2002 Land Rover Freelander
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 226 |
| 2003 | 140 |
| 2004 | 69 |
| 2005 | 16 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 128 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
FIRE INJURY39% of complaints: power train — 88 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
Show complaint excerpts
DEFECT IN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: HARD SHIFT BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE YET TO RECOGNIZE AND ACKNOWLEDGE SAID DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020325
15% of complaints: visibility — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and sun/moon roof assembly.
FIRE12% of complaints: service brakes — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
FIRE12% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and wiring.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
2002 LAND ROVER FREELANDER EXPERIENCED A VEHICLE FIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER ADDRESSED DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES, LAND ROVER TOLD HIM THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT MEET THE MEXICO LEMON LAW GUIDELINES AND THEY WERE NOT IN ANY POSITION TO REPURCHASE THE...
NHTSA ODI report, 20031229
Also filed under SEATS and UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 F
Remedy: 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
Campaign 04V347000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 05V300000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
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 LIG
Remedy: 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 AVAILA
Campaign 07V041000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Land Rover Freelander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (128 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (88 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V347000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V300000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V041000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Land Rover Freelander 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 Freelander?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Land Rover Freelander have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.