2005 Land Rover Freelander
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Land Rover › Freelander › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Land Rover Freelander. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2005 Land Rover Freelander. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without 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 available in may 2007. owners will then be re-notified to bring their vehicles in for the new brake light switch. an interim letter for the initial inspection was mailed on march 26, 2007. the second letter for replacement of the switches was mailed beginning july 30, 2007. owners may contact land rover at 1-80-637-6837.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The occupant may open the door inadvertently while the vehicle IS in motion and fall out into the traffic, personal injuries could occur.
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.
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the deflector panel contained in the passenger side air bag module may not have been built to specification.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Damage to the air bag may occur that could allow the release of a fragment of the deflector panel into the passenger compartment, injuring the seat occupant.
Remedy
Dealers have replaced the passenger air bag modules in all the affected vehicles.
Owner complaints
16 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Vehicle speed control
Hard shift 1ST and 2ND gears and major power loss cannot exceed 35mph dudley while driving in the city it wouldn't excel
- Unknown or other
We bought a vehicle from justin harris. The ad on craigslist list didnt mention anything abt the engine it only said it needed a battery & the key programmed. come to find out the engine was completely seized. he has our money & the car. He refuses to return any calls or text messages.
- Electrical system · Engine
I purchased my car in 2011 from a county auction. I've spent almost $8,000 on engine and electrical issues since I've bought it. Had a new timing belt, spark plugs and ignition coils installed on 02/02/2015, but now my car stalls and I have great difficulty picking up speed, even when driving on…
I purchased my car in 2011 from a county auction. I've spent almost $8,000 on engine and electrical issues since I've bought it. Had a new timing belt, spark plugs and ignition coils installed on 02/02/2015, but now my car stalls and I have great difficulty picking up speed, even when driving on the street. If I stop at a stop sign, I literally have to push the gas to the floor to get my car to take off and even then, it takes forever. The highest speed my car will go to now IS 30mph. My driveway IS at a slope and I had to press down on the gas to get me car to reverse out the driveway. *tr
- Exterior lighting · Service brakes
My brake lights don't come on took my car to the landrover dealer and they told me they where not going to check my car I explained that their was a recall on brake lights and tom was very nasty telling it was not for my car but. I have read the recall and I tried to get him too look it up and he…
My brake lights don't come on took my car to the landrover dealer and they told me they where not going to check my car I explained that their was a recall on brake lights and tom was very nasty telling it was not for my car but. I have read the recall and I tried to get him too look it up and he just refuse told me it would be 150 to look at the truck. I took it to paul miller land rover dealer in parsippany nj he was very rude..i have a 2005 landrover freelander and my brake lights don't work I tried channing the bulb and it still doesn't work so if theirs a recall why do I have to pay 150.00 for them to even check it out. And he was surprise to do a complimentary service check he did nothing.i have gotten stop by cop for having no brake lights. Please help,,,, *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Was driving down the road during hurricane sandy and the car shifts (or lags) into extremely low gear, maybe 5-10 mph. The service engine, service engine soon, and other lights on dash came on and vehicle was lurching. once I able move to the side of the road, I am able to turn the vehicle off…
Was driving down the road during hurricane sandy and the car shifts (or lags) into extremely low gear, maybe 5-10 mph. The service engine, service engine soon, and other lights on dash came on and vehicle was lurching. once I able move to the side of the road, I am able to turn the vehicle off, wait less than 5 minutes and turn back on, still doing same thing. Luckily friends house was just down the street, and cop stayed behind us until we got there. This vehicle had about 110,000 miles when we purchased from a private party out of state - three weeks and three hundred miles later the vehicle IS now dead. These freelanders are not dependable. I don't know what to do because it was fine when I bought it, and mechanic now says it needs 7,000 worth of work!! this IS and would have been extremely dangerous, especially if you are on the highway driving the speed limit and the car just suddenly lags to 5 mph! Please take these vehicles off the road!! *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2005 land rover freelander. The contact stated that coolant leaked into the engine, causing the engine to fail. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected the vehicle and stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000.
- Power train
I am driving down the road and the car shifts into extremely low gear (maybe 5 mph), F4 flashes, and the service engine, hill descent control, and traction control light up. Once I can move to the side of the road, I can turn off the car, wait less than 5 minutes and the car starts without any of…
I am driving down the road and the car shifts into extremely low gear (maybe 5 mph), F4 flashes, and the service engine, hill descent control, and traction control light up. Once I can move to the side of the road, I can turn off the car, wait less than 5 minutes and the car starts without any of the lights. The vehicle only had about 42,000 miles when the problem started - one month after the warranty ran out. For the last two years, I've driven the vehicle less than 5,000 miles because it IS not dependable. They change a sensor, it's ok for about two months then the same thing happens, they clean off parts and it's good for another couple of months then it happens again. I don't know what to do with this vehicle because it runs fine when it IS working! This IS extremely dangerous, especially if you are on the interstate and your auto suddenly goes from 60-75 mph to 5 mph. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Engine needed to be replaced only within about 2 weeks of purchasing vehicle, approximate 5,000 miles later the engine begins to fault again and I was told that it could be because antifreeze was leaking into my engine or one of my head gaskets blew again, not to mention the cooling system failed again and I needed a new o-ring already. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 land rover freelander. The contact stated that when he was driving at low speeds and attempted to accelerate, there was a hesitation. The failure became more consistent whenever he drove the vehicle. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. Prior to the failure…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 land rover freelander. The contact stated that when he was driving at low speeds and attempted to accelerate, there was a hesitation. The failure became more consistent whenever he drove the vehicle. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. Prior to the failure, the head gasket continued to lose antifreeze. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the engine needed to be replaced. A local mechanic put a sealant to stop the leakage. The oil pump was also replaced in 2005 under warranty because it was leaking. The contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The current mileage was approximately 50,500. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
- Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or other
Vehicle over heated. loss of coolant. coolant in oil. dealer diagnosis: head gasket failure.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Check engine light comes on, defective thermostat, cracked engine hoses, cracked manifold, coolant leaking into engine due to slipped sleeve - this causes car to randomly go from driving fine to not being able to accelerate. Additionally, wipers go on when they are not turned on, window controls do not work. *tr
- Power train
2005 land rover (free lander): shifting rears from drive (d) to reverse (r) resulted in broken gear linkage cable on one occasion. the SUV became totally immovable and unsafe (locked in park mode) in the middle of the street. vehicle had to be towed on flatbed to dealer after two tow truck…
2005 land rover (free lander): shifting rears from drive (d) to reverse (r) resulted in broken gear linkage cable on one occasion. the SUV became totally immovable and unsafe (locked in park mode) in the middle of the street. vehicle had to be towed on flatbed to dealer after two tow truck drivers (mechanics) manuvered the vehicle to a safe position. dealer replaced with new gear selector with cable . cost $1019.23. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Head gasket failure 55,000 miles blown engine. In repair over 23 x's landrover acknowledged engine was loosing anti freeze, but couldn't find where. Caused my son to throw up everytime he was driven in the car. Caused severe headaches in all who drove for an extended period of time. This IS a very…
Head gasket failure 55,000 miles blown engine. In repair over 23 x's landrover acknowledged engine was loosing anti freeze, but couldn't find where. Caused my son to throw up everytime he was driven in the car. Caused severe headaches in all who drove for an extended period of time. This IS a very expensive repair needs a new engine. A very common problem. Why hasn't this been recalled yet?? This IS very distressing to have a car four yrs and a blown engine. Very sad and disturbing to a family during a recession!!! Car engines shouldn't fail at 55,000 and can't be driven because they make a family sick! *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
In mid july 2009, temperature gauge on 2005 land rover freelander began acting erratically. Brought it to dealer in san antonio, tx. Was told this IS a common problem on freelanders, never mentioning what "happens next." they replaced the gauge and a "leaking" hose. At a cost of $700. Three weeks…
In mid july 2009, temperature gauge on 2005 land rover freelander began acting erratically. Brought it to dealer in san antonio, tx. Was told this IS a common problem on freelanders, never mentioning what "happens next." they replaced the gauge and a "leaking" hose. At a cost of $700. Three weeks later the same problem occurred. (Temperature gauge began acting erratically.) drove directly to the dealer. Problem was diagnosed as massive overheating, and the head gasket "slipped" all coolant and fluid drained into the engine. The engine was destroyed and unrepairable. Need to replace engine at a cost of $10,000+. Was told this IS a common problem with freelanders at the 50,000-60,000 mile mark. I was at 60,000 miles just 10,000 miles and 2 months past warranty. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 land rover freelander. while driving approximately 60 mph, the temperature gauge reduced to its lowest reading. the engine began to overheat and suddenly the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the failures occurred intermittently. the engine…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 land rover freelander. while driving approximately 60 mph, the temperature gauge reduced to its lowest reading. the engine began to overheat and suddenly the engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. the failures occurred intermittently. the engine stalled; however, the vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and they stated that the failure was contributed to a blown head gasket. the vehicle was not repaired. the vehicle exceeded five miles of the service warranty agreement. the failure and current mileages were 50,500.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I bought 2005 landrover freelander january 27TH, 2006 with 3770 mileage and about a week later, car was overheated and steam came out from the engine. Dealer service center said cooling fan was not working, so they changed it,and everything will be ok, but yesterday midnight, car got overheated…
I bought 2005 landrover freelander january 27TH, 2006 with 3770 mileage and about a week later, car was overheated and steam came out from the engine. Dealer service center said cooling fan was not working, so they changed it,and everything will be ok, but yesterday midnight, car got overheated again current mileage IS only 5400. I got stuck on the freeway with steamy engine. service center said they will fix it, but I can not feel secured to drive that car. I complained that and try to get refund since it has been only 3 months, but they said they can give me 5000 lower price than the purchase price. what can I do? I cannot get a full refund? *nm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake light switch failure
On june 16, 2005, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe05-034) to investigate alleged stop lamp (brake) switch failures in certain model year (my) 2004 land rover discovery series II vehicles.on october 14, 2005, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis and the…
On june 16, 2005, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe05-034) to investigate alleged stop lamp (brake) switch failures in certain model year (my) 2004 land rover discovery series II vehicles.on october 14, 2005, the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis and the scope expanded to include certain my 2002 through 2005 freelander vehicles that use a substantially similar self-adjusting stop lamp switch furnished by the same supplier, methode electronics malta, ltd. (Methode).in september 2003, methode moved the production of an internal switch component, known as the slider mechanism, from a validated plastic injection-molding tool (?cavity 1?) to another tool (?cavity 2?) that had not been used before to produce parts for land rover.sliders from cavity 2 may be characterized by poor fill, lack of definition in the slider teeth and dimensional instability.consequently, the slider may be unable to restrain improper movement of the plunger during normal brake pedal operation.this may cause the switch to fall out of adjustment, thus significantly reducing the effort required to energize the switch and illuminate the stop lamps.?cavity 2? Switches were installed in approximately 8,763 discovery subject vehicles built from december 2003 through may 2004 and approximately 3,915 freelander subject vehicles built from october 2003 through may 2004.additionally, stop lamp switches in certain my 2002 through 2005 freelander subject vehicles may slip out of adjustment as a result of switch damage due to an incorrect setting procedure during vehicle manufacture or as a result of switch mounting bracket flex.analysis of all available data indicates the predominant failure mode IS constant stop lamp illumination.other reported consequences of stop lamp switch maladjustment include inoperative automatic transmission gear selector/brake pedal shift interlock, inoperative speed (cruise) control, and telltale illumination as described in technical service bulletin (tsb) no. Lt206-001 dated october 28, 2004 issued by the manufacturer to land rover dealers in the united kingdom (uk).to date, odi IS aware of 77 non-duplicative complaints that allege stop lamp switch failure on the subject vehicles (10 complaints on my 2004 discovery, 45 on my 2002 freelander, 19 on my 2003 freelander, and 3 on my 2004 freelander vehicles).additionally, 4,595 discovery and 13,370 freelander subject vehicles have experienced one or more warranty claims to replace the stop lamp switch.of the 5,170 warranty claims paid to replace stop lamp switches on discovery subject vehicles, approximately 31% occurred before the vehicle was sold new and approximately 88% occurred within the first 12 months of vehicle service.the warranty trend on discovery subject vehicles IS in decline with 3,545 claims paid in calendar year (cy) 2004, 1,303 claims paid in cy 2005, and 322 claims paid in cy 2006 through september 28, 2006 (which IS when odi last received updated warranty claims data from land rover), and it appears that the alleged defect on discover subject vehicles has been remedied through warranty repairs.however, odi analysis of the manufacturer?s warranty and complaint records indicates the failure trend on certain freelander subject vehicles IS ongoing.by letter dated february 2, 2007, land rover has notified odi that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 07V-041) to replace defective stop lamp switches in approximately 33,247 my 2002 through 2005 freelander vehicles built at the solihull, uk assembly plant from september 5, 2001 through may 19, 2005. Although odi has concern
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10224567Technical Bulletin: Windshiefld Wiper Noise/Judder/Streak
- 10224499Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization
- 10224498Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization
- 10214089Technical Bulletin: Windshiefld Wiper Noise/Judder/Streak
- 10214021Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization
- 10214020Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization
- 10214018Technical Bulletin: Squeaks & Rattles Kit Availability
- 10204862Service Action: Fuel Pump Module Operation
- 10203425The in-line fuel filters in the fuel delivery modules of 2002 - 2005 model year Land Rover Freelander vehicles may be manufactured away from specification. The filters may cointain an uncontrolled amount of adhesive used to bond the filer paper to the filter casing; the adhesive may not have been adequate dimensional controls. In any of these cases, it is possible for these coinditions to prevent adequate fuel flow through eifther restrictions in the filter or cracking of the pump stub pipe. This may lead to increased fuel pump motors use to maintain the required engine demanded fulel and premature wear of the motor brushes. In the event of restricted fuel flow, the vehicle may suffer one or more of the following symptoms: rough running and malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illumination ; poor/no start; engine stumble or hesitation; or engine cut out/stall with the possibility of Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) p0301, p302, p0303, p0304, p0305, P0306, P0171, P0174 and P0316 being stored.
- 10186743RESCINDED - Windshield Wiper Noise / Judder / Streak - RESCINDED
- 10134896The steering wheel may exhibit a vibration / shimmy while driving.
- 10125267Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
- 10105723"Situation: the windshield wipers may make a squeak noise, judder, or streak the windshield. Cause: this may be caused by a build-up of dirt and grease on the surface of the windshield glass."
- 10102683"Issue: reports have been received of engine damage occurring, which IS caused by the use of non-approved engine induction / fuel injection cleaning equipment or materials. This includes, but IS not limited to, ""vacu-flush"" type equipment. Cause: the use of non-approved equipment can cause the engines to hydro-lock, or cause other engine damage, and sometimes the only possible repair IS to replace the engine."
- 10101162Situation: the steering wheel may exhibit a vibration / shimmy while driving. Cause: this may be caused by a road wheel/tire assembly imbalance and/or temporary tire flat-spotting.
- 10100968"Issue: this ssm has been released to address the high number of speaker assemblies returned, many of which are deemed as no fault found. Cause: incorrect diagnosis."
- 10072814Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10072231Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10070679Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10041247Land rover: fuel filters were manufactured incorrectly and may alter fuel flow. The vehicle may then run rough, malfunction light may come on, and there may be other engine problems. There will be stored trouble codes. Updated 4/9/12. Updated 7/1/13.
- 10030392Land rover service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Fuel pump module operation. In line fuel filters fitted to fuel delivery modules in vehicles may be manufactured away from specification. Fuel filters may contain an uncontrolled amount of adhesive used to bond filter paper to filter casing; adhesive may not have been adequately cured or fuel pump inlet stub pipe hole on the fuel filter may have inadequate dimensional controls. Csc letter was rec'd.
- 10028784Landrover service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. In line fuel filters in fuel delivery modules of vehicles may be manufactured away from specification. May contain an uncontrolled amount of adhesive used to bond filter paper to filter casing. Csc letter was rec'd.
- 10028527Land rover: fuel pump module operation. In line fuel filters fitted to fuel delivery modules in gasoline vehicles may be manufacturers way from specification. Fuel filters may contain an uncontrolled amount of adhesive used to bond filter paper to filter casing. Adhesive may not have been adequately cured.
- 10023793Customers of freelander vehicles are being alerted to the presence of a problem by illumination of the m.i.l. Or failure of the engine to start. There have also been isolated incidents of stalling.
- 10019622Fuel gauge level troubleshooting.
- 10019058Diagnostic control unit (dcu) fault codes.
- 10018820Revised procedures and times for transmission replacement.
- 10016664Correct identification of transmission fluid check plug. The similarity of the freelander automatic transmission level inspection plug to surrounding fasteners can lead to loosening of the incorrect bolt with damaging consequences.
- 10011528ABS (anti-lock braking system) ecu (electronic control unit) availability for repairs.
- 10011525Front brake disc vibration resolution. Brake pulsation or shudder.
- 10011524Brake fluid level switch availability. Land rover freelander. All model years.
- 10010179New p-codes IS use on T4. To include 2005 land rover range rover.
- 10010114Front brake caliper guide pin grease.
Every Land Rover Freelander model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.