2004 Land Rover Freelander: engine overheating

Filed Apr 9, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 81,000 miles · TX

I bought this vehicle in april 2010 and have had nothing but problems ever since. It had 79,600 miles on it when I bought it and was told by the dealer that it had just recently had a transmission replaced. They didn't even know how to open the hood - passenger side. 2 months later and it dies on me going down the street. I pull over and antifreeze is running everywhere. The thermostat housing had separated in two and caused the car to overheat. I called the closest land rover dealer and he quoted me $800 to fix it. I searched on the internet and found the parts to fix it for $80. I replaced the thermostat and housing (1 piece) and got it running again. Since then, the sunroof has quit, both rear windows have quit and the rear sliding window won't open by key. The driver side windshield defroster will not work (only the passenger side) and I have never had an owners manual. The drivers side door will not unlock with the keyless entry either. Now I get to the engine - it started running real rough and lost alot of power. I had a local mechanic run codes on it and this is what he found: p0303 - #3 cylinder misfire; p1319 - misfire emission relevant; p1471, 1472 - vis motors evap purge valve flow blocked; p1475 - leak detection pump leakage diagnostic pump reed switch did not close; p 1775 - gearbox fault transmission system mil fault. I asked his opinion and he told me it was probably not worth fixing. He didn't even know what all of this meant. He was just going to start tearing it down and see what he could fix. I can't afford that. I live paycheck to paycheck and I really thought that land rover had a good name and reputation. I emailed and called them and have had no luck to this point. Everything I have seen on this model proves that it is a vehicle that should be put to rest. I am looking for any help I can get.

Filed Oct 22, 2011 · Engine, Visibility · 62,000 miles · MN

Like the myriad of other complaints about this vehicle, (http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/webx?14@@.f142477/93#msg93, http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.eea90db, http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/blogspotting/archives/2005/07/blogger_takes_o.html for a tiny example) I too began experiencing the exact same overheating problems not too far past the warranty expiration. It is very, very well documented that there is a complete failure in the cooling system in the freelanders. Can you please, please, please do something about it? I have also had problems with the automatic windows, including one actually stuck partially down currently because I'm past warranty. But that's small potatoes compared to the overheating issue.

Filed Sep 21, 2011 · Engine · 53,000 miles · NJ

My 2004 freelander was purchased from royalty auto sales in little ferry nj on april 19, 2010 with 52,000 miles. We also purchased from same dealer a 1-year warranty from a warranty company represented by the dealer midatlantic warranty company. We put a $6,500 downpayment on the vehicle, and financed $7,000. The problem started within 24 hours after driving off the lot with an overheating issue we returned the vehicle to the dealer who said there was probably not enough antifreeze in it and offered to drive the vehicle for a few days to make sure it was o.k. Dealer maintained issue never happened again and returned the car to us. The car over the next month and one-half continued to overheat several times and require adding of antifreeze with no apparent leak under the vehicle. 2-months after purchase vehicle ceased to start and when towed to landrover was told it would need a new engine and these defects are known about in the automotive industry. To date neither the dealer nor the warranty company has either returned our money, vehicle or repaired the car. Someone should be responsible. Shame on landrover and any dealer that does not research the vehicles they represent as being safe and in good condition to unknowing consumers.

Filed Jan 25, 2011 · Engine · 45,370 miles · PA

I purchased my freelander brand new in july 2004. At approximately 45,000 miles the engine suddenly overheated. I took it the dealership the next day. They said there is a defect in the engine block and that this particular model leaks oil into the head gasket causing the engine to fail. They replaced my entire engine under the manufacturers warranty at no charge. This was july 2007. Now I'm at 75,000 miles on the vehicle (only 30,000 miles on this engine) and the dealership's shop says to "get ride of it"...I will need a new engine because it is leaking oil onto the head gasket. I cannot afford to purchase a new engine for my car and can't in good conscience sell the vehicle to someone else...this puts me in terrible dilemma and one which I feel the manufacturer is responsible for. I contacted the manufacturers district office last week and am still waiting for a response. I am also trying to find legal help in this situation. Also, there has been ongoing problems with a "cackling" noise in the right front wheel well. I've addressed it many times with the dealership. They said they fixed it but it still makes noise. They said its a busing part (I believe).

Filed Dec 6, 2010 · Engine · 94,000 miles · NC

Engine overheating and eventual seizure as a result of coolant loss through cracked cylinder sleeves. This condition, according to the land rover dealership, cannot be corrected. The only solution involves engine replacement, except that no replacement engines are available due to the producer's default. Was informed by the dealer that this engine problem is systemic in the freelander model.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Engine · 70,000 miles · NC

Engine in 2004 land rover freelander was a total loss after coolant leak into engine. Land rover continues to deny there is a defect. Local service manager says it would take $13,000 to replace the engine, which cannot be repaired. That was four months after spending $3,000 to replace engine parts manager said would correct problems.

Filed Jun 17, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 87,950 miles · OR

Replaced thermostat due to coolant leakage. Service engine soon light keeps coming on and car looses power and shakes violently. Have had to pull over numerous times and shut engine down and leave for a few minutes, service engine soon light stays illuminated. Now tc (traction control) and downhill decent light keep coming on. Took to repair shop and they replaced brake light switch, but lights illuminated while on their final test drive. They told me everything was fine, it could be a wiring issue with the harness and would need to schedule time to investigate. I left the shop and drove 1.5hrs home only to have my husband follow me in the car while I had our 3yr old child with me and tell me the brake lights aren't working at all! When is enough to do something about these unsafe vehicles??? We have also just changed brake discs/rotors and pads for the 3rd time at 87,000 miles.

Filed Mar 15, 2010 · Engine · 11,002 miles · IL

Purch 2/5/07 11,000 miles; car dies 2/27/07; lr replaces starter motor; ignition lock, switch, fuel lock cylinder. Takes til 5/23/07 to complete. 6/4/07 AC leaks, and service engine light on, lr claims evap. Loss control system; between 6/8 and 9/8 car in 4 times - windows inoperable, AC blowing water; 1/5/08 oil leaking and engine runs loud, lr renews a filter, but could not duplicate (cnd) noise; 1/24/08 pass. Window inoperable, engine loud (lr cnd) but installed canister purge valve; turn signal would not always work; 2/19/08 left window inoperable; sunroof stuck open; transmission shutters (lr cnd) 10/6/08 engine overheats, leaves me stranded lr replaces thermostat, cooling fans assembly) at oil change on 10/23/08 radiator full of sludge have flushed on 10/29/08; 12/15/08 engine overheats, leaves me stranded; lr renewed tank; transmission still not right (lr cnd) lr flushes radiator; 3/11/08, front brakes go bad; 2/24/09 coolant leaking (lr cnd) said was coolant left on frame panel from prior visit (are you kidding me?) 5/8/09 engine overheats - coolant entering oil due to defective cylinder sleeve, lr replaces engine (32,000 miles) (now that manuf. Warranty runs out - takes 40 days to complete) pick up car 6/18/09 and service eng. Light is on; 6 days later lr says I need air flow and mass air flow sensors for only $1,220.44; I bring to my mechanic - no charge it was cooling fan left unplugged; 1/8/10 start car and every drop of oil spills onto driveway; coolant leaking and sludgy; runs loud; lr replaces engine again (36,000 miles) (30 days) 3/4'/10 car has no power - my mechanic says intake manifold runner - one works and one is stuck; 3/5/10 car won't start - tow to lr takes them til 3/13 to tell me its starter; I think ignition switch or something wrong when replaced engine twice; sold car knowing had defect. Had 2002 freelander with all same problems. Do something - this is wrong!

Filed Jul 24, 2009 · Engine · 59,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 land rover freelander. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated and caused engine failure. The instrument panel lights illuminated and coolant leaked inside the engine and crankshaft. The dealer stated that the air tanks were under warranty and the failures were due to wear and tear. The timing belt was repaired. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 59,000 and current mileage was 87,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2009 · Engine · WI

My freelander started losing coolant last weekend. I called land rover service in waukesha wi. They took the vehicle in on monday. They told me the thermostat needed to be replaced (a $56 part) and a few hoses/pipes and gaskets for $900. The next day they called to tell me that the manifest intake also needed to be replaced, another $1215.00. The service manager told me that was the reason my car makes a loud ticking noise. I told the service manager that the vehicle started making that noise the first year I purchased it - new. I told him I had it in 3 times and complained about it while the vehicle was under warranty. I got the same answer every time 'they all sound like that, it is normal.' I had another mechanic look at it, he said it was not normal and told me to take it back in. I did, they told me there was nothing they could do. He told me that they couldn't move any further on my vehicle until I talked to land rover directly. My husband called and opened the case. We are now on day 4 and still don't know if land rover is going to cover anything. They have terrible service. When I purchased the vehicle I was given a promise of superior service and loyalty. Now, they won't even give me a loaner.

Filed Oct 21, 2008 · Engine · 60,000 miles · WV

2004 freelander se purchased in april of 2007. Now, (1) continuous coolant leaking, (2) cylinder sleeve has slipped, (3) loud "knocking" noise upon starting the engine, (4) coolant leaking into oil and (5) engine overheat light illuminating regularly. Consulted local land rover dealer, was told that I would need a "total engine replacement." that was my only option. Also told to "get rid" of the vehicle. I still owe approximately $13,000 on this vehicle, so that is not an option. Was told that engine replacement would cost $10,000.00. This problem has been raised by thousands of freelander owners and should be looked into from a legal standpoint before someone gets injured or worse due to engine lockup.

Filed Aug 2, 2008 · Engine · 50,000 miles · FL

2004 land rover freelander. I have had repeated problems with this car (coolant leaks) and have taken the vehicle to my local land rover dealership for service to no avail. I keep being told there is no leak. There is I keep losing coolant. I see on the internet that I am one of thousands of consumers who have been cheated by lr. The freelander is a lemon and their appears to be thousands of us consumers who have had to experience the disappoint and costs incurred due to the faulty manufacturing by land rover. I request that your office investigate this immediately. The freelander should be recalled!! I thank you in advance for investigating this matter. Check the internet you will find thousands of unhappy consumers of lr as myself.