Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | −89% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2004 | 69 | −48% | 3 | Engine | Good |
| 2003 | 140 | 1.9× | 5 | Engine | Caution |
| 2002 | 226 | 3.0× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Freelander year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Land Rover Freelander problems
Latest Land Rover Freelander recalls
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake lamp operation and where required, adjust and/or replace the brake light switches with new switches of the same design until a newly designed brake lamp switch is available in May 2007.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the latch assembly. The recall began on September 8, 2005. Owners should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.
Structure › Frame and members
On certain sport utility vehicles, an incorrect weld nut was installed. Lack of this bolt could eventually cause the subframe to crack or become deformed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the subframe fixing is correctly fitted and clamped up. If necessary, the subframe will be replaced with a new one that has correct weld nuts.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the a-pillar trim with a revised component that enables the vehicle to fully meet the requirements of FMVSS 201. The recall began on December 6, 2005.
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
On certain sport utility vehicles, the child door lock on the left hand rear door can become disengaged.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left hand rear latch. The recall began December 4, 2004. Owners should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Land Rover Freelander should you avoid?
2002 and 2003 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Freelander years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2002.
What is the best year for the Land Rover Freelander?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Freelander years at the same age, followed by 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Land Rover Freelander problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (287), transmission & drivetrain (122) and electrical system (61). Engine complaints peak in the 2002 model year.
How many recalls has the Land Rover Freelander had?
6 recalls across 2002–2005. The model year with the most is 2003. See all Land Rover Freelander recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.