2003 Land Rover Freelander recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: 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 INTERI…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 FREELANDER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 07V041000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: LAND ROVER RECALL NO. P004. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
2. Body / structure — fix not yet available
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. 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.
What could happen: A CRACKED OR DEFORMED SUBFRAME COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO INSTABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THE SUBFRAME FIXING IS CORRECTLY FITTED AND CLAMPED UP. IF NECESSARY, THE SUBFRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS CORRECT WELD NUTS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 FREELANDER.
- The fix is not available yet. Register your contact details with the dealer so they call you when parts arrive.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the repair is free of charge — safety recall repairs are free by US law.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-637-6837.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A CRACKED OR DEFORMED SUBFRAME COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO INSTABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO SEE IF THE SUBFRAME FIXING IS CORRECTLY FITTED AND CLAMPED UP. IF NECESSARY, THE SUBFRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE THAT HAS CORRECT WELD NUTS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes: LAND ROVER RECALL NO. B175. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. 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.
What could happen: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE A-PILLAR TRIM WITH A REVISED COMPONENT THAT ENABLES THE VEHICLE TO FULLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 FREELANDER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V347000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-637-6837.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE:BODY:ROOF AND PILLARS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE A-PILLAR TRIM WITH A REVISED COMPONENT THAT ENABLES THE VEHICLE TO FULLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 201. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 6, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes: LAND ROVER RECALL NO. B176. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
4. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. 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.
What could happen: THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 FREELANDER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 05V300000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-637-6837.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: LAND ROVER RECALL NO. B011. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
5. Latches / locks
What's wrong, in plain English: Doors, hood or trunk may open unexpectedly. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CHILD DOOR LOCK ON THE LEFT HAND REAR DOOR CAN BECOME DISENGAGED.
What could happen: THIS COULD LEAD TO A CHILD BEING ABLE TO OPEN A REAR DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND REAR LATCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2003 FREELANDER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Land Rover dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V207000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-637-6837.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CHILD DOOR LOCK ON THE LEFT HAND REAR DOOR CAN BECOME DISENGAGED.
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO A CHILD BEING ABLE TO OPEN A REAR DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT HAND REAR LATCH. THE RECALL BEGAN DECEMBER 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT LAND ROVER AT 1-800-637-6837.
Notes: LAND ROVER RECALL NO. B163. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2003 Land Rover Freelander owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (91), Fuel system (34), Gasoline (28), Transmission / drivetrain (27), Electrical system (25).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
07/31/2018 · Electrical system
PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN 2003 FROM LAND ROVER, BRAND NEW. DEALT WITH A FEW RECALLS AND OTHER ISSUES ( SUN ROOF WAS OFF TRACK, DID NOT WORK. LEATHER SEATS HAD DEFORMATIONS ON SEATS. TRUCK NEED AN ACID WASH FOR SPOTS THAT DEVELOPED ON BUMPER) SOON MY ENGINE AND COOLANT ISSUES OCCURRED. WHY DRIVING ID NOTICE MY TRUCK START TO OVERHEAT. THIS WAS EVEN AFTER BEING…
11/28/2017 · Electrical system
NEED TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY OUTSTANDING WARRANTS, TICKETS, COMPLAINTS ETC.
10/31/2016 · Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER FREELANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HILL DESCENT CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND BRAKE INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG HESITATION AND STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE…
02/24/2016 · Body / structure
1.COOLANT SYSTEM:STRONG ANTIFREEZE ODOR IN VEHICLE CABIN - REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR;REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR CAP; THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILURE; REPLACED ALL COOLANT LINES AND HOSES AS PREVENTATIVE MEASURE; HEATER CORE FAILURE - LEAKED ANTI FREEZE INTO HEATER CHAMBER 2.TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (1 OF 3): CODE F4 APPEARED ON ODOMETER; HILL DECENT FAULT LIGHT ILLU…
02/24/2016 · Electrical system
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
12/28/2013 · Engine
ORIGINAL OWNER OF LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2003. AT APPROXIMATELY 60,000 MILES, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. AT THE TIME, THE CAR WAS UNDER AN EXTENDED WARRANTY SO MOST OF THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED. NOW, AT APPROXIMATELY 86,000 MILES, THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOO…
05/12/2012 · Engine
1.COOLANT SYSTEM:STRONG ANTIFREEZE ODOR IN VEHICLE CABIN - REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR;REPLACED COOLANT RESERVOIR CAP; THERMOSTAT HOUSING FAILURE; REPLACED ALL COOLANT LINES AND HOSES AS PREVENTATIVE MEASURE; HEATER CORE FAILURE - LEAKED ANTI FREEZE INTO HEATER CHAMBER 2.TRANSMISSION SYSTEM (1 OF 3): CODE F4 APPEARED ON ODOMETER; HILL DECENT FAULT LIGHT ILL…
05/01/2012 · Engine
F-4 FLASHING ON THE ODOMETER, BOTH CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS ON, AND THE HILL DESCENT/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COMING ON. VEHICLE QUICKLY DROPPED POWER TO NO POWER. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING, SOMETHING WITH THE THROTTLE WAS REPAIRED THE FIRST TIME. THEN THE HARNESS WAS REPAIRED AND TWO WEEKS LATER THE VEHICLE IS DOING THE SAME THIN…