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2004 Land Rover Freelander engine complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 55, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2004 Land Rover Freelander engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

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 Jan 5, 2011 · Engine · 57,561 miles · DC

Loss power while driving resulting in having to replace engine. The engine was replaced and again while driving on 11/19/10 loss power. Engine has been diagnosed with engine failure. Failure occurred at 74639 miles

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, Visibility · 70,000 miles · ME

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 land rover freelander. The contact stated that the coolant was leaking internally into the engine. The dealer inspected the engine and stated that it needed to be replaced instead of repaired. The manufacturer stated that they will offer the contact money for the vehicle, but at a reduced rate because of the engine. The dealer stated that was an usual practice because the manufacturer does not stand behind their vehicles. The failure and current mileages were 70000. Updated 02/03/11*lj the consumer also stated when the heat was turned on, an odor would emit. Updated 03/17/11

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 Oct 13, 2010 · Engine · 65,000 miles · CA

The land rover freelander was continued to be manufactured with a faulty engine block that causes coolant to leak into the engine which results in needing to replace the engine at consumers expense. It is very irresponsible to knowingly produce a vehicle that has such a problem. Unfortunately for the land rover freelander owners this engine issue has only been discovered by first hand experience....hence the numerous consumer complaints to which land rover has done nothing about.

Filed Aug 9, 2010 · Engine · 90,762 miles · OR

Coolant vanishing, replaced thermostat and was told the issue was fixed. Continued to have coolant disappear (no leaking under vehicle). Car was running "rough" as well, told cylinder 2 was misfiring, replaced coil when having tune up performed. Car ran well for less than a month, then noticed a "ticking" sound when starting the car that wouldn't go away. Had vehicle towed to nearest repair facility 70miles away, and have been told we have both a slipped cylinder into the block and head gasket failure with moderate amounts of coolant in oil. Thus resulting in need for full engine replacement at slightly over 90,000 miles.

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 May 10, 2010 · Engine · 58,000 miles · CA

My 2004 freelander hs had engine failure at only 58,000 at dodger stadium in los angeles. I had taken regular care of this car to try to prevent any problems. It was passed the warranty. No warning engine light had gone on. I had it towed to mechanic. Engine is totally shot. I cannot afford to pay for new one. I have just recently read several complaints about this type of car , and never knew the same problem exists with these cars until recently. Someone needs to investigate. These cars are defective, and have all the similar problems that one way or the other lead to engine failure. My engine apparently went due to my timing belt teeth shearing off, causing timing belt to slip, and camshafts not rotating, and engine being mangled. There was no warning sign of this grand fatality, and had just had coolant problem fixed as well as serviced (oil & filter change) within months of incident. Again, no warning engine light at time of shut down.

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 Aug 28, 2009 · Engine · 59,000 miles · ND

Land rover free lander 2004, engine dies in cold temperature. It happened to three times in last two winters, when I am traveling on freeway in cold temperature. Vehicle's dies without any reason. It would start after an half hour or so, but each time it died, it was very cold and middle of nowhere. If I didn't have my survival kit,and blanket, I would have been died. When I have told this problem to dealers rep they said have got these complaints but couldn't find any problem. In my case I was in north dakota and had no problem of traffic, but if this was in new york or chicago, it could have been fatal. Kindly review my complaint. I shall be thankful to you for this act of kindness, which could save many lives.

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 Jun 15, 2009 · Engine · 45,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 land rover freelander. While driving 55 MPH, the engine failed. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealer and has been there ever since. The contact was informed that the only remedy would be to install a rebuilt engine in the vehicle. He was informed that this was such a common issue that there were no engines available at that time. The contact would have to wait six weeks for the repair. The head gasket failed and caused antifreeze to mix with oil, which destroyed the engine. In addition, the vehicle lost complete power during the failure. The contact stated that the cylinder liners were made of steel and the rest of the engine was aluminum. When the engine heated, the part collapsed into the aluminum parts, which caused the engine to fail and the power to shut off. The failure occurred on one occasion. There were no warning lights illuminated prior to the failure. The driver was unable to restart the vehicle after it stalled. The current and failure mileages were 45,000. Updated 7/14/09 *cn updated 07/17/09.

Filed Jun 15, 2009 · Engine · 45,000 miles · PA

Engine failure while driving.

Filed Jun 9, 2009 · Engine · 64,000 miles · TX

I noticed that my fan was running louder than normal after I parked my car. I check the engine coolant I was pretty low. I filled the coolant to the max amount. The next day noticed that there was a humming sound when I parked my vehicle for the night. I noticed that the coolant was already gone from replacing it the day prior. I didn't notice any leaks or puddles under the car. When I tried to start the car a day later it sounded like a tractor. Once I put in gear it would not accelerate well. It would barely go over 20. The check engine light came on. I decided to park my car and get a rental and have the car towed to the land rover dealer. I dropped the car off and was told later that my car 3 cylinders had failed. That I would need to replace the engine. I don't understand how you can go to running great to not running at all. I kept up with all the required maintenance. Now I have a car that doesn't run. I still owe $15,000 and it is going to cost $10,000 to repair. I have no options. Noticing the problems by other people, land rover is aware of the defect and should have replace the engines or components that were defective. The is affecting peoples livelihood. We need to get a class action lawsuit started. I am living now out of a rental. This economy right now I can just afford what I have. I don't have the extra money to get another car because the one I'm still paying off is inoperable.

Filed May 19, 2009 · Airbags, Electrical · 23,318 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 land rover freelander. The contact noticed fuel leaking from the fuel tank. In the presence of an ignition source, the vehicle could have caught fire. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel line disengaged from the fuel pump. The fuel line was reconnected. In addition, the traction control would sporadically engage. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that there was a faulty connection to the throttle body. Also, he experiences difficulty when attempting to remove the key from the ignition. The SRS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. A technician stated that the SRS module needed to be replaced. Lastly, the heater cooler was replaced due to a persistent burning odor emanating from the vehicle. The manufacturer would not assume any responsibility because the vehicle exceeded its warranty. The failure and current mileages were 23,318.

Filed May 13, 2009 · Engine, Visibility · 50,000 miles · NC

2004 land rover freelander hse, engine problems at 50k miles- electrical problems, rear passenger window motor, very costly, bought the car in 2007 with 38k, hardly drive the car cause I travel for work and have rental cars, but when I do drive the freelander- it causes me money, something will break even if I drive it for 5 miles...land rover should compensate freelander owners because these cars shouldn't be sold to us when the car itself is unsafe and a lemon in the beginning...please- help!! Incidental dates are too much to list!!

Filed Apr 24, 2009 · Engine · 81,399 miles · NC

I have had ongoing problems with the engine's cooling system on my 2004 land rover freelander. When I took it to the dealership, they stated that after performing a lengthy systems check, they could not pinpoint a source of the problem. They told me to continue to monitor the coolant levels, add 50/50 coolant as needed ( which was every 5-10days), and monitor my oil to make sure that the coolant did not mix with the oil and cause problems with the engine. I kept routine maintenance and oil checks (every 3k miles) on the car. My car currently has 81,400 miles. This problem has been ongoing for over a year. My engine has finally blown a rod and bearing and requires engine replacement which could cost from $5-9,000 used and $15,000 new. I believe that land rover is aware of many of the concerns about the dysfunctional cooling system. I believe they could have been more proactive so that such a problem could have been avoided...especially when I have done everything that they have requested of me. I am not in the position to repair the vehicle and may have to take a loss.

Filed Feb 10, 2009 · Engine · PA

Land rover freelander head gasket and engine failure.

Filed Jan 27, 2009 · Engine · 54,000 miles · VT

2004 landrover freelander/coolant problems/resale value is 1/2 of $ owed after 4 years. Dealership telling me they won't except this car as a trade in, however were more than happy to sell me the vehicle. Window motors all 4 have failed. Still leaking coolant.

Filed Jan 22, 2009 · Engine · 51,000 miles · MI · fire

Engine breather valve froze up , the engine start leaking oil , possible fire or destroy the engine. Stranded. The service bulletin out on the issue but the dealer isn't honoring the responsibility.

Filed Jan 2, 2009 · Engine · 62,000 miles · MA · crash

Engine failure due to the use of varying alloys with different expansion properties used in engine manufacture. The design of engine includes metal sleeves that line the cylinder walls that when heated to normal operating temperature allow the sleeves to slide into the engine resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Lrna is been ware of this problem. The defect has been known since 2002 but it could range back to the 1990's and continued to manufacture the faulty engines. This defect is an accident waiting to happen. This failure leads to total power loss that in a snowy or icy conditions or heavy traffic at highway speeds inevitably cause serious accident resulting in an injury or death.

Filed Dec 10, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · MA

My land rover freelander 2004 failed inspection due to emissions. The repair shop indicated today that the electric motor is defective and that's why my car keeps shaking and failed. Also, he indicated that there may be an issue with the fuel pump, since one part of the motor is faulty and emitting too much gas. Land rover has replaced the electric motor valve three times but never replaced the actual motor. Now I am going to have to pay 2,000 to replace this part. Land rover found the easy solution temporarily by replacing the motor valve three times but never fixed the actual problem. I have already spent thousands of dollars for repair of this piece of junk and for rental cars and now I am stuck with another financial loss. Something needs to be done about this and land rover needs to be held responsible for their deceptive business practices.

Filed Dec 9, 2008 · Engine · 62,500 miles · PA

Engine in a 2004 land rover freelander failed due to after 62500 miles due to a head gasket failure. This is the first time the engine failed and has not been replaced as the dealership has quoted 8800 usd for the replacement engine, which I have been told is a rebuilt engine which has already failed.

Filed Dec 5, 2008 · Engine · 50,000 miles · MA · crash

Days after purchasing my 2004 freelander, the "check engine soon" light came on and the car stalled out on me. The RPM's go all the way up but the accelerator won't allow to drive past 25 MPH. This has happened to me continuously since purchasing it. I have had my car serviced by land rover many, many times and they can never figure out what the problem is. They tell me that the cold weather causes it or that I am shifting the gear into 2nd!! This problem has caused me extreme hardship. I have literally driven rental cars for months at a time as they play games with me. This defect caused me to have an accident on highway 405 in ca and it was extremely frightening. I was driving at 60 MPH when the car began to buck and stall out. The RPM's were all the way up but I couldn't accelerate past 25 MPH. This caused a truck to smash into me as I tried to pull over on the side of the highway. Despite my numerous complaint to the manufacturer no one ever resolved this issue. My car's "service engine" light has been on for a while now and it caused me to fail my inspection, due to emissions. I have spent thousands of dollars on rental cars while land rover took their time to "repair" my car. Each time they have a different story...it's an electric light out, it's the alternator, it's the lifters, it's a broken hose, etc. They have never repaired this stalling issue and now my car is not turning on most of the time. I don't have the money to fix this piece of junk anymore. I am going broke from this car. Land rover in newport beach, ca "lost" my car for a month after I had it towed there from the accident and then refused to help me. They said the tow truck driver never brought it. The time before that they said the tow truck driver lost the keys so they couldn't fix it. I had to have the police department go down there, as I was going to have to file a stolen car report. How ironic is it that the car magically appeared in their lot at that exact time.

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Engine, Visibility · 38,000 miles · MI

I own a used 2004 land rover freelander. While driving back from illinois during a snow storm the lr's window wipers stopped working. The windshield wipers stopped halfway during wiping and I was forced to click them on and off to get them to work. I am also experiencing coolant problems do to the faulty engine design the land rover is well aware of and refuses to fix. This problem will eventually lead to a required engine replacement that land rover is well aware of and refuses to accept responsibility for. The vehicle is maintained regularly as required by the owner's manual so its definitely a engine design problem. Consumers cannot be responsible for vehicle problems that result from matters out of their control. There is a reason lemon laws were enacted and a known engine design flaw that results in catastrophic engine failure before 75,000 miles is the manufacturer's responsibility, not that of the unsuspecting consumer. Only the full weight of the federal safety agency addressing this engine problem with all 2002-2005 freelander models will bring about a satisfactory resolution. Please have your officers investigate this matter, this is unacceptable to the american public in these challenging times.

Filed Nov 22, 2008 · Engine · 110,000 miles · MA

I bought a 2004 land rover freelander hse and a year later the engine seized. I spent well over $5,000 on repairs and about 3 weeks later the engine seized again from different issues. I now still am paying for my loan and driving a $500 hunk of junk. Thanks land rover.

Filed Nov 4, 2008 · Engine · 53,769 miles · NY

One year after purchase the coolant began leaking somewhere, eventually it compromised the engine and it was replaced at 76,000 being covered by our extended warranty policy. Now, after 20,000 our engine is making a lot of noise and is beginning to leak coolant again!

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.

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