VehicleVerdict

2004 Land Rover Freelander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 112 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Freelander year — the 2004 model ranks #3 of 6 Freelander years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 54% of all reports (60 of 112), far ahead of electrical system at 9.

112

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Freelander years?

Freelander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted404 complaints2000: 1 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 404 complaints2003: 250 complaints2004: 112 complaints2005: 26 complaints
Freelander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Freelander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Land Rover Freelander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6054%
Electrical System98%
Visibility & Wipers98%
Transmission98%
Brakes76%
Fuel System33%
Body & Structure33%
Speed Control33%
Other22%
Latches & Locks22%
Lighting22%
Tires & Wheels11%
Steering11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2004 Land Rover Freelander have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07V041000LightingFebruary 9, 2007 · 33,247 units

Defect

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.

05V300000Latches & LocksJune 28, 2005 · 1,941 units

Defect

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.

04V347000Body & StructureJuly 12, 2004 · 31,049 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ENGINE BREATHER VALVE FROZE UP , THE ENGINE START LEAKING OIL , POSSIBLE FIRE OR DESTROY THE ENGINE. STRANDED. THE SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THE ISSUE BUT THE DEALER ISN'T HONORING THE RESPONSIBILITY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 17, 2009 · fire

“VEHICLE HAD ENGINE FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP DURING ACCELERATION. AFTER A DIAGNOSES IT WAS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTAT HOUSING THAT RELEASED THE COOLANT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. AT THE CURRENT TIME THE AUTOMOBILE HAS HAD 39 DIFFERENT PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 29, 2012

“VEHICLE HAD ENGINE FAILURE AND TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP DURING ACCELERATION. AFTER A DIAGNOSES IT WAS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTAT HOUSING THAT RELEASED THE COOLANT ONTO THE TOP OF THE ENGINE. AT THE CURRENT TIME THE AUTOMOBILE HAS HAD 39 DIFFERENT PROBLEMS DIAGNOSED SINCE THE PURCHASE DATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 29, 2012

“1) FRONT RIGHT WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE TECH TOLD ME THIS WAS A RECURRENT PROBLEM. 2) CURRENTLY REAR RIGHT WINDOW REGULATOR HAS FAILED. WINDOW WILL NOT STAY UP. UNABLE TO DRIVE IN RAIN AND INCLEMENT WEATHER. 3) FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND FIXED BY LAND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 28, 2007

“BRAKE ROTORS REQUIRED REPLACING AND BRAKE PADS WERE COMPLETELY WORN AFTER ONLY 14,500 MILES OF GENTLE DRIVING. DEALER STATED THAT ROTORS WERE A MAINTENANCE ITEM AND WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. COST WAS OVER $500 AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN BRAKE FAILURE IF REPAIRS HAD NOT BEEN MADE. BRAKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 18, 2005

2004 Land Rover Freelander — common questions

Is the 2004 Land Rover Freelander reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 112 complaints put the 2004 model at #3 of 6 Freelander years. It is one of the Freelander years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Freelander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (60 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints), visibility & wipers (9 complaints).

Does the 2004 Land Rover Freelander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Land Rover Freelander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Land Rover Freelander under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Land Rover Freelander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Freelander years to avoid are 2002, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Freelander years belongs to 2000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.