2003 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
- 140
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- Engine and engine cooling
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
70% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 140 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
70% · 98 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Freelander. After driving 25 MPH, the contact noticed smoke under the passenger side of the hood. She allowed the vehicle to cool down and drove to purchase antifreeze to replace what leaked out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2007-10-22
F-4 flashing on the odometer, both check engine lights on, and the hill descent/traction control lights coming on. Vehicle quickly dropped power to no power.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-01
Also filed under Electrical system
Bought car used in fall 09, had several what seemed like normal wear and tear repairs. There was no warranty on it as I bought it from another owner. Early may '11 the oil light came on but I didn't know what it was. I arrived at my destination.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-14
Electrical system
20% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
Need to know if there are any outstanding warrants, tickets, complaints etc.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-28
Also filed under Service brakes
Fuel system, gasoline
20% · 28 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump and filler pipe and cap.
Show complaint excerpts
2000 landrover Freelander - transmission failure at 57K miles. Transmission cost me 1150 dollars to fix. \ the fuel pump failed after another 100 miles. That cost me 1050 dollars. This car was junk.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-05-20
Also filed under Power train
Power train
19% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Service brakes
10% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2004-12-04Latches/locks/linkages04V207000 On certain sport utility vehicles, the child door lock on the left hand rear door can become disengaged.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left hand rear latch. The recall began December 4, 2004. Owners should contact Land Rover at 1-800-637-6837.
-
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
-
I
2007-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-12-10 Fuel pump 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…
-
I
2007-12-07Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-22 Fuel pump failure - stall
-
R
Date not on fileStructure04V489000 On certain sport utility vehicles, an incorrect weld nut was installed. Lack of this bolt could eventually cause the subframe to crack or become deformed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle to see if the subframe fixing is correctly fitted and clamped up. If necessary, the subframe will be replaced with a new one that has correct weld nuts.
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Land Rover Freelander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 98 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 28 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 28 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V489000 · Structure
- Recall 04V207000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 04V347000 · Structure
- Recall 05V300000 · Latches/locks/linkages
- Recall 07V041000 · Exterior lighting
FAQ
- Is the 2003 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 2003 Land Rover Freelander?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 70% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 Land Rover Freelander have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.