Owners have filed 404 complaints
about the 2002 Land Rover Freelander with NHTSA between 2002 and 2015.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Land Rover Freelander. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 24
4.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Land Rover Freelander
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
7240.2%
Engine
3519.6%
Cooling System
3217.9%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
158.4%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
95.0%
Brake Lights
63.4%
Rotor
52.8%
Exhaust System
52.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
31.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
175.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
227.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
7925.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
10633.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6119.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
247.6%
150,000+ miles
31.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Mar 2002peak 28Apr 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Land Rover Freelander
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA05016Opened 14 Oct 2005Closed 22 Feb 2007EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
ON JUNE 16, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE05-034) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STOP LAMP (BRAKE) SWITCH FAILURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SERIES II VEHICLES.ON OCTOBER 14, 2005, THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND THE SCOPE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2002 THROUGH 2005 FREELANDER VEHICLES THAT USE A SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR SELF-ADJUSTING STOP LAMP SWITCH FURNISHED BY THE SAME SUPPLIER, METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA, LTD. (METHODE).IN SEPTEMBER 2003, METHODE MOVED THE PRODUCTION OF AN INTERNAL SWIT...
Recalls on the 2002 Land Rover Freelander
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V041000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
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.
Risk: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
05V300000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
Risk: THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
04V347000
STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." DURING TESTING, THE FREE MOTION HEAD FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT MARGINALLY ABOVE THE PERMITTED 1000 HEAD IMPACT CRITERIA. AT THE LEFT AND RIGHT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20070313,005 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may become maladjusted as a result of incorrect setting procedure during vehicle assembly or as a result of switch mounting bracket flex. A maladjusted switch may allow the contacts to remain permanently connected as the switch has reached the extent of its travel, which may result in the brake lamps remaining permanently illuminated. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, where required, adjust and/or replace the brake lamp switch.
Recall 2005193241 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the Child Safety Lever, incorporated into the rear door latch assembly fitted to the left rear door, when engaged, may permit the door to be opened by the interior door handle (when the Child Safety Lever is still in the ON position). Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the latch assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 68,000 milesBloomington, INFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY SONS 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER CAUGHT FIRE ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 AT 4:00 AM. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED SINCE 11:00 PM THE PREVIOUS EVENING. AT 4:00 AM MY SON HEARD HIS ALARMS IN THE CAR GOING OFF AND RUSHED TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON TO FIND THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. HE TRIED TO SLAP THE FIRE OUT WITH HIS HANDS AND RECEIVED 3RD DEGREE BURNS DUE TO THIS. HE THEN RAN INSIDE AND RETRIEVED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED, BUT THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE, THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE WIRING SYSTEM UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN. WE DO HAVE A CASE OPEN WITH LAND ROVER, BUT THEIR REPRESENTATIVE STATED THIS IS ONLY FOR THEIR INTERNAL USE AND NO COMPENSATION WOULD BE MADE. MY SON ONLY OWNED THE PRE-USED VEHICLE FOR ONE MONTH AND HAD ONLY SECURED "LIABILITY" INSURANCE ONLY ON THE VEHICLE UNTIL HIS NEXT PAYCHECK SO HE COULD AFFORD FULL COVERAGE. WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT A VEHICLE WOULD CATCH ON FIRE BY ITSELF. WE ARE GRATEFUL THAT HE WAS NOT HARMED FURTHER AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT PARKED IN THE GARAGE, BUT WE ARE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT A VEHICLE WHICH HE OWNED FOR ONLY ONE MONTH WOULD CATCH FIRE AND LAND ROVER WILL NOT OFFER ANY COMPENSATION FOR OUR LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10358450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesWinston Salem, NCCrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISIONS AT 30MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10339410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesWinston Salem, NCCrash
AIR BAGS
INVOLVED IN HEAD ON COLLISIONS AT 30MPH. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10339410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,950 milesBemd, ORCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE VEHICLE WILL SUDDENLY LUNGE FORWARD WHILE AT A STOP. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE OVER THE LAST 3 WEEKS. THE FIRST TIME, IT DID SO WHILE STOPPED, WAITING FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE TO PASS BEFORE ENTERING THE ROADWAY. SUDDENLY, WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE LUNGED IN FRONT OF THE ONCOMING CAR, AND I COULDN'T STOP IT, NOT MATTER HOW MUCH BRAKE PRESSURE I APPLIED. I ENDED UP HAVING TO RELEASE THE BRAKE AND DRIVE ACROSS THE ROAD TO AVOID IMPACT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE, CRASHING MY VEHICLE INTO SOME BUSHES. I VERIFIED THERE WAS NO CONTACT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND CARPET OR MAT. THE SECOND TIME, I SLOWED COMING INTO A ROUND ABOUT, WAITING FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE TO PASS. AS THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD, IT WAS ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH THE CAR RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME IN THE CIRCLE, BUT HAVING HAD THE FIRST ACCIDENT, I INSTINCTIVELY PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD, AND REACHED OVER AND DISENGAGED THE TRANSMISSION FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL, AVOIDING THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE REVVED TO OVER 4000 RPM BEFORE TAPPING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO BRING IT BACK DOWN TO NORMAL SPEED. THIS HAPPENED ONE MORE TIME WITH NO OTHER VEHICLE AROUND. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10297877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesST Petersburg, FL1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
ENGINE FAILURE. COOLANT LEAKAGE. ENGINE OVERHEATING. THE INSIDE OF MY CAR BECAME SO HOT MY MOTHER WHO WAS RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT PASSED OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10246541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesSarasota, FL2 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE 2002 LAND ROVERS FREELANDERS HAVE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS AND CAUSES THE ENGINE TO LOCK AND CAUSE ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD. ALL FREELANDER BECOME LEMON..THE FAILURES HAPPEN WHEN THE CAR TURNS 5OK MILES. I FOUND OUT THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT THE SAME CAR HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM . AND DEALER WON'T EVEN SUPPLY THE PARTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE FREELANDERS WERE RIP OFF AND LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP STOP MAKING AFTER THEY FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WAS A TOTAL DISASTER BOTH FOR THE COMPANY AND THEY CUSTOMERS. BUT STILL NO RECALLS ORDERED OR SERVICE CAMPAIGN IS ORDERED TO SAVE THE PEOPLE WHO PAID TOP DOLLAR FOR A LEMON.
NHTSA complaint #10206594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 110,031 milesBarre, VT
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #10712817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
POWER TRAIN
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!
NHTSA complaint #10663023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #10663023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reno, NV
ENGINE
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!
NHTSA complaint #10663023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,090 milesFort LEE, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10561427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,090 milesFort LEE, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10561427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,090 milesFort LEE, NJ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
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.
NHTSA complaint #10561427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Juan, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10547511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,400 milesOLD Saybrook, CT
WHEELS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10524637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,400 milesOLD Saybrook, CT
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10524637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redwood City, CA
STEERING
TO BEGIN, PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2002 AND CONSISTENT MAINTENANCE AT LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP SINCE PURCHASED. FIRST ISSUE IS THE ENGINE, SEEMS TO MAKE NOISE LIKE A DIESEL LOUD AND VIBRATES. TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS OK FOR OVER 2 YEARS THEN NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE HAS A LEAK, LEAKS WATER INTO THE ENGINE OIL AREA AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. STILL AN ISSUE. SECONDLY, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES AFTER THE 2ND YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES. THIRD AND MOST IMPORTANT, THIS CAR HAS BEEN MAINTENANCED AT DEALERSHIP, NO ACCIDENTS. THE STEERING BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE AROUND QUITE SUDDENLY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE BOLTS WITHIN THE STEERING PACK HAD SHEARED OFF AND WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I STATED THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED, EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT LAND ROVER KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS HOWEVER IT IS NOT THEIR ISSUE TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS. I WANT THESE PROBLEMS FIXED. I CARRY MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS CAR, HAVE KEPT IT MAINTENENCED CONSISTENTLY AND ALWAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP . THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR AND I WANT IT FIXED. I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM LAND ROVER THAT IT IS MY ISSUE AND NOT THEIRS, WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT ALL AROUND FOR BOTH THE STEERING PACK AND THE ENGINE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10511785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Redwood City, CA
ENGINE
TO BEGIN, PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW IN 2002 AND CONSISTENT MAINTENANCE AT LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP SINCE PURCHASED. FIRST ISSUE IS THE ENGINE, SEEMS TO MAKE NOISE LIKE A DIESEL LOUD AND VIBRATES. TOLD THAT THE ENGINE WAS OK FOR OVER 2 YEARS THEN NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE HAS A LEAK, LEAKS WATER INTO THE ENGINE OIL AREA AND THAT THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONLY AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED. STILL AN ISSUE. SECONDLY, THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HAVE ISSUES AFTER THE 2ND YEAR OF OWNERSHIP AND AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES. THIRD AND MOST IMPORTANT, THIS CAR HAS BEEN MAINTENANCED AT DEALERSHIP, NO ACCIDENTS. THE STEERING BEGAN TO WOBBLE AND WHEEL BEGAN TO MOVE AROUND QUITE SUDDENLY. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE BOLTS WITHIN THE STEERING PACK HAD SHEARED OFF AND WERE BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I STATED THAT THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE COVERED, EVEN THOUGH THE WARRANTY HAS SINCE EXPIRED. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT LAND ROVER KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEMS HOWEVER IT IS NOT THEIR ISSUE TO ASSIST CUSTOMERS. I WANT THESE PROBLEMS FIXED. I CARRY MY GRANDCHILDREN IN THIS CAR, HAVE KEPT IT MAINTENENCED CONSISTENTLY AND ALWAYS AT THE DEALERSHIP . THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS WITH THIS CAR AND I WANT IT FIXED. I AM GETTING THE RUN AROUND FROM LAND ROVER THAT IT IS MY ISSUE AND NOT THEIRS, WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT ALL AROUND FOR BOTH THE STEERING PACK AND THE ENGINE ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10511785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesAmboy, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE IGNITION COILS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND ANTIFREEZE HAD LEAKED INTO THE OIL AND A FLUSH WOULD HAVE TO BE PERFORMED. THE TECHNICIAN ALSO STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 05/08/13*LJ THE CONSUMER INSIST THE CAMSHAFT WAS DAMAGED BYT THE SERVICE REPAIR TECHNICIAN. UPDATED 06/17/2013
NHTSA complaint #10502452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOlathe, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE YEAR IS ACCURATE,MONTH AND DATE ARE APPROXIMATIONS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OVERHEATING AND COOLANT LEAKS. COOLANT WOULDN'T PUDDLE UNDER VEHICLE,THOUGH.BUT I COULD SMELL IT SOMETIMES WITH WINDOWS OPEN. THEN,ONE DAY IT WOULD NOT START. TOWED IT TO LAND ROVER DEALER AND OVER THE COURSE OF 3 DAYS,THEY COULDN'T START IT,EITHER. WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE.PAID OUT $5800+.NOW,WITH 104,000 MILES,IT'S LOSING COOLANT,AGAIN. THEY CLAIMED THE OVER FLOW CONTAINER WAS LEAKING. HAD IT REPLACED. AND IT IS STILL LOSING COOLANT.IT IS NOT PUDDLING UNDER THE TRUCK.I SAW,ONLINE,WHERE THE FREELANDER HAS A POSSIBLE ENGINE DEFECT,WITH CYLINDER SLEEVES AND GASKET PROBLEMS.DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH LAND ROVER? OR, COULD THE LEMON LAW COME INTO EFFECT? I,ALSO,HAVE EXPERIENCED REAR WINDOW AND SUNROOF MOTOR FAILURES. I AM RETIRED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE ANOTHER ENGINE ! THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10502392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesOlathe, KS
ENGINE
THE YEAR IS ACCURATE,MONTH AND DATE ARE APPROXIMATIONS STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH OVERHEATING AND COOLANT LEAKS. COOLANT WOULDN'T PUDDLE UNDER VEHICLE,THOUGH.BUT I COULD SMELL IT SOMETIMES WITH WINDOWS OPEN. THEN,ONE DAY IT WOULD NOT START. TOWED IT TO LAND ROVER DEALER AND OVER THE COURSE OF 3 DAYS,THEY COULDN'T START IT,EITHER. WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW ENGINE.PAID OUT $5800+.NOW,WITH 104,000 MILES,IT'S LOSING COOLANT,AGAIN. THEY CLAIMED THE OVER FLOW CONTAINER WAS LEAKING. HAD IT REPLACED. AND IT IS STILL LOSING COOLANT.IT IS NOT PUDDLING UNDER THE TRUCK.I SAW,ONLINE,WHERE THE FREELANDER HAS A POSSIBLE ENGINE DEFECT,WITH CYLINDER SLEEVES AND GASKET PROBLEMS.DO I HAVE ANY RECOURSE WITH LAND ROVER? OR, COULD THE LEMON LAW COME INTO EFFECT? I,ALSO,HAVE EXPERIENCED REAR WINDOW AND SUNROOF MOTOR FAILURES. I AM RETIRED. I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPLACE ANOTHER ENGINE ! THANK YOU.
NHTSA complaint #10502392 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesAngleton, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PURCHASED THIS CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. TIME FOR INSPECTION AND CAR HAS MANY PROBLEMS LOOKED ON LINE AT COMPLAINTS AND I AM SICK TO SEE WHAT I AM IN FOR WITH THIS CAR. ITS IS SUCKING UP COOLANT,(BAD SIGN), HEAD GASKET ,OIL IN COOLANT, ENGINE FAILURE. WHY WAS I ALLOWED TO BUY THIS CAR? DO WE HAVE CONSUMER PROTECTION? I PURCHASE CAR FROM DEALER THAT SOLD 85% LAND ROVERS. DO YOU THINK THEY NEW WHAT I WAS IN FOR? YES!. YOU SHOULDN'T ALLOW CARS TO BE SOLD IN AMERICA IF THERE IS NO ACTUAL FIX FOR THE CAR. I READ THAT ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS BAD AS ORIGINAL. WILL SOMEONE BUY THIS CAR? I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE SHADY AND TELL SOMEONE THIS IS A GOOD CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10501435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesAngleton, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I PURCHASED THIS CAR LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. TIME FOR INSPECTION AND CAR HAS MANY PROBLEMS LOOKED ON LINE AT COMPLAINTS AND I AM SICK TO SEE WHAT I AM IN FOR WITH THIS CAR. ITS IS SUCKING UP COOLANT,(BAD SIGN), HEAD GASKET ,OIL IN COOLANT, ENGINE FAILURE. WHY WAS I ALLOWED TO BUY THIS CAR? DO WE HAVE CONSUMER PROTECTION? I PURCHASE CAR FROM DEALER THAT SOLD 85% LAND ROVERS. DO YOU THINK THEY NEW WHAT I WAS IN FOR? YES!. YOU SHOULDN'T ALLOW CARS TO BE SOLD IN AMERICA IF THERE IS NO ACTUAL FIX FOR THE CAR. I READ THAT ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS BAD AS ORIGINAL. WILL SOMEONE BUY THIS CAR? I WOULDN'T WANT TO BE SHADY AND TELL SOMEONE THIS IS A GOOD CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10501435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,807 milesProvidence, RI
ENGINE
ON NOVEMBER 1ST MY WIFE AND I LEFT LA PROPER HEADED TOWARDS PHOENIX, AZ. WITH THE MILEAGE NOW AT 49,807 AND APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS OF DRIVING ON I 10 THE CAR WAS LOSING POWER, SO I DID MY BEST TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE WHICH WAS NEXT TO THE ON RAMP (VERY SCARY). I HAD BEEN DRIVING AT 65 MILES PER HOUR WHEN THE CAR WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK BECAUSE AFTER I LET IT REST A MINUTE OR TWO IT WOULDN'T TURN OVER. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, NO SMOKE, THE COOLANT TANK WAS FULL, I CHECKED THE OIL DIPSTICK AND IT SEEMED FINE. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS THAT CAME ON INSIDE THE AUTO TO SIGNAL THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG, NO OVERHEATING ETC. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER AND WAS TOLD TO COME BACK NEXT MORNING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE BLEW A GASKET AND WAS ADVISED DUE TO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WAS TO REPLACE IT. I WAS QUOTED A PRICE OF $10,000.00! I ENDED UP SELLING IT FOR SALVAGE FOR $500 SINCE WE WERE TRAVELING SO FAR AWAY FROM HOME AND THE COST TO TOW IT TO RHODE ISLAND DIDN'T SEEM WORTH IT. SINCE THEN I HAVE CONTACTED LAND ROVER AND HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND LIKE MANY OTHER OWNERS. I ALSO HAVE HAD THE CHANCE SINCE THIS OCCURRENCE TO CHECK VIA INTERNET THAT THIS IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR THE 2002 FREELANDER. I FEEL THIS ENGINE SHOULD OF BEEN RECALLED.
NHTSA complaint #10488947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesWest Unity, OH
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I BEGAN ACCELERATING ON A VIADOCK (BRIDGE) WHEN I FELT A SNAP UNDERNEATH ME, AS I REACHED THE PEAK OF THE BRIGDE, THE CAR STALLED OUT AND I BEGAN DESCENDING ON THE BRIDGE WITH MY 2 DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR. IT COMPLETELY STOPPED BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE, WHICH PUT ME IN HARMS WAY OF TRAFFIC COMING OVER THE HILL. I IMMEDIATELY HIT MY HAZARDS AND PRAYED EVERYONE WOULD SEE ME BEFORE REAR ENDING ME. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TOWED. THEN I FOUND OUT IT MY TIMING BELT BROKE; CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN. TOTAL COST TO FIX WILL BE $4000. I RESEARCHED THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND FOUND THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THIS PARTICULAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. THE REVIEWS ON HOW LAND ROVER HAS BEEN HANDLING THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE ARE MIXED WITH SOME SAYING THEY RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AND OTHERS SAYING THEY WOULD NOT EVEN RESPOND TO THEIR COMPLAINTS. I AM NERVOUS TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLE MINE.
NHTSA complaint #10466964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesWest Unity, OH
ENGINE
I BEGAN ACCELERATING ON A VIADOCK (BRIDGE) WHEN I FELT A SNAP UNDERNEATH ME, AS I REACHED THE PEAK OF THE BRIGDE, THE CAR STALLED OUT AND I BEGAN DESCENDING ON THE BRIDGE WITH MY 2 DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR. IT COMPLETELY STOPPED BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO REACH THE BOTTOM OF THE BRIDGE, WHICH PUT ME IN HARMS WAY OF TRAFFIC COMING OVER THE HILL. I IMMEDIATELY HIT MY HAZARDS AND PRAYED EVERYONE WOULD SEE ME BEFORE REAR ENDING ME. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR TOWED. THEN I FOUND OUT IT MY TIMING BELT BROKE; CAUSING MY ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN. TOTAL COST TO FIX WILL BE $4000. I RESEARCHED THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND FOUND THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES. THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THIS PARTICULAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR. THE REVIEWS ON HOW LAND ROVER HAS BEEN HANDLING THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE ARE MIXED WITH SOME SAYING THEY RECTIFIED THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AND OTHERS SAYING THEY WOULD NOT EVEN RESPOND TO THEIR COMPLAINTS. I AM NERVOUS TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLE MINE.
NHTSA complaint #10466964 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesSanta FE, NM
ENGINE
I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND IT OPERATED WELL UNTIL APROX. 80,000 MI WHEN I WOULD GO THROUGH A RESERVOIR OF COOLANT EVERY 20 MILES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY WOULD KEEP IT FOR A WEEK, CHARGE ME $2,000 EACH TIME AND SAY THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I ADDRESSED THE PROBLEMS DOCUMENTED ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY RESPONDED THAT I SHOULD STOP BELIEVING EVERYTHING I READ ON LINE. ON APRIL 4, 2010 I CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS FULL OF COOLANT. THE DEALER SAID THEY STILL COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM BUT THE ENGINE WAS SHOT AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME $800 FOR THE CAR. LAND ROVER HAS BEEN DEFENSIVE AND UNRESPONSIVE IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG.
NHTSA complaint #10465645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesMidlothian, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AS A RESULT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10461327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,235 milesMurray, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AWAY FROM MY HOUSE AND THE ENGINE DIED. IT WOULDN'T RESTART AND AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES OF TRYING, IT STARTED MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. WHEN I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC, HE SAID IT HAD BLOWN THE HEAD GASKET, THEN THE PISTON ROD HAD COLLAPSED, SO THE ENGINE WAS VIRTUALLY RUINED. THE VEHICLE HAD 96,000 MILES ON IT. LAND ROVER PRODUCED THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES WITH FAULTY ENGINES(THE 2.5 V-6). I ALSO WANT TO KNOW IF THERE IS A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST LAND ROVER AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH IT.
NHTSA complaint #10450155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesPortland, OR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WE HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS WITH MY 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER TYPE S OVERHEATING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOING ON, WE HAVE REGULARLY TAKEN IT TO OUR LOCAL LAND ROVER DEALER TO FIND OUT THE PROBLEM. THE LATEST, NOW AUGUST 2011, THE COOLANT WAS FOUND TO BE LOW, AND A DISCUSSION WITH THE MECHANIC AND THE SHOP PERSON INDICATED THAT THEIR IS NO EXTERNAL LEAKS, AND THAT THE COOLANT MAY BE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CYLINDERS/HEADS ARE MADE OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS, AND THAT A GAP MAY HAVE FORMED THERE CAUSING THE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE. I WAS TOLD THAT IF THE COOLANT CONTINUES TO LEAK WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE SIGNS OF EXTERNAL PROBLEMS, THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. WE HAVE DONE ALL OF THE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AS WELL AS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF REPAIRS FOR THE COOLING - INCLUDING MULTIPLE THERMOSTATS(I BELIEVE WE ARE ON OUR FOURTH ONE, INCLUDING THE ONES UNDER WARRANTY, ETC. THE LATEST DIAGNOSIS IS COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE AND FOULING A CYLINDER. I REPEATED ASKED, SINCE WE WERE UNDER WARRANTY, IF WE HAD A LEMON AND HAVE NOW SEEN THOUSANDS OF POSTINGS ON THE INTERNET RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM, WITH MODELS FROM 2000 TO 2005, THE YEARS THE CAR WAS AVAILABLE IN THE US. IT APPEARS THAT THERE ARE NO VIABLE REPLACEMENT ENGINES AVAILABLE THAT DO NOT HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM SINCE, THE VEHICLE WAS DISCONTINUED IN 2005. BASED ON THE INFORMATION I HAVE GATHERED, IT APPEARS THAT THE ENGINE USED IN THIS VEHICLE WAS OF A FAULTY DESIGN, GIVEN THE FACT THAT A REPLACEMENT WITH OUT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECORD, MY VEHICLE INFO IS AS FOLLOWS: MAKE: LAND ROVER MODEL: FREELANDER TYPE S YEAR: 2002 PURCHASE DATE: 07/2002 I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER, AND I PURCHASED THIS FROM LAND ROVER PORTLAND, PORTLAND OREGON.
NHTSA complaint #10422315 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,000 milesRaleigh, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER INTAKE MOTORS. REPLACED BY OWNER APPROX 40K MILES AGO. I WAS IN A VERY BAD(UNRELATED) AUTO ACCIDENT 22 JULY. WHILE RELATIVES WERE AVAILABLE TO TAKE ME TO DOCTORS,ETC., I KNEW I ALSO HAD A TROUBLE LIGHT ON THE FREELANDER THAT HAD TO BE CLEARED FOR STATE INSPECTION. WHEN THEY TOOK IT TO LR OF CARY I HAD TO REPLACE YET AGAIN THE ENTIRE PLENUM ASSEMBLY AT A COST OF 2K TO OWNER. ADVISED BY DEALER THAT THE PARTS WHEN THEY RECEIVE THEM ARE SOMETIMES MALFUNCTIONING UPON RECEIPT. POSSIBLE ACCIDENT IN COLO CAUSED BY SEIZED INTAKE MOTORS(PER LR DEALER IN COLO) NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF FAULTY INTAKE MOTORS CAN BE EASILY FOUND ON LINE.
NHTSA complaint #10420022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.