2002 Land Rover Defender
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1992 | 0 |
| 1993 | 2 |
| 1994 | 0 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2022 | 64 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 21 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 3 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
THE ENGINE IN MY 2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER OVERHEATED AT ABOUT 65K MILES AND MADE IT THE 10 MILES OR SO TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER ONLY BECAUSE I KEPT STOPPING, REMOVING THE COOLANT TANK CAP, AND REPLACING THE FLUID EVERY FEW MILES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070925
IN NOV. 2005 MY 2002 FREELANDER RAN HOT. WHILE CHECKING UNDER HOOD I NOTICED THE WATER RESERVOIR BOTTLE WAS EMPTY. I NOTIFIED HILTON HEAD LAND ROVER AND CARRIED THE VEHICLE TO THE THEM. THEY CHANGED THE RESERVOIR BOTTLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060617
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
IN NOV. 2005 MY 2002 FREELANDER RAN HOT. WHILE CHECKING UNDER HOOD I NOTICED THE WATER RESERVOIR BOTTLE WAS EMPTY. I NOTIFIED HILTON HEAD LAND ROVER AND CARRIED THE VEHICLE TO THE THEM. THEY CHANGED THE RESERVOIR BOTTLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI report, 20060617
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Land Rover Defender — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 2002 Land Rover Defender reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Land Rover Defender?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 67% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Land Rover Defender have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.