3.5

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,600 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Land Rover Freelander engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Land Rover Freelander Owner Comments

problem #1

Dec 062003

Freelander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I finally got my Freelander back from over 4 months of waiting. My 2002 Freelander required a new engine after it was found that mud and/or debris had entered my timing belt enclosure and caused my engine to jump time and catostrophically destroy my engine valves and cylinder walls. A specific Land Rover dealer noted that "mud" was the total cause of my engine failure, when in fact it was a 1" X 1" hole in the timing belt enclsoure; this hole is a design flaw or oversight and thus allows any dirt/grime/debris/mud to enter and cause severe damage. Freelander never showed visible signs (meter or steam) that it was overheating. Insurance has covered this issue under a flood coverage and has fronted over $12,800 for a new engine. I haven't received any loss-use coverage for the 4 months. Upon inspection of my new 2003 engine, I found a new plastic piece that now covers the once 1" X 1" hole in the timing belt enclosure. This piece also has a piece number and costs appoximately $6. now you can see, a mere $6 item would have saved me and insurance over $13,000. Land Rover has not initiated a recall or service bulletin to my knowledge; I suspect that this will only be installed on an as needed basis for those drivers who do use their Freelander as advertised by Land Rover. In a recent article in Land Rover chronicle, it was stated that the 2006 Freelander will have a better sealed engine compartment, due to the fact that most drivers are using their vehicles for off-road use (as advertised); they also state that this vehicle wasn't designed to match the discovery or defender. On top of it all, my front axle required replacement due to a new engine install (vibration problems), a new 02 sensor, plus I've noticed a small hand-sized dent on my hood (from closing). I still have problems of some sort since my service engine light it on now.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

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