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
- 226
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2002
Opened by NHTSA
57% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 226 complaints
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.
Engine and engine cooling
57% · 128 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Power train
39% · 88 reportsMost 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, 2002-03-25
Visibility
15% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing power window devices and controls and sun/moon roof assembly.
Service brakes
12% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Electrical system
12% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing switch and wiring.
Show 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, 2003-12-29
Also filed under Seats
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2004-12-06Structure04V347000 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…
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…
-
R
2005-09-08Latches/locks/linkages05V300000 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.
-
I
2005-10-14Engineering analysisClosed 2007-02-22 Brake light switch failure
-
R
2007-07-30Exterior lighting07V041000 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…
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…
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Land Rover Freelander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 128 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 88 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 34 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V347000 · Structure
- Recall 05V300000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 07V041000 · Exterior lighting
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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.