Land Rover Freelander reliability
The Land Rover Freelander fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 36.3% of 105,244 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
12 DVSA recalls for the Land Rover Freelander
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Fire may occur
The controller circuit for the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) Heater fitted to affected vehicles may short circuit. This normally results in flat battery but may also cause non starting Additionally the short circuit may cause a distinct smell from hot and/or melted components which in extreme circumstances may develop in to a fire. All of these symptoms can occur when the vehicle is in use or parked and unattended.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace PTC with latest design version.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 429 vehicles
Fire may occur
It is possible that a leak can occur between the injector spill rail connection and the plastic fuel return pipe. This can cause leakage of fuel which can either pool on the engine cylinder head and then become deposited onto the road surface where it could cause a skid risk to other motorist or if the fuel comes into contact with extremely hot engine components an exhaust manifold for instance it is possible that an under bonnet fire could ensue.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles inspect the fuel spill rail/return pipe and if required replace the spill rail with a new modified rail.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 49,104 vehicles
Fire may occur
A short circuit may occur in the PTC heater which could result in the battery discharging a smell from hot/melted components or in the worst case fire.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the PTC heater and condensation drain tube with the latest specification components.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 28,924 vehicles
Booster heater -possibility that vehicle may catch fire
It has been identified that the controller circuit of the Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) the supplementary cabin heater may short circuit. This normally results in draining of the battery and a non start situation.Additionally the short circuit may lead to a distinct smell from hot/melted components which in extreme circumstances may develop into a fire. It is noted that all of the above symptoms can occur when the vehicle is in use or parked unattended.
Fix: Authorised repairers will disable the PTC operation until such time as replacement parts of the latest specification become available.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 28,871 vehicles
Sunroof may detach
Failure of either the left or right side guide rail could cause the sun roof to become detached from its operating mechanism and bind. In certain circumstances the glass panel can become detached.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to install retention inserts to both sides of the glass panel guide rails.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 11,169 vehicles
Left hand rear door child safety lock lever may fail
Should the outer door handle of the left hand rear door be operated whilst the child lock is engaged this may permit the door to be opened by operation of the interior handle.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the suspect locks inspected and replaced if found to be defective.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 9,834 vehicles
Incorrect nut installed into rear subframe
M12 weld nuts has been incorrectly installed by a body panel supplier into the rear subframe mountings instead of the correct M14 weld nuts. A bolt that locates the frame to the body did not fit into this nut and was not installed at the vehicle assembly plant. Lack of this bolt could eventually cause the subframe to crack and become deformed. A deformed subframe could potentially lead to instability of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that may be affected and inspect the subframe fixing for fitment and correct clamping. If an incorrect subframe fixing is identified the subframe will be removed and the body panel will be repaired with a new weld nut.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 129 vehicles
Incorrect manufacturer of the passenger airbag
The deflector panel contained in the passenger side air-bag module may not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This may result in unsatisfactory performance of the deflector panel's structural integrity during air bag deployment. This could result in damage of the air bag that could allow the release of a fragment of the deflector panel into the passenger compartment.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the defective component with a quality assured one.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 610 vehicles
Possibility of the left hand child lock disengaging
It has been identified that if the left hand rear door is repeatedly operated with the child lock engaged disengagement of the lock can occur. This will allow the door to be opened from the inside when it is believed to be locked. This is due to the incorrect setting of the hot melt riveting machine.
Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the left hand rear door lock with a quality assured component.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 3,090 vehicles
Diagnostic connector concern.
When some scan tools are connected to the diagnostic connector on the vehicle they expect to see a vehicle ground on pin 5 of the diagnostic connector. Pin 5 of the diagnostic connector has no wire in place to supply a ground point. It is a legal requirement in NAS and for EOBD certified vehicles in the EU to have a vehicle ground in pin 5.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a pin to position 5 on the diagnostic connector and splice to the existing earth point.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 22,624 vehicles
Insecurity of front seat backrest.
The front seats may not latch positively following operation of the seat tip lever. In consequence the seat squab (backrest) could attempt to fold forward if the vehicle should be brought to a very rapid stop.
Fix: Affected vehicles will be recalled for examination of the operation and integrity of the front seat tip lever and latching mechanism. In cases where the mechanism is found to bind a new seat frame assembly will be fitted.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 4,368 vehicles
Possible failure of rear suspension locating links
Land Rover have identified a weld integrity concern associated with the rear suspension links on Freelander models. Should the weld fracture the stability of the rear hub assembly could be impaired. This may cause the vehicle to deviate from a straight line under normal driving conditions. To protect the long term integrity of these components Land Rover are implementing recall action on all Freelander models within the affected VIN range.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the rear suspension links with quality assured units.
Recalled models: FREELANDER · 10,477 vehicles
Checking a Land Rover Freelander before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.