11th Mar 2008, 13:31

I bought a 2002 SE Freelander brand new. Boy have I suffered pain, extraordinary pain. I agree with LR's new marketing message; Built for the extraordinary.

-Gremlins in the electrical system

- Radio replaced

- Side view mirrors replaced

- Disappearing coolant syndrome still present after 6 years of repairs, heater core bypass, three theromstats replaced, etc.

- Slipping JATCO transmission 3rd,4th and 5th gear

- Sunroof replaced once, repaired twice

- Front brakes and rotors replaced every 9 month's

- Aircon spits water through the vents and sounds like a waterfall (quite zen if you ask me, soothing sound)

- Absolutely ridiculous and questionable service practices, often obscuring the truth until warranty expired, then suddenly problem identified my magic.

- Engine still OK yet expecting the head gasket to fail any minute.

A word of advice = STAY AWAY FROM LAND ROVER... :)

20th Mar 2008, 12:37

I am a LR Master Tech. I work for a Dealer in NJ. I have put so many engines in Freelanders that I now have tremors every time I hear "free".

Lemmie tell you about the mystery temp gauge. Well first lemmie tell you about the engine. It's a pile of crap made by the defunct Rover car group. It fails because of steel sleeves; NOT PRESSED, but placed on a flat surface on the bottom of the engine. There's nothing wrong with the head gaskets, but when the sleve expands and contracts, it eventually pushes all the sealant out, and then hammers up and down against the head gasket, and engine block in the new found clearance. Then the coolant just pours into the crank case.

This engine is of a poor design; there is nothing you can do to correct it. The temp needle sits in the middle of the gauge from 185* to 240*. This is stupid and was actually engineered this way to keep people from complaining about fluctuating engine temperatures. Of course once your engine gets to 250* and the needle pins, you have already melted the engine down.

DO NOT BUY A FREELANDER. THE ENGINE WILL FAIL!!! It's only a matter of time. I have a Freelander on my lift right this second with a failed engine due to dropped sleeves. Look for a 03-04 disco 2 or RR sport if you want an awesome car.

2nd Sep 2008, 19:20

I have many of the same complaints with my 2002 Freelander. Numerous service calls and no clear resolution on the loss of coolant. It's unfortunate that LR is aware of the issues but does nothing to remedy them. I purchased the '02 because it was a nice entry point and although I now could afford a LR Sport or RR, I would never do so.

29th Oct 2008, 12:28

I found out that the reason why so many freelanders are losing coolant is because the pistons and the engine block are of two different composites resulting in different expansion rates. The pistons will expand and push the liners into the block. At this point you will notice a strong coolant smell. this is the first indication that you maybe headed towards engine failure. The coolant loss is from the breaking of the liners allowing coolant to mix with the motor oil, check the oil I have a good feeling that's where you will find most of your anti freeze. There is a good reason why this car halted production after 4 years. My recommendation trade it in... I had my car on the corner of my house saying Landrover Free or best offer no takers.

15th Dec 2008, 08:10

I agree on engine problems on the Freelander 2001 model SE.

Engine overheating, and I have replaced the expansion tank cap twice in 6months.

When cruising off road, it develops air conditioning failure caused by the engine overheating.

The Freelander may be comfortable off road, but I am afraid to travel long distances with it to avoid the embarrassment of a breakdown.

Land Rover, please do something with your engine.

31st Dec 2008, 22:14

I'm sorry to read all the troubles people are/had with the Freelander. I will say you all succeeded in deterring me from buying one from a dealer. Thought it was a good deal until I started to investigate why this 2002 with 69,000 was so cheap. Now I know. Sorry to all who got screwed by LR. I'm walking...

6th Jan 2009, 18:36

I own a 2003 Freelander SE, which I still owe $6,700 on - was just told almost a week ago that I need a new engine. I've experienced the same scenario, which starts with the coolant reservoir emptying causing the car to overheat. After 8 months of this problem and 2 thermostats later, my mechanic still could not figure out the problem and directed me to the dealer. Took the car twice, which resulted in a new plastic reservoir (the first was 'faulty'). Took it in last week because it was still leaking coolant (driving it mind you) and was told the car needs a new engine after viewing their 'compression test.' They didn't care that I was upset and basically asked where to tow the car after they knew I wasn't going to replace the engine, and had a problem with their 'findings.' Anyone that would like to discuss possible further action, please email me at zayra88@yahoo.com. Thanks.

18th Jan 2009, 10:03

Just out of interest about the coolant leaks, has anyone had their thermostat housing changed? This was the problem with my Free-lander which an old boy mechanic working from a backstreet garage fixed after being initially told it was head gasket failure by some w***ker who tried to take me for a ride.

He quoted £2000 plus to fix it and in the end the old boy fixed it for less than £300. I have a feeling a lot of LR mechanics are poorly trained and has no clue.

21st Jan 2009, 21:17

I have a 2002 FL that I bought used, with 36,000 miles. I have had the car for 5 years. Two years ago, out of no where my temperature gauge skyrocketed. I drive the car maybe 2 to 3 days a week, several miles just around town.

I brought the car in to the dealer for repair. After the car being at the dealer for 1 day, I called to see what the status was. They told me, "start shopping"...you need a new engine.

I told them that I could not believe that. I treat the vehicle with kid gloves, and that I had to think about this and would call them back the next day.

The next day I called, and they said that the coolant kept disappearing and they had no clue where it was going. I never, ever had signs of a leak in my driveway either. Came to find out, the coolant had leaked into the dashboard, which did make my windows foggy on occasion from time to time. They replaced the heater coil and that was $2000.

Since then, I have had a window motor replaced x2. I only have 42,000 miles on it. My check engine light has been on for months now, and I have to take the car in again for this; plus, my windshield wiper arm in the front snapped and broke.

I do not think I would buy another LR, but it is a comfortable vehicle. It is too bad as they really have their share of problems, even if it isn't driven much.

L Morris.