR #1 SPARK PLUG - REPLACED ALL 6 SPARK COILS; '
Land rover Freelander 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-03
- Date Complaint: 2015-04-25
- VIN: SALNY22282A
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I JUST PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM A GENTLEMAN. HE HAD PURCHASED THE VEHICLE TWO YEARS AGO AT 88,000 MILES, AND STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TRANSMISSION ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO. ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO THE GENTLEMAN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS SERVICE CENTER WHO THEN NOTIFIED HIM THAT HIS TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACING. I HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND PLAN TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. IT DOES SEEM A BIT EARLY FOR A TWO OWNER VEHICLE AT 110,000 TO NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. IT WAS WELL CARED FOR NOT ABUSED. *TR
Land rover Freelander 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-02
- Date Complaint: 2015-03-30
- VIN: SALNY22235A
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I PURCHASED MY CAR IN 2011 FROM A COUNTY AUCTION. I'VE SPENT ALMOST $8,000 ON ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES SINCE I'VE BOUGHT IT. HAD A NEW TIMING BELT, SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION COILS INSTALLED ON 02/02/2015, BUT NOW MY CAR STALLS AND I HAVE GREAT DIFFICULTY PICKING UP SPEED, EVEN WHEN DRIVING ON THE STREET. IF I STOP AT A STOP SIGN, I LITERALLY HAVE TO PUSH THE GAS TO THE FLOOR TO GET MY CAR TO TAKE OFF AND EVEN THEN, IT TAKES FOREVER. THE HIGHEST SPEED MY CAR WILL GO TO NOW IS 30MPH. MY DRIVEWAY IS AT A SLOPE AND I HAD TO PRESS DOWN ON THE GAS TO GET ME CAR TO REVERSE OUT THE DRIVEWAY. *TR
Land rover Freelander 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2014-12-08
- Date Complaint: 2014-12-09
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: WHAT IS TO SAY THAT HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN SAID ABOUT THIS NIGHTMARE! I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING ON THIS CAR: POWER STEERING SYSTEM, ENGINE MANIFOLD, COOLANT RESERVOIR, WATER PUMP, RADIATOR, BRAKES 2X, CAMSHAFT AND CRANKSHAFT SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT PULLEY, TIMING BELT, AND NOW I AM LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE THE SAME TRANSMISSION FAILURE HAPPENING THAT EVERYONE ELSE WHO OWNS THIS JUNK EXPERIENCES. THIS IS NOT TO MENTION THAT THE SUNROOF DOES NOT WORK, THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCK, AND 3 OF THE 5 POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK EITHER. IN THE LAST YEAR ALONE I HAVE PUT MORE THAN $3000+ INTO THIS THING, AND THAT IS BUT A FRACTION OF TOTAL I HAVE PUT INTO IT DURING OWNERSHIP..AND THE BLUE BOOK VALUE IS LESS THAN $5000 AT BEST! WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS HOW ANGRY IT MAKES ME, AND HOW PATHETIC IT IS OF LAND ROVER TO KNOWINGLY IGNORE THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THE SUFFERING THAT OWNERS OF IT HAVE TO ENDURE. THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM ALONE SHOULD HAVE A MANDATORY RECALL FORCED ON LAND ROVER TO FIX FOR ALL FREELANDERS, AND THAT SHOULD JUST BE THE BEGINNING! I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW MANY LAND ROVER TECHNICIANS HAVE BLATANTLY TOLD ME THAT LR KNOWS THESE ARE A MONEY PIT NIGHTMARE FULL OF DEFECTS, AND THAT THEY HATE TO WORK ON THEM AND FEEL BAD FOR US. WHEN WILL THIS SORT OF TREATMENT BY BIG CORPORATIONS END? WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO STANDING BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT? WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ASSIGNED TO ENFORCE RULES GOVERNING THIS SORT OF THING ACTUALLY DOING SOMETHING FOR THE CONSUMER? I COULD GO ON AND ON ABOUT THIS NIGHTMARE, TRUST ME, BUT I AM TOO WORKED UP AT THIS POINT AS IT IS. PLEASE NHTSA, DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING FOR US UNFORTUNATE FREELANDER OWNERS! *TR
Land rover Freelander 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2014-01-16
- Date Complaint: 2014-01-25
- VIN: SALNY22232A
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHTS SOMETIMES WORK AND SOMETIMES DO NOT WORK (CITED IN 2 INCIDENTS BY THE POLICE). ALL PARTS ARE FINE (BY CHECK-UP OF A REPAIR WORKSHOP), AND NO REPAIR CAN BE POSSIBLY DONE. PROBABLY, THE HEIGHT OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS ABOVE THE GROUND IS TOO LOW, SO THAT IT IS SOMETIMES TOO DAMP OR WET (AFTER SNOW OR RAIN) FOR THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO WORK PROPERLY. WHEN THEY DRY UP, THEY WORK AGAIN. NEXT, THE 2 BRAKE LIGHTS ARE ON THE 2 CORNERS OF THE BUMPER, AND THE CENTRAL BRAKE LIGHT IS HIGH ON THE TAILGATE. THEORETICALLY, THE 3 BRAKE LIGHTS GIVE WARNING ENOUGH WHEN THE CAR STOPS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE 2 TAIL LIGHTS ARE HIGH ON THE FENDERS (THE 2 SIDES OF THE CAR'S TAILGATE), RELATIVELY FAR AWAY FROM THE 2 BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE BUMPER. THE 2 TAIL LIGHTS GIVE A WRONG IMPRESSION TO ANY DRIVERS BEHIND THIS CAR, AND LET THOSE DRIVERS MISUNDERSTAND THE TAIL LIGHTS TO BE THE BRAKE LIGHTS (EVEN THE 2 POLICE OFFICERS MISUNDERSTOOD IN THE 2 INCIDENTS). THIS WILL CAUSE COLLISION IN REALITY. *TR
Land rover Freelander 2003
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-30
- Date Complaint: 2013-12-28
- VIN: SALNY22203A
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ORIGINAL OWNER OF LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2003. AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. AT THE TIME, THE CAR WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SO MOST OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED. NOW, AT APPROXIMATELY 86,000 MILES, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" HAS AGAIN APPEARED. I TOOK THE CAR TO A LAND ROVER REPAIR FACILITY AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR REQUIRES A NEW MANIFOLD INTAKE VALVE. TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS AROUND $3,000. AT THIS POINT, I AM TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH LAND ROVER AND WILL NEVER EVER BUY OR RECOMMEND A LAND ROVER VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A MAJOR HEADACHE. *TR
Land rover Freelander 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2013-12-02
- Date Complaint: 2013-12-02
- VIN: SALNY22275A
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T COME ON TOOK MY CAR TO THE LANDROVER DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THEY WHERE NOT GOING TO CHECK MY CAR I EXPLAINED THAT THEIR WAS A RECALL ON BRAKE LIGHTS AND TOM WAS VERY NASTY TELLING IT WAS NOT FOR MY CAR BUT. I HAVE READ THE RECALL AND I TRIED TO GET HIM TOO LOOK IT UP AND HE JUST REFUSE TOLD ME IT WOULD BE 150 TO LOOK AT THE TRUCK. I TOOK IT TO PAUL MILLER LAND ROVER DEALER IN PARSIPPANY NJ HE WAS VERY RUDE..I HAVE A 2005 LANDROVER FREELANDER AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK I TRIED CHANNING THE BULB AND IT STILL DOESN'T WORK SO IF THEIRS A RECALL WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY 150.00 FOR THEM TO EVEN CHECK IT OUT. AND HE WAS SURPRISE TO DO A COMPLIMENTARY SERVICE CHECK HE DID NOTHING.I HAVE GOTTEN STOP BY COP FOR HAVING NO BRAKE LIGHTS. PLEASE HELP,,,, *TR
Land rover Freelander 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-06
- Date Complaint: 2013-10-10
- VIN: SALNY22222A
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE COOLANT WAS CONSUMING PREMATURELY AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF A LEAK. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, THE WATER PUMP, AND THE MOTOR FAN REGULATOR; HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
Land rover Freelander 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2013-06-22
- Date Complaint: 2013-07-13
- VIN: SALNY22252A
- Components: STEERING,WHEELS
- Summary: WE WERE TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN WE HAD TO MAKE A SUDDEN AND HARD STOP AS A CAR ALMOST PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF US. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE MOVED BACK ABOUT THREE INCHES AND WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE TIRE WELL. THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A HORRENDOUS NOISE. WE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE RIGHT FRONT CONTROL ARM THAT SUPPORTS THE TIRE WAS CORRODED AND RUSTED OUT TO THE POINT IT COLLAPSED AND BENT. WE WERE LUCKY WE WEREN'T IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IF WE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED I DON'T KNOW WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. IT COST $426.00 TO BE REPAIRED. THE REPAIR SHOP GAVE ME THE DEFECTIVE PART SO I COULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AS THEY SAID THIS NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. I CONTACTED LAND ROVER AND EMAILED THEM PICTURES OF THE PART. THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T INVESTIGATE FURTHER WITHOUT HAVING THE CAR SHIPPED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT! I HAVE THE PART AND WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND IT TO THE NHTSA. I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHER FREELANDERS OUT THERE BEING DRIVEN WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THEY ARE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
Latest 5 recalls Land rover Freelander
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 14 recalls for different components of the Land rover Freelander.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Land rover Freelander 2004
- Report Received Date: 2007-02-09
- Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC), TRACTION CONTROL (TC) AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS MAY ALSO BE ILLUMINATED.
- Consequence: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP OPERATION AND WHERE REQUIRED, ADJUST AND/OR REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES WITH NEW SWITCHES OF THE SAME DESIGN UNTIL A NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS AVAILABLE IN MAY 2007. OWNERS WILL THEN BE RE-NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR THE NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AN INTERIM LETTER FOR THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2007. THE SECOND LETTER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCHES WAS MAILED BEGINNING JULY 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-80-637-6837.
- Model: Land rover Freelander 2003
- Report Received Date: 2007-02-09
- Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC), TRACTION CONTROL (TC) AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS MAY ALSO BE ILLUMINATED.
- Consequence: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP OPERATION AND WHERE REQUIRED, ADJUST AND/OR REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES WITH NEW SWITCHES OF THE SAME DESIGN UNTIL A NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS AVAILABLE IN MAY 2007. OWNERS WILL THEN BE RE-NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR THE NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AN INTERIM LETTER FOR THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2007. THE SECOND LETTER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCHES WAS MAILED BEGINNING JULY 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-80-637-6837.
- Model: Land rover Freelander 2005
- Report Received Date: 2007-02-09
- Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC), TRACTION CONTROL (TC) AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS MAY ALSO BE ILLUMINATED.
- Consequence: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP OPERATION AND WHERE REQUIRED, ADJUST AND/OR REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES WITH NEW SWITCHES OF THE SAME DESIGN UNTIL A NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS AVAILABLE IN MAY 2007. OWNERS WILL THEN BE RE-NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR THE NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AN INTERIM LETTER FOR THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2007. THE SECOND LETTER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCHES WAS MAILED BEGINNING JULY 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-80-637-6837.
- Model: Land rover Freelander 2002
- Report Received Date: 2007-02-09
- Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MAY REMAIN ILLUMINATED EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. HILL DESCENT CONTROL (HDC), TRACTION CONTROL (TC) AND CRUISE CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS MAY ALSO BE ILLUMINATED.
- Consequence: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE LAMP OPERATION AND WHERE REQUIRED, ADJUST AND/OR REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCHES WITH NEW SWITCHES OF THE SAME DESIGN UNTIL A NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LAMP SWITCH IS AVAILABLE IN MAY 2007. OWNERS WILL THEN BE RE-NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN FOR THE NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AN INTERIM LETTER FOR THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS MAILED ON MARCH 26, 2007. THE SECOND LETTER FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE SWITCHES WAS MAILED BEGINNING JULY 30, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-80-637-6837.
- Model: Land rover Freelander 2003
- Report Received Date: 2005-06-28
- Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: ON CERTAIN FIVE DOOR SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IT IS POSSIBLE TO OPERATE THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WHEN THE CHILD SAFETY LEVER IS IN THE "ON" POSITION.
- Consequence: THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE LATCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
Latest negative Land rover Freelander car reviews
Latest positive Land rover Freelander car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2005
I absolutely adore my Freelander! It's perfect for winter weather and mountain terrain driving. The low gear makes it handle amazingly in snow and icy conditions. In terms of repairs, I've only had to replace two sensors due to normal wear and tear. Surprisingly, the most expensive repair was for the thermostat control sensor, but it costed less at a small shop called Walt's in Gig Harbor, WA than it would have at Land Rover. However, it's not the ideal car for consistent high mileage or highway driving. It's a shame to waste this vehicle by driving it like that. I've even taken it through some scary bad weather and road closures, and it excels in those conditions!
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Vehicle year: 2003
Freelander is an excellent SUV. It performs well for both on-road and off-road applications. Surprisingly, it is more capable than expected off-road. Additionally, it has a great driving position. However, its major drawback is poor fuel economy combined with a small fuel tank that limits its range.
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Vehicle year: 2004
We were searching for a small SUV that would be easy to parallel park, handle the snow, and have a sophisticated interior. The Freelander has exceeded our expectations! The ride is surprisingly smooth, and the car in sport mode has a little punch, similar to the X3 2.5, but costs about $10K less.
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Vehicle year: 2002
There's a Landrover club and many other Freelander owners love theirs just like we do. We have had no problems with it other than normal wear items. It's important to note that most Freelander owners I know have had a good and reliable experience with theirs.
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Vehicle year: 2002
This is a great car that stands out from other compact SUVs on the market. The seating position is comfortable for passengers and provides excellent visibility. Although I have had to replace the transmission and sunroof, and there have been some smaller issues with the car, the dealer has been fantastic to work with. As long as there is a dealer nearby, I would highly recommend this car. Personally, I love it and have owned other SUVs before, but this one is by far my favorite.
Are you having problems with your Land rover Freelander?
Derek Wintheiser 2025-07-19
Vehicle year: 2002
Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with you. I bought a used Land Rover before and unfortunately, it turned out to be a maintenance nightmare. Replacement parts were quite expensive and not to mention, only dealers can work on them. I did some research and found out that a water pump replacement for this vehicle can cost around $3,300.00. I suggest you do your own research and consider all your options before making a decision. I hope this helps!
Perry Kertzmann 2025-07-14
Vehicle year: 2002
I have spent over $12,000 on this car, $7,500 of which at a dealership to fix the engine, with no luck. Then the transmission broke down and that took another $4,000. It has been out for less than 200 miles and the service engine light is on. Are there new model engines and transmissions that can work on this 2002 Freelander?
Arnoldo Bradtke 2025-07-08
Vehicle year: 2004
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my Land Rover Freelander. Despite reading some negative reviews online, I decided to purchase one anyway. I figured that most people who write reviews do so because they've had a problem. However, I'm happy to report that I've had my Freelander for 6 months now with no issues, except for a dead battery, which is normal after 6 years. Before purchasing the vehicle, I checked the carfax report and found no issues in the past. While I read about some common brake issues online, I haven't experienced any problems myself. However, just to be on the safe side, I upgraded the brakes by adding slotted brake rotors, which improve ventilation, and ceramic pads, which create less heat and dust. Thanks for reading!
Charley Fadel 2025-07-02
Vehicle year: 2003
Although this Small SUV has been a disappointment, we are grateful that we purchased an extended warranty. Despite paying $14,000 for this car, we have had to spend close to $20,000 in repairs over the past 2 years. Unfortunately, we experienced issues with the original motor at 80,000 km, which had to be replaced. However, within 10,000 km, the replacement motor also failed. Thankfully, this was covered under the Land Rover warranty. We hope that the replacement motor was indeed new.
Deven Schumm 2025-06-22
Vehicle year: 2002
My 2002 HSE Freelander was a terrible car and I hope to never own another Land Rover again. Despite having only 33,000 miles, the car has been in the shop 7 times in 9 months, including a complete transmission rebuild. It's frustrating that a car with such low mileage would have such major issues. The service engine light comes on almost every month and the Land Rover technicians seem unable to diagnose the problem. Even after the transmission was rebuilt, I experienced the same issue within a week. It's clear that this car has significant reliability issues.