2002 Land Rover Freelander recalls and problems

The 2002 Land Rover Freelander has 3 safety recalls and 226 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Land Rover dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

226

Crashes / fires

4 / 4

Injuries / deaths

5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Land Rover Freelander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Land Rover Freelander recalls

Recall 07V-041: Exterior Lighting

Reported Feb 9, 2007 · 33,247 vehicles affected · LAND ROVER

Problem: 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.

Risk: Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Fix: 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. Owners will then be re-notified to bring their vehicles in for the new brake light switch. An interim letter for the initial inspection was mailed on march 26, 2007. The second letter for replacement of the switches was mailed beginning july 30, 2007. Owners may contact land rover at 1-80-637-6837.

Recall 05V-300: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Jun 28, 2005 · 1,941 vehicles affected · LAND ROVER

Problem: 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.

Risk: The occupant may open the door inadvertently while the vehicle is in motion and fall out into the traffic, personal injuries could occur.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-347: Structure

Reported Jul 12, 2004 · 31,049 vehicles affected · LAND ROVER

Problem: 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. At the left and right hand a-pillar trim area.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, personal injury to occupants may occur.

Fix: 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. Owners should contact land rover at 1-800-637-6837.

2002 Land Rover Freelander problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine and Engine Cooling	128
Power Train	88
Visibility	34
Electrical System	27
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	26
Exterior Lighting	16
Equipment	11
Latches/Locks/Linkages	11
Steering	9
Fuel System, Gasoline	9
Engine	9
Structure	8

Most reported parts

Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 72
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 35
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 32
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 15
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 9
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 5
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Land Rover Freelander complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · at 110,031 miles · reported Apr 25, 2015

I just purchased the vehicle from a gentleman. He had purchased the vehicle two years ago at 88,000 miles, and started having trouble with the transmission about two months ago. About three weeks ago the gentleman had the vehicle towed to his service center who then notified him that his transmission needs replacing. I have bought the vehicle and plan to replace the transmission. It does seem a bit early for a two owner vehicle at 110,000 to need a new transmission. It was well cared for not abused.

Power Train · reported Dec 9, 2014

What is to say that has not already been said about this nightmare! I have replaced everything on this car: power steering system, engine manifold, coolant reservoir, water pump, radiator, brakes 2x, camshaft and crankshaft sensor, crankshaft pulley, timing belt, and now I AM lucky enough to have the same transmission failure happening that everyone else who owns this junk experiences. This is not to mention that the sunroof does not work, the passenger door lock, and 3 of the 5 power windows do not work either. In the last year alone I have put more than $3000+ into this thing, and that is…

Service Brakes · at 120,090 miles · reported Jan 25, 2014

The brake lights sometimes work and sometimes do not work (Cited in 2 incidents by the police). All parts are fine (By check-up of a repair workshop), and no repair can be possibly done. Probably, the height of the brake lights above the ground is too low, so that it is sometimes too damp or wet (After snow or rain) for the brake lights to work properly. When they dry up, they work again. Next, the 2 brake lights are on the 2 corners of the bumper, and the central brake light is high on the tailgate. Theoretically, the 3 brake lights give warning enough when the car stops. However, there are 2…

Engine · reported Oct 10, 2013

The contact owns a 2002 land rover freelander. The contact stated that the engine overheated when the vehicle was turned on. The vehicle was taken to the mechanic for inspection who confirmed that the engine coolant was consuming prematurely and there was no evidence of a leak. The mechanic replaced the thermostat, the water pump, and the motor fan regulator; however the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 96,000.

Steering · at 93,400 miles · reported Jul 13, 2013

We were traveling about 35 MPH when we had to make a sudden and hard stop as a car almost pulled out in front of us. The right front tire moved back about three inches and was rubbing against the tire well. The brakes were making a horrendous noise. We had to be towed to a repair shop. The right front control arm that supports the tire was corroded and rusted out to the point it collapsed and bent. We were lucky we weren't in a serious accident. If we had been traveling at highway speed I don't know what would have happened. It cost $426.00 to be repaired. The repair shop gave me the defective…

Other Land Rover Freelander years

2005 2004 200320022001

Compare all Land Rover Freelander years · All Land Rover models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Land Rover Freelander have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Land Rover Freelander: 07V-041 (exterior lighting), 05V-300 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-347 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Land Rover Freelander?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (128 reports), followed by power train (88). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.

Are Land Rover recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Land Rover dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.