2003 Land Rover Freelander problems
NHTSA has received 250 complaints about the 2003 Land Rover Freelander, and 31% of them involve engine. After that come fuel system (14%) and electrical system (11%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 250 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 31% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 8
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 64,000 miles 214 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 26 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 34 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 32 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 60 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 40 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 21 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 214 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 64,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 63,000 miles (70 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 3 complaints mention a crash; 8 complaints mention a fire. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 84% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2003 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 4 model years of the Land Rover Freelander with enough data (168 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 5 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 land rover freelander. After driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke under the passenger side of the hood. She allowed the vehicle to cool down and drove to purchase antifreeze to replace what leaked out. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was fine. When she returned to the dealer, they stated that a new engine would be needed. When the heat is activated, toxic fumes of burning antifreeze enter into the vehicle.
Vehicle was brought into the dealership multiple times for overheating. After the 4th time the car overheated and I lost all power as it caught on fire. I had to make a dangerous lane change across 4 lanes of highway while losing power. The engine was replaced in 2006 but the dealership said it was just over warranty. The vehicle still is having problems starting and is being towed to the mechanic again today.
Tl*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.
Own a 2003 land rover freelander se, vehicle looses coolant into engine then over heats. Had head gaskets replaced at a cost of $1,700.00. Vehicle still leaking coolant into engine. I did some investigation into this matter found a chat room on edmunds.com it seems it is a common problem with this vehicle, the cause of the coolant leak is a poor design of the engine. It seems that the cylinder sleeve shifts inside the engine and the coolant burns internally.
Tl* 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.