Owners have filed 112 complaints
about the 2004 Land Rover Freelander with NHTSA between 2004 and 2013.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 28
Against the median year of the Land Rover Freelander. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 14
2.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2004 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.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1413.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1110.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
98.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4342.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2120.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11.0%
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.
Jul 2004peak 10Feb 2013
NHTSA investigations into the 2004 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 2004 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 51,000 milesDearborn, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE BREATHER VALVE FROZE UP , THE ENGINE START LEAKING OIL , POSSIBLE FIRE OR DESTROY THE ENGINE. STRANDED. THE SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THE ISSUE BUT THE DEALER ISN'T HONORING THE RESPONSIBILITY.
NHTSA complaint #10256034 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesGreen Harbor, MACrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO THE USE OF VARYING ALLOYS WITH DIFFERENT EXPANSION PROPERTIES USED IN ENGINE MANUFACTURE. THE DESIGN OF ENGINE INCLUDES METAL SLEEVES THAT LINE THE CYLINDER WALLS THAT WHEN HEATED TO NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE ALLOW THE SLEEVES TO SLIDE INTO THE ENGINE RESULTING IN CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. LRNA IS BEEN WARE OF THIS PROBLEM. THE DEFECT HAS BEEN KNOWN SINCE 2002 BUT IT COULD RANGE BACK TO THE 1990'S AND CONTINUED TO MANUFACTURE THE FAULTY ENGINES. THIS DEFECT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THIS FAILURE LEADS TO TOTAL POWER LOSS THAT IN A SNOWY OR ICY CONDITIONS OR HEAVY TRAFFIC AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS INEVITABLY CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENT RESULTING IN AN INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10253582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesWellesley, MACrash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DAYS AFTER PURCHASING MY 2004 FREELANDER, THE "CHECK ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR STALLED OUT ON ME. THE RPM'S GO ALL THE WAY UP BUT THE ACCELERATOR WON'T ALLOW TO DRIVE PAST 25 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME CONTINUOUSLY SINCE PURCHASING IT. I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED BY LAND ROVER MANY, MANY TIMES AND THEY CAN NEVER FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. THEY TELL ME THAT THE COLD WEATHER CAUSES IT OR THAT I AM SHIFTING THE GEAR INTO 2ND!! THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED ME EXTREME HARDSHIP. I HAVE LITERALLY DRIVEN RENTAL CARS FOR MONTHS AT A TIME AS THEY PLAY GAMES WITH ME. THIS DEFECT CAUSED ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT ON HIGHWAY 405 IN CA AND IT WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING. I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO BUCK AND STALL OUT. THE RPM'S WERE ALL THE WAY UP BUT I COULDN'T ACCELERATE PAST 25 MPH. THIS CAUSED A TRUCK TO SMASH INTO ME AS I TRIED TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. DESPITE MY NUMEROUS COMPLAINT TO THE MANUFACTURER NO ONE EVER RESOLVED THIS ISSUE. MY CAR'S "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE NOW AND IT CAUSED ME TO FAIL MY INSPECTION, DUE TO EMISSIONS. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON RENTAL CARS WHILE LAND ROVER TOOK THEIR TIME TO "REPAIR" MY CAR. EACH TIME THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT STORY...IT'S AN ELECTRIC LIGHT OUT, IT'S THE ALTERNATOR, IT'S THE LIFTERS, IT'S A BROKEN HOSE, ETC. THEY HAVE NEVER REPAIRED THIS STALLING ISSUE AND NOW MY CAR IS NOT TURNING ON MOST OF THE TIME. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS PIECE OF JUNK ANYMORE. I AM GOING BROKE FROM THIS CAR. LAND ROVER IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA "LOST" MY CAR FOR A MONTH AFTER I HAD IT TOWED THERE FROM THE ACCIDENT AND THEN REFUSED TO HELP ME. THEY SAID THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER NEVER BROUGHT IT. THE TIME BEFORE THAT THEY SAID THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER LOST THE KEYS SO THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I HAD TO HAVE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT GO DOWN THERE, AS I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO FILE A STOLEN CAR REPORT. HOW IRONIC IS IT THAT THE CAR MAGICALLY APPEARED IN THEIR LOT AT THAT EXACT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10250883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 86,000 milesAsbury Park, NJ
STRUCTURE
I HAVE A LAND ROVER FREE LANDER 2004 I BOUGHT IT WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT, IT RAN FINE FOR A WHILE THEN THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS MAL- FUNCTIONED. THE PEOPLE WHO SAT IN THE BACK SEAT COULD NOT GET OUT I HAD TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE.THE SUN ROOF STOP WORKING AS DID THE REAR WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK. I TRIED TO START IT THREE WEEKS AGO NO LUCK IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TWO SENSORS $800 THEN THEY TESTED THE ENGINE THE LEFT SIDE NO LONGER WORKED $5800 TO REPAIR THE TRUCK THAT NOW HAS 87,000 MILES. I THOUGHT THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT TO LAST.I LOVED THE SAFETY OF THESE TRUCKS BUT WHAT GOOD IS SAFETY IT THEY DO NOT LAST ?!?!?
NHTSA complaint #10496278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesAsbury Park, NJ
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
I HAVE A LAND ROVER FREE LANDER 2004 I BOUGHT IT WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT, IT RAN FINE FOR A WHILE THEN THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS MAL- FUNCTIONED. THE PEOPLE WHO SAT IN THE BACK SEAT COULD NOT GET OUT I HAD TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE.THE SUN ROOF STOP WORKING AS DID THE REAR WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK. I TRIED TO START IT THREE WEEKS AGO NO LUCK IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TWO SENSORS $800 THEN THEY TESTED THE ENGINE THE LEFT SIDE NO LONGER WORKED $5800 TO REPAIR THE TRUCK THAT NOW HAS 87,000 MILES. I THOUGHT THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT TO LAST.I LOVED THE SAFETY OF THESE TRUCKS BUT WHAT GOOD IS SAFETY IT THEY DO NOT LAST ?!?!?
NHTSA complaint #10496278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesAsbury Park, NJ
VISIBILITY
I HAVE A LAND ROVER FREE LANDER 2004 I BOUGHT IT WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT, IT RAN FINE FOR A WHILE THEN THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS MAL- FUNCTIONED. THE PEOPLE WHO SAT IN THE BACK SEAT COULD NOT GET OUT I HAD TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE.THE SUN ROOF STOP WORKING AS DID THE REAR WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK. I TRIED TO START IT THREE WEEKS AGO NO LUCK IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TWO SENSORS $800 THEN THEY TESTED THE ENGINE THE LEFT SIDE NO LONGER WORKED $5800 TO REPAIR THE TRUCK THAT NOW HAS 87,000 MILES. I THOUGHT THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT TO LAST.I LOVED THE SAFETY OF THESE TRUCKS BUT WHAT GOOD IS SAFETY IT THEY DO NOT LAST ?!?!?
NHTSA complaint #10496278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesAsbury Park, NJ
ENGINE
I HAVE A LAND ROVER FREE LANDER 2004 I BOUGHT IT WITH 30,000 MILES ON IT, IT RAN FINE FOR A WHILE THEN THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS MAL- FUNCTIONED. THE PEOPLE WHO SAT IN THE BACK SEAT COULD NOT GET OUT I HAD TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE.THE SUN ROOF STOP WORKING AS DID THE REAR WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRUCK. I TRIED TO START IT THREE WEEKS AGO NO LUCK IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME I NEEDED TWO SENSORS $800 THEN THEY TESTED THE ENGINE THE LEFT SIDE NO LONGER WORKED $5800 TO REPAIR THE TRUCK THAT NOW HAS 87,000 MILES. I THOUGHT THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT TO LAST.I LOVED THE SAFETY OF THESE TRUCKS BUT WHAT GOOD IS SAFETY IT THEY DO NOT LAST ?!?!?
NHTSA complaint #10496278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,501 milesBooneville, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR TAIL LAMP HOUSINGS FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES CAUSING THE BULBS NOT TO WORK. THIS CREATED A SITUATION WHERE ONLY ONE OR NONE OF THE LAMPS WERE WORKING. I REPLACED THEM AND LATER FOUND OUT THAT A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION WAS ISSUED BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. INTERIOR DOME LIGHT HAS FAILED TWICE. HEADLAMP FAILURE HAS OCCURRED IN LOW BEAM SIX TIMES AND IN HIGH BEAMS THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN THE HEATED SEATS, HEATED WINDSHIELD AND HEADLAMPS WERE ON SIMULTANEOUSLY.
NHTSA complaint #10490672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,501 milesBooneville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REAR TAIL LAMP HOUSINGS FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES CAUSING THE BULBS NOT TO WORK. THIS CREATED A SITUATION WHERE ONLY ONE OR NONE OF THE LAMPS WERE WORKING. I REPLACED THEM AND LATER FOUND OUT THAT A RECALL OR INVESTIGATION WAS ISSUED BUT I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. INTERIOR DOME LIGHT HAS FAILED TWICE. HEADLAMP FAILURE HAS OCCURRED IN LOW BEAM SIX TIMES AND IN HIGH BEAMS THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHEN THE HEATED SEATS, HEATED WINDSHIELD AND HEADLAMPS WERE ON SIMULTANEOUSLY.
NHTSA complaint #10490672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,200 milesBooneville, KY
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE HAD ENGINE FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP DURING ACCELERATION. AFTER A DIAGNOSES IT WAS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTAT HOUSING THAT RELEASED THE COOLANT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. AT THE CURRENT TIME THE AUTOMOBILE HAS HAD 39 DIFFERENT PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE IN 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10490668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,200 milesBooneville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE HAD ENGINE FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP DURING ACCELERATION. AFTER A DIAGNOSES IT WAS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTAT HOUSING THAT RELEASED THE COOLANT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. AT THE CURRENT TIME THE AUTOMOBILE HAS HAD 39 DIFFERENT PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE IN 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10490668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,200 milesBooneville, KY
ENGINE
VEHICLE HAD ENGINE FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP DURING ACCELERATION. AFTER A DIAGNOSES IT WAS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTAT HOUSING THAT RELEASED THE COOLANT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. AT THE CURRENT TIME THE AUTOMOBILE HAS HAD 39 DIFFERENT PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE IN 2004.
NHTSA complaint #10490668 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesTigard, OR
ENGINE
MY SON TURNED 16 ON MARCH 18, 2012. WE WANTED AN SUV THAT WOULD BE SAFE TO DRIVE. WE WANTED A CAR WITH LOWER MILEAGE. WE FOUND A 2004 LAND ROVER FREELANDER AT A LOCAL DEALER WITH ONLY 56,000 MILES. CAR WAS IN AWESOME SHAPE INSIDE AND OUT. NEW TIRES, ETC. PAID $9,500. A FEW DAYS LATER TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL LAND ROVER DEALER IN PORTLAND OREGON TO HAVE THE CAR LOOKED OVER. YOU KNOW THE NORMAL OIL CHANGE, OR WHATEVER ELSE THEY DO ON A CAR AT 55K MILES. AFTER THEY LOOKED IT OVER THEY TOLD ME THE COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AND ALSO THE PLUGS. I SAID SURE WHATEVER. $1,200 LATER I HAD MY SON'S CAR BACK. A FEW WEEKS LATER IT HAD A ODOR TO IT, AND IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS GOING UP HILLS AND THE ENGINE WAS MAKING STRANGE SOUNDS. A DAY LATER IT STALLED. HAD IT TOWED TO LAND ROVER DEALER IN PORTLAND OREGON AND THEY TOLD ME IT APPEARS THAT IS WAS OUT OF COOLANT. THEY THOUGHT AT FIRST IT MUST BE A FAULTY THERMOSTAT OR POSSIBLY THE WATER PUMP. NOPE. THEY CAME BACK WITH THERE IS COOLANT MIXING IN WITH THE ENGINE OIL. THAT IT WOULD ANOTHER $1,200 TO $1,500 JUST TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM ACTUALLY IS. TOLD ME IF IT WAS HEAD GASKETS OR SOMETHING IN THE BLOCK, IT WOULD COST AT LEAST $5,000 OR MORE TO REPAIR. THE LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO REPLACE THE BLOWN HOSES AND THEY TOLD THEY COULD GET IT WORKING AGAIN BUT IT WAS NOT GOING TO RUN FOR VERY MUCH LONGER. I CHECKED WITH OTHER LAND ROVER SERVICE COMPANIES AND THEY ALL REFUSED TO EVEN LOOK AT THE FREELANDER AS THEY KNEW IT WAS NOT GOING TO TURN OUT WELL. I FINALLY FOUND A MECHANIC IN PORTLAND OREGON WHO AGREED TO TAKE IT APART AND FIX IT. THEY TOLD ME NO MORE THAN $3,500. WHAT WAS I SUPPOSE TO DO, WE PAID $9,500 AND SELLING IT FOR SCRAP SEEM LIKE A BAD IDEA. SO AS OF TODAY, JUNE 6TH I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE REPAIRS AT A LOCAL SHOP ON OUR 2004 LAND ROVER FREELANDER WITH ONLY 57K TO BE COMPLETED.
NHTSA complaint #10460762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesDenison, TX
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN APRIL 2010 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. IT HAD 79,600 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT HAD JUST RECENTLY HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THEY DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO OPEN THE HOOD - PASSENGER SIDE. 2 MONTHS LATER AND IT DIES ON ME GOING DOWN THE STREET. I PULL OVER AND ANTIFREEZE IS RUNNING EVERYWHERE. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING HAD SEPARATED IN TWO AND CAUSED THE CAR TO OVERHEAT. I CALLED THE CLOSEST LAND ROVER DEALER AND HE QUOTED ME $800 TO FIX IT. I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THE PARTS TO FIX IT FOR $80. I REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND HOUSING (1 PIECE) AND GOT IT RUNNING AGAIN. SINCE THEN, THE SUNROOF HAS QUIT, BOTH REAR WINDOWS HAVE QUIT AND THE REAR SLIDING WINDOW WON'T OPEN BY KEY. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK (ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE) AND I HAVE NEVER HAD AN OWNERS MANUAL. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY EITHER. NOW I GET TO THE ENGINE - IT STARTED RUNNING REAL ROUGH AND LOST ALOT OF POWER. I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC RUN CODES ON IT AND THIS IS WHAT HE FOUND: P0303 - #3 CYLINDER MISFIRE; P1319 - MISFIRE EMISSION RELEVANT; P1471, 1472 - VIS MOTORS EVAP PURGE VALVE FLOW BLOCKED; P1475 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP LEAKAGE DIAGNOSTIC PUMP REED SWITCH DID NOT CLOSE; P 1775 - GEARBOX FAULT TRANSMISSION SYSTEM MIL FAULT. I ASKED HIS OPINION AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY NOT WORTH FIXING. HE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT ALL OF THIS MEANT. HE WAS JUST GOING TO START TEARING IT DOWN AND SEE WHAT HE COULD FIX. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT. I LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND I REALLY THOUGHT THAT LAND ROVER HAD A GOOD NAME AND REPUTATION. I EMAILED AND CALLED THEM AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK TO THIS POINT. EVERYTHING I HAVE SEEN ON THIS MODEL PROVES THAT IT IS A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE PUT TO REST. I AM LOOKING FOR ANY HELP I CAN GET.
NHTSA complaint #10454571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesDenison, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN APRIL 2010 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS EVER SINCE. IT HAD 79,600 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT AND WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT HAD JUST RECENTLY HAD A TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THEY DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO OPEN THE HOOD - PASSENGER SIDE. 2 MONTHS LATER AND IT DIES ON ME GOING DOWN THE STREET. I PULL OVER AND ANTIFREEZE IS RUNNING EVERYWHERE. THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING HAD SEPARATED IN TWO AND CAUSED THE CAR TO OVERHEAT. I CALLED THE CLOSEST LAND ROVER DEALER AND HE QUOTED ME $800 TO FIX IT. I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THE PARTS TO FIX IT FOR $80. I REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND HOUSING (1 PIECE) AND GOT IT RUNNING AGAIN. SINCE THEN, THE SUNROOF HAS QUIT, BOTH REAR WINDOWS HAVE QUIT AND THE REAR SLIDING WINDOW WON'T OPEN BY KEY. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTER WILL NOT WORK (ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE) AND I HAVE NEVER HAD AN OWNERS MANUAL. THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY EITHER. NOW I GET TO THE ENGINE - IT STARTED RUNNING REAL ROUGH AND LOST ALOT OF POWER. I HAD A LOCAL MECHANIC RUN CODES ON IT AND THIS IS WHAT HE FOUND: P0303 - #3 CYLINDER MISFIRE; P1319 - MISFIRE EMISSION RELEVANT; P1471, 1472 - VIS MOTORS EVAP PURGE VALVE FLOW BLOCKED; P1475 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP LEAKAGE DIAGNOSTIC PUMP REED SWITCH DID NOT CLOSE; P 1775 - GEARBOX FAULT TRANSMISSION SYSTEM MIL FAULT. I ASKED HIS OPINION AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS PROBABLY NOT WORTH FIXING. HE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT ALL OF THIS MEANT. HE WAS JUST GOING TO START TEARING IT DOWN AND SEE WHAT HE COULD FIX. I CAN'T AFFORD THAT. I LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND I REALLY THOUGHT THAT LAND ROVER HAD A GOOD NAME AND REPUTATION. I EMAILED AND CALLED THEM AND HAVE HAD NO LUCK TO THIS POINT. EVERYTHING I HAVE SEEN ON THIS MODEL PROVES THAT IT IS A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD BE PUT TO REST. I AM LOOKING FOR ANY HELP I CAN GET.
NHTSA complaint #10454571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesIuka, IL
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO HAVE A ROUGH 2ND TO 3RD SHIFT AROUND 60,000 MI. COMPLETE 3RD GEAR FAILURE BY 69,000. CAR WILL ACCELERATE TO ABOUT 25 MPH AND THEN SHIFT INTO 3RD AND ITS LIKE BEING IN N CAR WILL COAST AND ENGINE WILL REV. HAVE TO INSTALL NEW TRANSMISSION. SHOP SAID IT WAS CLEAR FROM THE CONDITION OF THE CAR THAT IT HAD NOT BEEN ABUSED, AND THAT A TRANSMISSION SHOULD LAST TO ABOUT 150,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10449640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesWorthington, MN
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
LIKE THE MYRIAD OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE, (HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX?14@@.F142477/93#MSG93, HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EEA90DB, HTTP://WWW.BUSINESSWEEK.COM/THE_THREAD/BLOGSPOTTING/ARCHIVES/2005/07/BLOGGER_TAKES_O.HTML FOR A TINY EXAMPLE) I TOO BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME OVERHEATING PROBLEMS NOT TOO FAR PAST THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION. IT IS VERY, VERY WELL DOCUMENTED THAT THERE IS A COMPLETE FAILURE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM IN THE FREELANDERS. CAN YOU PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS, INCLUDING ONE ACTUALLY STUCK PARTIALLY DOWN CURRENTLY BECAUSE I'M PAST WARRANTY. BUT THAT'S SMALL POTATOES COMPARED TO THE OVERHEATING ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10432455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesWorthington, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
LIKE THE MYRIAD OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VEHICLE, (HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/WEBX?14@@.F142477/93#MSG93, HTTP://TOWNHALL-TALK.EDMUNDS.COM/DIRECT/VIEW/.EEA90DB, HTTP://WWW.BUSINESSWEEK.COM/THE_THREAD/BLOGSPOTTING/ARCHIVES/2005/07/BLOGGER_TAKES_O.HTML FOR A TINY EXAMPLE) I TOO BEGAN EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME OVERHEATING PROBLEMS NOT TOO FAR PAST THE WARRANTY EXPIRATION. IT IS VERY, VERY WELL DOCUMENTED THAT THERE IS A COMPLETE FAILURE IN THE COOLING SYSTEM IN THE FREELANDERS. CAN YOU PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT? I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE AUTOMATIC WINDOWS, INCLUDING ONE ACTUALLY STUCK PARTIALLY DOWN CURRENTLY BECAUSE I'M PAST WARRANTY. BUT THAT'S SMALL POTATOES COMPARED TO THE OVERHEATING ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10432455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesSummit, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
MY 2004 FREELANDER WAS PURCHASED FROM ROYALTY AUTO SALES IN LITTLE FERRY NJ ON APRIL 19, 2010 WITH 52,000 MILES. WE ALSO PURCHASED FROM SAME DEALER A 1-YEAR WARRANTY FROM A WARRANTY COMPANY REPRESENTED BY THE DEALER MIDATLANTIC WARRANTY COMPANY. WE PUT A $6,500 DOWNPAYMENT ON THE VEHICLE, AND FINANCED $7,000. THE PROBLEM STARTED WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER DRIVING OFF THE LOT WITH AN OVERHEATING ISSUE WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO SAID THERE WAS PROBABLY NOT ENOUGH ANTIFREEZE IN IT AND OFFERED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR A FEW DAYS TO MAKE SURE IT WAS O.K. DEALER MAINTAINED ISSUE NEVER HAPPENED AGAIN AND RETURNED THE CAR TO US. THE CAR OVER THE NEXT MONTH AND ONE-HALF CONTINUED TO OVERHEAT SEVERAL TIMES AND REQUIRE ADDING OF ANTIFREEZE WITH NO APPARENT LEAK UNDER THE VEHICLE. 2-MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE VEHICLE CEASED TO START AND WHEN TOWED TO LANDROVER WAS TOLD IT WOULD NEED A NEW ENGINE AND THESE DEFECTS ARE KNOWN ABOUT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. TO DATE NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE WARRANTY COMPANY HAS EITHER RETURNED OUR MONEY, VEHICLE OR REPAIRED THE CAR. SOMEONE SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE. SHAME ON LANDROVER AND ANY DEALER THAT DOES NOT RESEARCH THE VEHICLES THEY REPRESENT AS BEING SAFE AND IN GOOD CONDITION TO UNKNOWING CONSUMERS.
NHTSA complaint #10426659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesLacey, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 LAND ROVER FREELANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THE CASING ON THE ENGINE CYLINDER WAS SEPARATED AND WAS CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FREEZE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE OIL AND ANTIFREEZE WAS MIXING TOGETHER ABNORMALLY AND CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO ADVISED THAT WHENEVER THE VEHICLE ENGINE FAILED, THAT THEY SHOULD BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #10397058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesCopley, OH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I PURCHASED A 2004 LAND ROVER FREELANDER IN OCTOBER 2007. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM THAT HAVE CAUSED ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE IN FOR NUMEROUS REPAIRS. THE HEAD GASKET NEEDS REPLACED. THE REPAIRS ARE NUMEROUS AND EXPENSIVE. EVEN THE LAND ROVER DEALERS SAY THAT THESE VEHICLES ARE JUNK AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPLETELY REPAIR. I AM TOLD THAT ENGINE REPLACEMENT MAY BE THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE THE ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10395568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,000 milesChicaog, IL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
IN 2007 ENGINE FAILED IN THE INTERSECTION OF US RT 34 AND YORK ROAD IN HINSDALE, IL. THE POLICE PUSHED THE CAR TO A LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP NEARBY. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE FUEL SYSTEM BUT NOT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. TODAY THE MANIFOLD IS CLOGGED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IT IS CLOGGED FROM BAD FUEL FROM THE FUEL SYSTEM REPLACEMENT. NOW THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND I CAN'T TRADE IT, NO ONE WILL TAKE IT. THE CAR HAS BEEN REGULARLY SERVICED AND ONLY 68,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10395262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesMorris Plains, NJ
POWER TRAIN
DURING HIGH SPEEDS (55-70 MPH) CAR WOULD DOWN SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR FOR NO REASON. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON SHORTLY AFTER AND CAR RAN ROUGH. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE PULLING OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. BRAKES REPLACED AT APPROX. 11K MILES. ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE WAS DONE ON TIME ACCORDING TO THE PASSPORT SCHEDULE. STOPPED TO GET GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD TO GET CAR TOWED 40 MILES AND TAKE A TAXI HOME. I WENT TO ARBITRATION WITH LRNA AND I GOT A 2005 REPLACEMENT. SEE MY 2ND POST ABOUT THIS TRUCK - ENGINE IS SHOT- HEAD GASKET BROKEN, THERMOSTAT SHOT, BREAKS AT 25K MILES, CRACKED MANIFOLD, CRACKED ENGINE HOSES.
NHTSA complaint #10392881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesMorris Plains, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
DURING HIGH SPEEDS (55-70 MPH) CAR WOULD DOWN SHIFT INTO LOW GEAR FOR NO REASON. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON SHORTLY AFTER AND CAR RAN ROUGH. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE PULLING OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. BRAKES REPLACED AT APPROX. 11K MILES. ALL RECOMMENDED SERVICE WAS DONE ON TIME ACCORDING TO THE PASSPORT SCHEDULE. STOPPED TO GET GAS AND CAR WOULD NOT START. HAD TO GET CAR TOWED 40 MILES AND TAKE A TAXI HOME. I WENT TO ARBITRATION WITH LRNA AND I GOT A 2005 REPLACEMENT. SEE MY 2ND POST ABOUT THIS TRUCK - ENGINE IS SHOT- HEAD GASKET BROKEN, THERMOSTAT SHOT, BREAKS AT 25K MILES, CRACKED MANIFOLD, CRACKED ENGINE HOSES.
NHTSA complaint #10392881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,370 milesConshohocken, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I PURCHASED MY FREELANDER BRAND NEW IN JULY 2004. AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES THE ENGINE SUDDENLY OVERHEATED. I TOOK IT THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. THEY SAID THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THAT THIS PARTICULAR MODEL LEAKS OIL INTO THE HEAD GASKET CAUSING THE ENGINE TO FAIL. THEY REPLACED MY ENTIRE ENGINE UNDER THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY AT NO CHARGE. THIS WAS JULY 2007. NOW I'M AT 75,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE (ONLY 30,000 MILES ON THIS ENGINE) AND THE DEALERSHIP'S SHOP SAYS TO "GET RIDE OF IT"...I WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS LEAKING OIL ONTO THE HEAD GASKET. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PURCHASE A NEW ENGINE FOR MY CAR AND CAN'T IN GOOD CONSCIENCE SELL THE VEHICLE TO SOMEONE ELSE...THIS PUTS ME IN TERRIBLE DILEMMA AND ONE WHICH I FEEL THE MANUFACTURER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR. I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURERS DISTRICT OFFICE LAST WEEK AND AM STILL WAITING FOR A RESPONSE. I AM ALSO TRYING TO FIND LEGAL HELP IN THIS SITUATION. ALSO, THERE HAS BEEN ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH A "CACKLING" NOISE IN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WELL. I'VE ADDRESSED IT MANY TIMES WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT BUT IT STILL MAKES NOISE. THEY SAID ITS A BUSING PART (I BELIEVE).
NHTSA complaint #10378655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,561 milesWashington, DC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
LOSS POWER WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN HAVING TO REPLACE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AND AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON 11/19/10 LOSS POWER. ENGINE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH ENGINE FAILURE. FAILURE OCCURRED AT 74639 MILES
NHTSA complaint #10375747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesGreensboro, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ENGINE OVERHEATING AND EVENTUAL SEIZURE AS A RESULT OF COOLANT LOSS THROUGH CRACKED CYLINDER SLEEVES. THIS CONDITION, ACCORDING TO THE LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP, CANNOT BE CORRECTED. THE ONLY SOLUTION INVOLVES ENGINE REPLACEMENT, EXCEPT THAT NO REPLACEMENT ENGINES ARE AVAILABLE DUE TO THE PRODUCER'S DEFAULT. WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THIS ENGINE PROBLEM IS SYSTEMIC IN THE FREELANDER MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10370075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 94,000 milesGreensboro, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE OVERHEATING AND EVENTUAL SEIZURE AS A RESULT OF COOLANT LOSS THROUGH CRACKED CYLINDER SLEEVES. THIS CONDITION, ACCORDING TO THE LAND ROVER DEALERSHIP, CANNOT BE CORRECTED. THE ONLY SOLUTION INVOLVES ENGINE REPLACEMENT, EXCEPT THAT NO REPLACEMENT ENGINES ARE AVAILABLE DUE TO THE PRODUCER'S DEFAULT. WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THIS ENGINE PROBLEM IS SYSTEMIC IN THE FREELANDER MODEL.
NHTSA complaint #10370075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.