2003 Land Rover Freelander: common problems and reliability

One of the weaker Freelander years.

140 owner complaints, most about engine and engine cooling. 5 recalls.

Should I buy a 2003 Freelander?

The 2003 Land Rover Freelander has 140 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and fuel system.

Safety record for the 2003 model year

140
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
1
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Land Rover Freelander vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Freelander years only. How we score it

Is 2003 a good year for the Freelander?

Across the 6 Freelander model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2000) to 226 (2002). With 140 complaints, the 2003 Freelander sits above the model's median of 69.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine and engine cooling
88
fuel system
31
gasoline
28
power train
27
electrical system
25

Recalls affecting the 2003 Freelander

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 07V041000

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 LIGHTS MAY ALSO BE ILLUMINATED.

latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Campaign 05V300000

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.

structure:frame and members

Campaign 04V489000

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.

structure:body:roof and pillars

Campaign 04V347000

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 FORM REGISTERED A MEASUREMENT MARGINALLY ABOVE THE PERMITTED 1000 HEAD IMPACT CRITERIA. AT THE LEFT AND RIGHT HAND A-PILLAR TRIM AREA.

Show 1 more recall

latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Campaign 04V207000

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CHILD DOOR LOCK ON THE LEFT HAND REAR DOOR CAN BECOME DISENGAGED.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Freelander. See the full Freelander owner picture and every model year.

Other Freelander model years

Compare every Freelander year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Freelander against its rivals

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