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Land Rover Could Rebrand Freelander as LR2 (Inside Line)
Steve, Host
Freelander Production Cut Short (Inside Line)
Steve, Host
After 3 months of fighting with Landrover Canada on the phone, we got NO where. A couple months past and we kept dealing with it, and everyone at landrover was let go...apparently their customer service was moved to the US or something. So a nice big dead end.
SO one year after we bought the landrover we finally had it BOUGHT BACK!!!! Well a trade assist, but all we paid was $2000 canadian (stupid mileage, and 'wear and tear') They gave us a 2005 Freelander, exactly the same (black 2 door) with maybe 100kms. We are trading it in on something worth while. :mad:
Our headaches:
-replace IRD
-replace power steering pump, rack
-brakes done almost every 10000km (had 22000 when we took it back)
-Countless Dowhill decent codes( orange and green) , engine failure codes, etc. Our da-tranny computer
-Head valves stuck open
-rpm motor/valve faulty
-2 sets of intake valves (outside engine)
-new trannysh at times looked like a christmas tree. The famous F4.
the clencher: Doing 80km with 5y/o nephew in car...all by itself goes into Limp Mode. It geared itself down and started doing 15km, NO MORE on the highway. NICE EH.
Each time we'd bring it home, it'd be doing the same thing or a new fun code within a week.
Our freelander was also in the shop around 3months, off and on. Which is 160km round trip and 4-5hours each time. ya that was fun.
They said .. oh you can keep driving it as long as none of the lights are flashing. Ya okay, cause no damage will be done. When it went into Limp Mode, you're not supposed to be able to start it again without resetting the computer. We turned ours off and it ran fine 10min later.
TOP NOTCH BOYS :mad: :lemon: :sick:
anyways, a year after alot of stress, we're hoping to tradethe new one in on the weekend.
Good luck guys.....
If anyone else has had this problem please post. IF YOU DRIVE ONE BE AWARE THAT INTERNAL LANDROVER IS AWARE THAT THE BOLTS HAVE SNAPPED AND THAT THEY HAVE INFORMED A LANDROVER SENIOR TECH THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE.
AS OF JUNE 10 I HAVE NOT BEEN INFORMED WHEN OR IF THE CAR CAN BE REPAIRED AND AT THIS POINT I DO NOT WANT IT BACK.
tidester, host
My power brakes dont work on a 13k mile machine that was once in a wreck, The abs light is on and I think I may need abs sensors but have no idea what they look like or where they are (other than by the wheels) I need to buy some and need some pictures or advice on the details of instalation or if that is my problem at all. I doubt my abs pump is out but I have one of those to put on as well if need be.
If anyone has any info at all I could use it.
Thanks
Dan
Steve, Host
Thanks Dan.
I purchased a 2002 Freelander S in November 2002. I though I was buying a decent vehicle. In the less than 3 years I've had it, I've chewed through 2 sets of brakes, 2 sets of tires, switched out the throttle body twice, has the on-going TC/HDC light issue, leaking gasket around the rear glass, broken shifter cable, new thermostat - and now, after 72K+ miles, the dealer is telling me I have to replace the entire engine due to a 'dropped cylinder sleeve'.
Land Rover N.A. refused to acknowledge that there is a major deficincy with their engines, and said there is nothing they can do. Dealer offered $1,000 discount on replacing the engine (Total cost $6700!) A vehicle this age, consistently highway driven should not have an engine failure. I am amazed that Ford PAG (premiere auto group) has allowed this to continue on all modeles '02-'04
As it stands right now, this vehicle is going bye-bye infavor of a Toyota or Jeep. It was great when it ran right, but in past 12 calendar months it cost me close to $2500 in repairs
Things to watch for:
• Continuous loss of coolant - cracked coolant reservoir, possible head gasket failure or dropped cylinder sleeve
• Sluggish/no acceleration - VIS/throttle body problem
• Vibrations - need wheel alignment, bad front end, or worse yet - trans or rear seal gone
• Excessive brake wear - loves to eat brake pads and rotors
• 72,000 Mile Timing Belt Replacement - Quoted $2000-$2500 to replace 3 timing belts & water pump
• Thermostat replacement issue - $700-$1000 - and to do it, exhaust manifold has to be removed
For an entry-level SUV, the price is great, but the maintenance and construction of this vehicle leaves something to be desired..... What a :lemon:
LIKE I SAID - DON'T BUY ONE NEW OR USED!!!!!!!
I purchased my Freelander second hand at 6months old and still under warranty. It had issues right from the start had it towed 3 times. Landrover Australia said that they will not assist because it is out of warranty. (And apart from that I had it serviced by Toyota instead of Landrover like that makes a difference!!...its just their “get out”).
Here are my thoughts ..
Now that I have traded my 2000 Freelander(for $A10000.00 or $A3800.00 net - after repairs)I would like to add my story to the long list of outraged Freelander owners. Firstly I would say to any prospective Landrover buyers...Don't !!! For any Freelander owners ... get rid of it NOW!!! My 1.8lt petrol Freelander blew its head gasket right on que at 60000kms. I was told by a mechanic that the problem was a design fault in the cylinder linings, and there is no repair procedure. My only option was an engine replacement. The car was "offroad" for 6 weeks and the ordeal cost me $A 6200.00 in repairs and I lost another $A 17000.00 in depreciation over 5 years. The re-sale value of this car is appalling. I asked a Landrover dealership mechanic if this is a common fault with this car..he said "no more common than any other car". I then spoke to a salesman in the same dealership and asked for a trade figure on my Freelander in it's current state and he said..."The trade value will be low because the engine in this model has some reliability issues". Landrover Australia washed their hands of the problem saying that the car is out of warranty and they will not cover ANY repair costs. I have been told by several mechanics that the 1.8lt engine fitted to Freelanders has a lifespan of between 50000 and 100000 kms. Because of the design flaw they will ALL fail and the only option is replacement. Landrover should face reality and take responsibility for this poorly built motor car. Spread the word and take my advise, don't by a Landrover, and if you have a Freelander, get rid of it !
I am now rid of my Freelander, but I had to take a personal loan of $A10000.00 which will now take me years to pay off .. all thanks to Landrover !!
Terry Edwards.
When I see someone on the street getting into or out of their freelander I ask them about their experience with the truck. So far, every single one has responded negativeley. My dealership is very good. Can't say the same for the truck. Get rid of it. P.S. I think the heat/AC is inadequate.
I'm now waiting for a phone call to come pick it up. I expect the bill to be around $1200. I would recommend you check that both front springs are fastened in place securely.
I see alot of head gasket postings, what are the symptoms of a head gasket going bad?
thanks
I've also had the problem with the front disk brakes, every 20K miles or so, but managed to get one of those "life-time" brake pad guarantees, that includes labor if it's less than 2yrs/24K miles between brake jobs. So far that's paid for itself.
The current state of my vehicle is DOA of the Jatco transmission. Even though I brought the vehicle in before the warranty expired complaining of the engine "racing" when it shifts between 2 & 3 gears, they found no "unusual" probem found a told me to drive it until it's reproduceable or a service light come on so they can get a computer code. Well, now that I'm just out of the warranty, the problem is reproduceable...with a 4 & F flashing in the odometer. After almost two weeks, I'm still waiting to hear from LRNA Customer Service as they evaluate "the vehicle problem history" to determine what they plan to do next.
With an estimated repair price of ~$4,300 (rebuilt) to ~$7,500 (new), they still have not told me WHAT is broken in the trans (gear, control board, belt, etc)....only that it doesn't work and that it needs to be replaced. To make matter worse, there are no "certified/authorized" repair companies outside of Land Rover according to both LRNA and Jatco Techechnical Hot-line. So there is no one I can go to for a second opinion, isn't that considered extortion?
Received vehicle
Check engine light code T1000 - unknown code
Rear view mirror vibrates
Check engine light code P1000 - loose wire on coolant sensor
Rear view mirror vibrates - parts on order
Car unlocks at time by itself - unable to verify
Mirror still vibrates - replaced
Only one key will start the vehicle
attempt to repair ignition key problem
LRNA Recall - diagnostic ground wire
LRNA Recall - hard shift software upgrade
LRNA Recall - thermostat monitor software
LRNA Recall - electric window fuze upgrade
LRNA Recall - A/C hose rerouting
attempt to repair ignition key problem
attempt to repair ignition key problem
LRNA Recall - diagnostic ground wire install
attempt to repair ignition key problem - fixed 04/29/2003
Coolant resivoir low - replaced thermostat
Coolant resivoir low - replaced hose
Check engine light - unable to verify
Service Engine Soon light - VIS motors replaced
Service Engine Soon light - performed technical alert
Service Engine Soon light - worn gasket - replaced filler cap
Replace left rear tail light
Replaced driver side mirror
Traction Control/Hill Decent light problem - replaced brake switch
Inspect HVAC drain tube - Service bulletin 122
Perform tech bulletin B294 ???
Left mirror delaminating - replaced mirror
Passenger mirror delaminating - replaced mirror
Interior smells of fumes - broken cam cover/pcv hose, replaced
HVAC fan not working - replaced fan and heater matrix
Revs before shifting 2 to 3 gear when cold - no unusual problem found
Throttle body inspection and replacement
Jatco trans sensor updates - inspect only
Right rear window lifter not working - replaced
Replaced A-Pillar trim - safety recall
RPM's jump really hight, no acceleration - Need to replace trans
Flashing 4 and F in odometer
For what it's worth.......
Hope this helps.
I have not seen issues regarding the 2005 model and was wondering if similar issues were popping up. Also have noted that the model has been discontinued and that a newer one will be coming out. From the pictures that I've seen, it looks too big for my needs even though it appears to be slight in changes.
I'm interested in this model as I'm looking for a change in autos though I certainly don't want to get myself into what many have described, hence the question of the '05 model. Have the issues been cleared up or are they just waiting to happen?
Wish I could figure out what it is that makes me desire one of these knowing its background. Thanks for your help.
I was driving the car last Sunday from Nacogdoches back to Houston and along the way, stopping at a stop sign, something happened! I began to drive and the yellow light came on, check engine soon and the blinking F 4 that I am now realizing is so infamous! I had it towed all the way from Lufkin on a flatbed truck to the dealership. We have made 2 calls to Landrover customer service department and are awaiting a response on how our transmission will be handled. Of course, we are being told they are UNAWARE of any transmission problems!
Seems like there would be an attorney somewhere that would want to handle a class action suit against Landrover for these faulty 2002 models. Anyone know of a class action suit pending???? Anyone have any suggestions on how to get the transmission repaired under warranty?
for more information and advice. Those Freelander victims in Australia: Let Land Rover know how you feel by writing to:
The General Manager, Land Rover Australia, Locked Bag 2214 North Ryde NSW 1670.
You should also complain to the ACCC and the Office of Fair Trading in your state.
Does anyone know whether, thus far, the 2005s are faring better than earlier models? Elmor, have you been able to find any useful information?
Also, I'm confused about the quality of the Land Rover brand in general. Over the years, I've heard horror stories like the ones here and others associated with the Discovery. And J.D. Power's 2005 long-term dependability ratings (based on three-years of original-owner data) rank the nameplate second to last, with 395 problems per 100 vehicles. Yet none of the major reviews I've seen of LR's various vehicles have detailed any long-standing quality issues with the company. And with the number of them I see on the road, their reputation among consumers can't be *too* bad. Also, the LR3 was named 2005 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year.
So what's the story with this brand? Is it as simple as them making their top-of-the-line models pieces of art, while neglecting their lower-end models so badly that they wind up being pieces of trash? Or have all of their models been plagued in one form or another?
I'd also be very curious to hear: Those of you who rue the day you drove out of the LR dealership in your new Freelander (or other), what were your impressions of the brand before you bought it? Did you subsequently find anything out about the brand (not solely through your own terrible experience) that you wish you'd known before you made the purchase?
I'd greatly appreciate any insight (or resources you could point me to). Thank you.
The testers don't have the cars long enough to run into many of the problems reported on these boards. Also, I believe that if/when the testers do have issues, LRNA is right there to fix things quickly and easily... very opposite to the dealer experience that most of us have had.
As a sidenote, when I've complained about my service experience in the past, the regional service manager told me "we treat all of our customers equally bad, regardless of whether they bought a Freelander or Range Rover." You'd think he was kidding, but he said it dead on so who knows....
Your best bet is to drive the car until it is nearly out of warranty, then sell it for whatever you can get... If the Jeep dealer won't buy it back, then quit dealing with them... anything they do to get you into another car will just be more money out of your pocket..
If you feel you want to sell the car now, you'll just have to sell it for the most you can get, and take your lumps...
If you read back over the last couple of years posts, you'll see that your experience is not unusual, and is not likely to get better...
regards,
kyfdx
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This was no easy decision I can assure you! I have wanted a Land Rover for as long as I can remember, and the Freelander seemed like a great start. In addition, it was at first quite difficult for me to connect the information provided here as applying to ALL Freelanders.
Well, it really does seem as though the majority of brake, electrical, power, and transmission issues are almost universal for this particular vehicle. In fact, after reading this forum I finally reviewed the Consumer Reports scores. I am sure many of you are now aware that the 2002 Freelander failed miserably in the above (and other) categories.
Good luck with your Land Rovers...hopefully I can join the club when they work out the more serious problems.
Scott
I'm UK based but I believe your consumer laws are similar in that you cannot sell a vehicle, even a second hand one, that is not fit for the purpose. So any owners out there have got a claim. Type in Freelander head gasket problem & wait for the hit but if you own one, be sitting with a stiff drink.
Good luck
We are UK based but we do have a OZZY members who join through an OZZY website. You'll find it in these posts under the name of Junklander.
Thanks, Elmor
It is widely accepted by 4WD mechanics that Freelander K-series 1.8lt engines are known to drop the cylinder liners into the block. Because the liners are steel and the block is alloy, the liners being harder, work their way into the block. The bad news is; If the liners are too low, the engine needs to be replaced - this is fact, confirmed by Land Rover. In some cases engines have been replaced several times, at average intervals of only 50000 km. That's not just bad luck.... that's a design fault.
Just a reminder to all "Land Rover Freelander Head Gasket Failure" victims in Australia. If you have made a claim against Land Rover Australia and are unhappy with the response, you should put your concerns in writing to the ACCC office in your state. Go to http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/54229/fromItemId/3634 for postal addresses.
The ACCC is now collecting data on this issue and will pursue the case if there are sufficient complaints indicating a pattern.
http://www.pagetraining.com/landrover_freelander_gasket_engine.htm
http://home.austarnet.com.au/edwardsonline/freelanderheadgasket
While it could seem like brand bashing...it would be refreshing to see something like...This vehicle has had major problems and potential buyers should review service contracts, etc in the pros/cons section.
Instead
Pros Excellent on-road handling for an SUV, permanent all-wheel drive, still capable off-road.
Cons Expensive for a compact SUV, tight on cargo space, V6 engine on the weak side, no side airbags, SE3's hard top is hard to install.
Even something as light-handed as (insert website here) cannot endorse this vehicle due to problems reported? Consumer reports got a lot of flack for negative press, however the truth you can uncover in forums is never accurately represented in articles.
Steve, Host
For the record I don't own one, but like the concept and have read this forum since inception...I have steered many people I know away from the vehicle based on what I read here.
And, for the record, you just passed your 6th anniversary with edmunds.com 3 days ago. Congrats!
tidester, host
Steve, Host
Any feedback would be appreciated. I was inclined to replacing it soon, but am wondering if I should wait until the new 2007 comes out...or just appreciate the fact that my 2002 seems "so far, so good!"
Help!
With thanks ...
Rvrms
SG
Regards
Alex D Walker