10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
131,622 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #6

Nov 102003

Freelander 6-cyl

  • 350 miles
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; ' discrepancy not corrected; could not determine cause of lean condition possible ECM flash.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #5

Aug 242011

Freelander

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Freelander. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the transmission began to jerk violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the shift solenoid sensor was replaced. The mechanic also detected the transmission intake valves were damaged. In addition, the rear passenger automatic window regulator failed to operate and the sun roof motor exhibited faulty wiring. The vehicle had not been repaired for the additional defects. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

- Urbana , OH, USA

problem #4

Feb 232009

Freelander

  • 100,000 miles
Prior to this major problem, the car has had several minor electrical issues: Windows getting stuck in up and down position, rear wiper malfunction; also, unable to defrost driver's side of windshield. Car has been in the shop on two separate occasions for issues that were not quick fixes: 1. brake work 2. car got stuck in gear and was unable to reverse. For the past few months, car has been revving when driving between 10 and 20mph. Most recently, it braked hard and suddenly without the driver pressing the brake. Currently, the car is flashing F and 4 in the dash display and is unable to accelerate. The car is unable to climb even the slightest of inclines. The driver was able to drive it to an auto repair shop. The mechanic at the shop believes the transmission is "shot", but suggested having it diagnosed at a Mr. Transmission.

- Bristol, TN, USA

problem #3

Jul 092008

Freelander

  • 24,379 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Freelander. While driving at any speed, the vehicle completely shut down on at least four occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer each time. The dealer has never repaired the failure; therefore, the vehicle continues to shut off and get towed. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least seventeen times for the heating and cooling system. The passenger compartment smelled as if something were burning. A couple of times after shutting the vehicle down, the contact could hear the reservoir boiling. On several occasions, he noticed smoke coming from beneath the engine like steam. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least nine times regarding the thermostat and heating core. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least eleven times for the window motors. The vehicle is currently with the dealer after shutting off again. The contact has the repair invoices. The current mileage was 65,000 and failure mileage was 24,379.

- Berkley, CA, USA

problem #2

Oct 292007

Freelander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles
Numerous large repairs needed for a 2003 Land Rover Freelander, current mileage approx 79,000 including: New engine Oct 2007, new radiator June 2007, new fuel pump May 2007, new thermostat April 2007, internal electrical fault September 2006, cooling system September 2006, broken sway bar April 2006, right rear window replaced February 2006, child safety lock recall November 2005, brake switch failure November 2005, heater core leaking coolant November 2005, coolant bottle replaced November 2005, driver door replaced December 2004, windshield washer broken December 2004.

- Los Gatos, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 032006

Freelander 4WD 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 488,000 miles
The Land Rover Freelander is not a safe car. I feel this car is very dangerous to the consumer with all the problems people are having with this car. I am having the same problems that I am seeing on the internet that my fellow Freelander owners are having sunroof problems, brakes, oil leaks, transmission problems at low mileage, heater core leak that cause windows to mist at 30,000-40,000 miles that is very dangerous for consumers and I feel the NHTSA needs to check into these many defects and have Land Rover pay these consumers there money back and save lives. I have had my sunroof fixed twice with less than 40,000 miles, I have had a oil leak with less than 40,000 miles, presently I am dealing with a heater core leak at 50.400 just when my warranty is up and this is going to cost me 1,000 dollars and all Land Rover had to say was I am sorry. I expect a car like Land Rover to be more dependable than that, with low mileage and all of these problems. I feel this is to many problems for a car that Land Rover claims to be rugged, tough and dependable. I truly hope that NHTSA can help myself and my fellow consumers with the defects we are having with this car and provide consumer safety that we all need during these tough times. Thank you.

- Raleigh, NC, USA