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Land Rover Freelander

1535 messages,  Last post on Oct 02, 2012 at 9:48 AM

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What is this discussion about? Land Rover Freelander, SUV

Messages Page 83 of 154

#818 of 1535 2002 FReelander brakes and boiling coolant bottle by freelee

Mar 23, 2005 (12:26 pm)

I bought a brand new Freelander 2002,Friday August 2,2002 for my wedding anniversary for my wife, I drove it home and I feel some mist coming out from the air vent(air conditioner is on) I thought it was like the commercial by land rover in the jungle. The car was park on my garage On August 4, 2002 my family was on our way to celebrate our wedding anniversary and we were at the expressway when I noticed that water (not mist) coming out from center vent and few minutes later, the radio started to make a loud humming sound and I could not turn it off, I end up emergency parking in the expressway, of course I cancelled our dinner reservation because I am afraid that it might ruin more the computer on board or whatever in the dash board. I returned to the dealer in "Winnetka, Illinois and complaint about it and demanded to give me a new vehicle, I just added 28 miles from the original delivery miles. I spoke to Land Rover service department and beg no call the dealer and give me a new one. The dealer fixed the leakage and I was told that "it happened in one of the other customer that they did not remove the hose drainage plug. I have been calling the Land Rover and their respond was"I am pretty sure and confident that the dealer did the job. I went o another dealer for service since then till today03/023/05 I have received at least 3 recalls. With 3209 miles on it they found that the coolant hose is chafing, with 12985 miles on it, the brakes was vibrating when you apply the brakes they found that the rotor was warped and replaced the rotor and pads(cost $570.00) then today 03/23/05, after inspection they are recommending new pads and rotor (brake pads 4MM life left, the right passenger speaker buster (gurgles sound) engine coolant bottle was boiling, found holding coolant and cap not holding pressure and some brown oil burnt and they replace the oil cooler, also the wiper motor was replaced. I complaint to the advisor about the brakes that there's is something wrong with it. This car is suburban driving 8-10 miles a day. Last brakes service I was told that I put "brake hard" I drove this car for 1 and half year driving my kids to school and I using different car to and from my work. I have three other cars that I use alternately. With less than 6000 miles since last brake repair need another one? GOD BLESS AMERICA....

#819 of 1535 New owner of an 02 Freelander S with 37k miles by freelander_luv

Mar 27, 2005 (10:29 pm)

I just bought my Freelander and I wanted to know a few things. Can anyone give me some intelligent/educated information (not personal experience) about what to expect from my pre-owned vehicle? I'd like to know about the engine and transmission and any other major components that may cause a major expense in the future. My bumper to bumper warranty is good for another 50k miles. I'm not sure if I'll trade it in or keep it after that. If there are major issues with the tranny (as I've been hearing) and there will only be potential future problems with it I think it would be wise of me NOT to get too attached. I really like driving this vehicle, but what sold me was the financing. I got 2.9% on a certified pre-owned and if anyone knows anything about the car biz that's unbelievable. The day I bought it, I got calls from other competitors telling me to go for it and congrats! Before I bought this SUV, I rented a Jeep Liberty for weeks on the job and drove it in the roughest weather you can imagine. Wow it drove so nice I wanted to keep it for personal reasons and I did - to go out car shopping. I really wanted a Jeep Liberty, especially because it would tow 5k pounds and I have a small horse trailer and a horse. The Freelander won't tow but 2500 pounds and that is a real bummer. Now I have to use my Freelander for daily driving and buy something else real cheap to haul the horse. Oh well, I got a really great deal on the price of my Freelander too - thousands BELOW NADA value, so no GAP insurance needed thank you

#820 of 1535 Re: Amber traction control and hill descent lights on [pat3967] by las

Apr 07, 2005 (1:48 pm)

Replying to: pat3967 (Nov 27, 2004 5:24 pm)
The battery originaly delivered with our car was a lemon and I had the same problem. After 3 electrical problems and then finally a stall in -30 weather in traffic the person who boosted me told me to get a new battery. A new battery later and a middle-finger salute to the service center, the car ran fine (electrincially).

#821 of 1535 Trade-In by las

Apr 07, 2005 (1:59 pm)

After 3 1/2 years and many services later we finaly are trading in the Freelander. The car problems did not bother me as much as being treated like a complete idiot every time I reported a problem. Here's what drove me to the almost $8,000 loss with the trade-in:
 
First Incident:
- Went to dealer and reported that I was losing coolant.
- Dealer said they did a pressure test and found nothing.
- I replaced coolant for a week and waited until I got a different service agent to answer the phone.
- Serviced the vehicle and they found a cracked coolant line.
- Replaced line, everything was fine.
 
Second Incident:
- Electrical problems
- Went for servicing, reported no problems found
- Car stalled, was towed to dealer. Tower told me to ask for a new battery.
- Asked for new battery, they told me it was fine.
- Told dealer to replace battery or they were keeping the car (had to get too aggresive for my taste)
- They replaced the battery
- No more random lites, and no need to plug in vehicle overnight anymore
 
Third Incident:
- Did the 40,000km service and was told brakes needed replacing
- Replaced brakes and service at a cost of just over $1,000 CAD$
- Two weeks later the brakes were squeeking unbarably.
- Returned to dealer (seperate agent)
- Was told I was in need of a desperate brake change
- No one had any explanation for me or excuse, owner was not available.
 
Final Incident:
- Very hard jerks between gear changes
- Serviced vehicle, nothing could be found
- Returned a week later, things were worse
- Transmission was replaced (and no report to Carfax by the way, they simply said regular service)
- Could not use any gears but Drive and Reverse...no change or sport or lower
- Returned for service
- Transmission work done
 
We have traded in for a Honda.

#822 of 1535 re:Third incident by sbcooke

Apr 08, 2005 (9:11 am)

I assume they then replaced the brakes for free? I cannot believe you did not sue them or something. That warrants taking a week off of work and picketing outside their shop.
 
What was the dealer? Perhaps the web can be your venue?
 
BTW remind me not to buy a LR

#823 of 1535 Same here, Freelander gone. by kcrain

Apr 19, 2005 (8:39 am)

Our '02 Freelander was in a wreck, and declared totalled by the insurance company last week. We weren't thrilled with the Freelander, but figured we'd try to keep it running until 100K miles rather than take the loss selling it early. The wreck brought that decision to a quick close.
 
After all the headaches...failed shifter cable, two front brake replacements in 30K miles, electrical gremlins...my wife didn't want another one and I don't blame her.
 
2005 Mercury Mariner (nee Ford Escape) has taken its place.

#824 of 1535 Re: Amber traction control and hill descent lights on [pat3967] by iogier

Apr 27, 2005 (12:59 pm)

Replying to: pat3967 (Nov 27, 2004 5:24 pm)
Hi,
I bought a new V6 Freelander in 2002 and am very happy with it, with the exception of the same problem you have been suffering. The two amber lights only come on intermittently, and strangely usually only in the winter months. My local dealer allegedly ran a full diagnostic test last year and did not find any problem. The garage who serviced my Freelander today have suggested that it is a broken sensor on one of the front wheels - problem is that the "Testbook" diagnostic machine is only available from my local Land Rover dealer who are worse than useless. Have you had any luck sorting the problem ? If so - could you e-mail me.
 
Thanks.
 
Ian

#825 of 1535 Look at all the same complaints: the 2002 is a lemon by freelandersux

Apr 28, 2005 (1:10 pm)

My own experience, having just crossed the 50k mile line...
 
1) Brake pads being the first and foremost. After being told repeatedly by service staff that obviously I was driving way too fast and it was my own fault. Until they themselves had too many customer complaints to renege or ignore this. Several hundred dollars in pad / rotor replacement and rental cars.
 
2) Minor electrical problems. Warning lights that come on with no warning. Sunroof motor and windows motors breaking. Best was when I had $300k of priceless gear in my car and the rear left window decided to keep slipping down for no reason at all.
 
3) The ever present and oft mentioned coolant bottle. But here's where it gets bad and you should all be warned...
 
My overheat and check engine lights have come on erratically and dissapeared just as frequently. The temperature guage has remained constant and steady however, until around 30k miles when the needle started to fluctuate wildly. At one dealership two attempts were made to repair the problem before this was fixed. It was diagnosed repeatedly as a thermostat problem, not an actual problem with the coolant system itself. Ergo, the indicator becomes useless as to the actual problem with the car. I keep insisting coolant seems to get eaten up by the car way too fast. I am told I am not looking at the reservoir at the right times.
 
Unfortunately then I move to another state. The problem reoccurs. I bring the car in. The coolant bottle is replaced because of cracks.
 
200 miles later the problem resurfaces. Car is brought back in again. Thermostat replaced.
 
A few hundred miles later, driving a friend to the airport and the car emits enough smoke and steam to make it completely hazardous and it shuts down in the middle of the street. Vehicle is towed in to the dealer. Then and only then do they realize that the hoses should've been replaced a long time ago.
 
I of course at this point contacted Customer Care. I reiterated that a full picture of the vehicle's history and the number of unacceptable times I've had to bring the car in and have it worked on while taking loaner cars or sometimes cars I pay to rent - can only be completed by contacting service reps in both states I lived in. The Customer Care rep does not do this. The car seems to be fixed, so I drop it.
 
Until, 1000 or so miles later, the check engine light comes on for no reason...
 
Once again i contact customer care, and am given hassle over wanting to speak to a supervisor. I am told a supervisor will contact me in 24 hours turnaround. I hear from one five days later.
 
At my local service dealer I am overcharged $250 for a 48k mile servicing. I won't even go into what I heard then, suffice to say that two people had been fired from the service center for what I was told were fraudulent practices.
 
Oh and I forgot to mention having my transmission entirely replaced at 30k miles for no fault of my own, having it break down on windy dangerous roads. The vehicle has been towed in a total of 3 times now in a state that's completely undrivable.
 
This is a very concise rapid summary of a nightmare. Here is what I have learned about the Freelander 2002...
 
1) There is a consistent problem with the coolant system, beginning with the reservoirs cracking, that can lead to misdiagnoses such as ignoring battered hoses that will lead to the car dangerously overheating and resultant damage.
 
2) The transmissions are faulty and need to be replaced every 25k-30k miles or so. Wait until your warranty runs out and see how much that will cost
 
3) The brake pads and rotors are either of completely unacceptable quality or there is a problem with the braking system.
 
4) Land Rover "Customer Care" is nonexistent. Their local service technicians can range from excellent to admittedly deceptive. The corporate customer care service is staffed by rude people who only seem to care about making sure vehicles are repaired under warranty eventually, and no matter at what cost, safety, or inconvenience to you. Asking to speak to supervisors is unacceptable.
 
Those three points should be reiterated again and again. Because we all seem to be having the same problem. And we need to do something about it. The car is an absolute lemon.

#826 of 1535 Loaner cars by p996

May 03, 2005 (5:27 pm)

Replying to: bobcatbob (Apr 18, 2001 6:11 am)
Land Rover Palm Beach no longer has Land Rover loaner cars.
 
I thought Land Rover NA gave them to them like Acura does.
 
What is going on?

#827 of 1535 in the news by steve_ HOST

May 08, 2005 (9:04 pm)

"The LR2, disguised versions of which have been spied on test recently, will be bigger than the current Freelander, with a wider track and longer wheelbase. It is also rumored the LR2 will be available with a hybrid powertrain."
 
Land Rover Could Rebrand Freelander as LR2 (Inside Line)
 
Steve, Host

Messages Page 83 of 154

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