10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,000 miles

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problem #22

Jun 042010

Freelander 6-cyl

  • 81,000 miles
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.

- Denison, TX, USA

problem #21

Oct 012010

Freelander 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
Like the myriad of other complaints about this vehicle, (townhall-talk.edmunds.com/webx?14@@.F142477/93#msg93, townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.eea90db, 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.

- Worthington, MN, USA

problem #20

Apr 192010

Freelander

  • 53,000 miles
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.

- Summit, NJ, USA

problem #19

Mar 222011

Freelander

  • 69,000 miles
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.

- Lacey, WA, USA

problem #18

Apr 122011

Freelander 6-cyl

  • 88,000 miles
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.

- Copley, OH, USA

problem #17

Nov 012004

Freelander

  • 32,000 miles
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.

- Morris Plains, NJ, USA

problem #16

Jul 242007

Freelander

  • 57,561 miles
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

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #15

Oct 012009

Freelander

  • 94,000 miles
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.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #14

Jul 252010

Freelander

  • 90,762 miles
Coolant vanishing, replaced thermostat and was told the issue was fixed. Continued to have coolant disappear (no leaking under vehicle). Car was running "rough" as well, told cylinder 2 was misfiring, replaced coil when having tune up performed. Car ran well for less than a month, then noticed a "ticking" sound when starting the car that wouldn't go away. Had vehicle towed to nearest repair facility 70miles away, and have been told we have both a slipped cylinder into the block and head gasket failure with moderate amounts of coolant in oil. Thus resulting in need for full engine replacement at slightly over 90,000 miles.

- Albany, OR, USA

problem #13

Jun 172010

Freelander

  • 87,950 miles
Replaced thermostat due to coolant leakage. Service engine soon light keeps coming on and car looses power and shakes violently. Have had to pull over numerous times and shut engine down and leave for a few minutes, service engine soon light stays illuminated. Now tc (traction control) and downhill decent light keep coming on. Took to repair shop and they replaced brake light switch, but lights illuminated while on their final test drive. They told me everything was fine, it could be a wiring issue with the harness and would need to schedule time to investigate. I left the shop and drove 1.5hrs home only to have my husband follow me in the car while I had our 3yr old child with me and tell me the brake lights aren't working at all! when is enough to do something about these unsafe vehicles"?" we have also just changed brake discs/rotors and pads for the 3rd time at 87,000 miles.

- Albany, OR, USA

problem #12

May 032010

Freelander

  • 58,000 miles
My 2004 Freelander hs had engine failure at only 58,000 at dodger stadium in los angeles. I had taken regular care of this car to try to prevent any problems. It was passed the warranty. No warning engine light had gone on. I had it towed to mechanic. Engine is totally shot. I cannot afford to pay for new one. I have just recently read several complaints about this type of car, and never knew the same problem exists with these cars until recently. Someone needs to investigate. These cars are defective, and have all the similar problems that one way or the other lead to engine failure. My engine apparently went due to my timing belt teeth shearing off, causing timing belt to slip, and camshafts not rotating, and engine being mangled. There was no warning sign of this grand fatality, and had just had coolant problem fixed as well as serviced (oil & filter change) within months of incident. Again, no warning engine light at time of shut down.

- Venice, CA, USA

problem #11

Apr 152009

Freelander

  • 59,000 miles
Land Rover free lander 2004, engine dies in cold temperature. It happened to three times in last two winters, when I am traveling on freeway in cold temperature. Vehicle's dies without any reason. It would start after an half hour or so, but each time it died, it was very cold and middle of nowhere. If I didn't have my survival kit, and blanket, I would have been died. When I have told this problem to dealers rep they said have got these complaints but couldn't find any problem. In my case I was in North Dakota and had no problem of traffic, but if this was in New York or Chicago, it could have been fatal. Kindly review my complaint. I shall be thankful to you for this act of kindness, which could save many lives.

- Fargo, ND, USA

problem #10

Jun 042009

Freelander

  • 64,000 miles
I noticed that my fan was running louder than normal after I parked my car. I check the engine coolant I was pretty low. I filled the coolant to the max amount. The next day noticed that there was a humming sound when I parked my vehicle for the night. I noticed that the coolant was already gone from replacing it the day prior. I didn't notice any leaks or puddles under the car. When I tried to start the car a day later it sounded like a tractor. Once I put in gear it would not accelerate well. It would barely go over 20. The check engine light came on. I decided to park my car and get a rental and have the car towed to the Land Rover dealer. I dropped the car off and was told later that my car 3 cylinders had failed. That I would need to replace the engine. I don't understand how you can go to running great to not running at all. I kept up with all the required maintenance. Now I have a car that doesn't run. I still owe $15,000 and it is going to cost $10,000 to repair. I have no options. Noticing the problems by other people, Land Rover is aware of the defect and should have replace the engines or components that were defective. The is affecting peoples livelihood. We need to get a class action lawsuit started. I am living now out of a rental. This economy right now I can just afford what I have. I don't have the extra money to get another car because the one I'm still paying off is inoperable.

- The Colony , TX, USA

problem #9

Apr 292009

Freelander

  • 23,318 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Land Rover Freelander. The contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. In the presence of an ignition source, the vehicle could have caught fire. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel line disengaged from the fuel pump. The fuel line was reconnected. In addition, the traction control would sporadically engage. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that there was a faulty connection to the throttle body. Also, he experiences difficulty when attempting to remove the key from the ignition. The SRS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. A technician stated that the SRS module needed to be replaced. Lastly, the heater cooler was replaced due to a persistent burning odor emanating from the vehicle. The manufacturer would not assume any responsibility because the vehicle exceeded its warranty. The failure and current mileages were 23,318.

- Whitestone, NY, USA

problem #8

Dec 032007

Freelander

  • 50,000 miles
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.

- Wellesley, MA, USA

problem #7

Nov 302008

Freelander

  • 38,000 miles
I own a used 2004 Land Rover Freelander. While driving back from Illinois during a snow storm the lr's window wipers stopped working. The windshield wipers stopped halfway during wiping and I was forced to click them on and off to get them to work. I am also experiencing coolant problems do to the faulty engine design the Land Rover is well aware of and refuses to fix. This problem will eventually lead to a required engine replacement that Land Rover is well aware of and refuses to accept responsibility for. The vehicle is maintained regularly as required by the owner's manual so its definitely a engine design problem. Consumers cannot be responsible for vehicle problems that result from matters out of their control. There is a reason lemon laws were enacted and a known engine design flaw that results in catastrophic engine failure before 75,000 miles is the manufacturer's responsibility, not that of the unsuspecting consumer. Only the full weight of the NHTSA addressing this engine problem with all 2002-2005 Freelander models will bring about a satisfactory resolution. Please have your officers investigate this matter, this is unacceptable to the american public in these challenging times.

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #6

Apr 102008

Freelander

  • 110,000 miles
I bought a 2004 Land Rover Freelander hse and a year later the engine seized. I spent well over $5,000 on repairs and about 3 weeks later the engine seized again from different issues. I now still am paying for my loan and driving a $500 hunk of junk. Thanks Land Rover.

- Amesbury, MA, USA

problem #5

Oct 312007

Freelander

  • 60,000 miles
2004 Freelander SE purchased in April of 2007. Now, (1) continuous coolant leaking, (2) cylinder sleeve has slipped, (3) loud "knocking" noise upon starting the engine, (4) coolant leaking into oil and (5) engine overheat light illuminating regularly. Consulted local Land Rover dealer, was told that I would need a "total engine replacement." That was my only option. Also told to "get rid" of the vehicle. I still owe approximately $13,000 on this vehicle, so that is not an option. Was told that engine replacement would cost $10,000. This problem has been raised by thousands of Freelander owners and should be looked into from a legal standpoint before someone gets injured or worse due to engine lockup.

- South Charleston, WV, USA

problem #4

Apr 192008

Freelander 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Since warranty expiration in Aug. '07 my 2004 hse Freelander with only 50,000 miles on it has been in the shop since Nov. '07 until Feb. '08 for a coolant leak that lead to entire engine change. Lucky I bought the extended warranty. My window regulators has been replaced numerous times since I have owned the vehicle. Now I'm have more problem with it and I'm getting very disgusted with this vehicle. Land Rover needs to Focus more on quality vice quantity of vehicles. I highly recommend a quality assurance division to recommend quality and durable components for their vehicles instead of being cheap and using the name of Land Rover as a shield for their shady business practices..... I bought this vehicle on the basis of its durability.... I guess Land Rover does mean nothing..... I should've done better homework.

- Lemoore, CA, USA

problem #3

Nov 282007

Freelander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
Just a few days before my scheduled 72000 revision, the temperature gauge was acting up. The local dealer supposedly fixed the problem by replacing the thermostat for $2500. 10 days later same problem, now dealer wants $4200 just to open gaskets and perhaps engine may need to be replaced for $15000. That is more the the value of the car. Then I find dozens of people with the exact problem with the exact car on edmunds carspace.

- Larkspur, CA, USA

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