FREELANDER

Land Rover Freelander — MPG, VIN Decoder, Recalls, Reliability & Specs

Everything on the Land Rover Freelander — 14 recalls, common problems, the best & worst years, full specs, MPG and NHTSA safety, by model year.

Data · NHTSA & EPA · 2002–2005 · 4 model years · Updated Jul 27, 2026 · 4.0 ★★★★★★★★★★ ForCar Score
Quick answer

The Land Rover Freelander spans 2002–2005 with 14 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2002, 2003, 2004 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2005, 2004, 2003. It delivers up to 17 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.

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2002–2005
Years
14
Recalls
17
Top MPG
—★
NHTSA
451
Complaints
FIG.01·Land Rover Freelander — ForCar Reliability Score
4.0/5
★★★★★★★★★★
ForCar Reliability Score
Our editorial rating · 4 model years
Land Rover Freelander
Safety (NHTSA)3.5
Recall record3.8
Complaint severity4.6

How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.

Overview

The Land Rover Freelander is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2002 to 2005 across multiple generations.

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How to read a Land Rover Freelander VIN — every digit explained

Every Land Rover Freelander carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.

FIG.02·How to Read a Land Rover Freelander VIN
1–3 · WMISAD
4–8 · VDSCM826
9 · Check5
10 · YearR
11 · PlantA
12–17 · Serial004352
  • WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Land Rover and the country it was built in (real Land Rover codes below).
  • VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
  • Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
  • Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
  • Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Freelander.
  • Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Real Land Rover WMIs — the first 3 VIN digits by build country
  • UKSAD · SAJ · SAL
17 CHARS·SOURCE SAE / ISO 3779 · NHTSA vPIC

Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Freelander, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.

How many recalls does the Land Rover Freelander have?

The Land Rover Freelander has 14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2002–2005. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.

2005 Land Rover Freelander recalls 3

Air Bags04V510000

What's wrong. 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. 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.

Fix. DEALERS HAVE REPLACED THE PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULES IN ALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch05V300000

What's wrong. 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. THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch07V041000

What's wrong. 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. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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 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.

2004 Land Rover Freelander recalls 3

Structure:body:roof And Pillars04V347000

What's wrong. 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.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch05V300000

What's wrong. 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. THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch07V041000

What's wrong. 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. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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 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.

2003 Land Rover Freelander recalls 5

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch04V207000

What's wrong. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CHILD DOOR LOCK ON THE LEFT HAND REAR DOOR CAN BECOME DISENGAGED.

Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CHILD BEING ABLE TO OPEN A REAR DOOR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

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.

Structure:body:roof And Pillars04V347000

What's wrong. 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.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

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.

Structure:frame And Members04V489000

What's wrong. 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.

Risk. A CRACKED OR DEFORMED SUBFRAME COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO INSTABILITY OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch05V300000

What's wrong. 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. THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch07V041000

What's wrong. 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. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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 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.

2002 Land Rover Freelander recalls 3

Structure:body:roof And Pillars04V347000

What's wrong. 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.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, PERSONAL INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

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.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch05V300000

What's wrong. 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. THE OCCUPANT MAY OPEN THE DOOR INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND FALL OUT INTO THE TRAFFIC, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

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.

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch07V041000

What's wrong. 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. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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 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.

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Best and worst years for the Land Rover Freelander

Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 4 tracked years, the worst years are 2002, 2003, 2004 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2005, 2004, 2003.

ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.

FIG.03·Best & Worst Years — Land Rover Freelander
YearOwner complaintsTop issueVerdict
2002 Freelander226Engine And Engine CoolingAvoid
2003 Freelander140Engine And Engine CoolingAvoid
2004 Freelander69Engine And Engine CoolingAvoid
2005 Freelander16Engine And Engine CoolingBest
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA + ForCar
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What are the most common Land Rover Freelander problems?

The most-reported Land Rover Freelander problems are Air (2 reports), Other (4 reports) and Seats (1 reports) — out of 451 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:

7
involved a crash
11
involved a fire
5
injuries reported
0
deaths reported

Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.

Land Rover Freelander specifications & dimensions

The 2002–2005 Land Rover Freelander measures 168″ long on a 101″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 3,569 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Land Rover Freelander window sticker.

FIG.04·Land Rover Freelander Dimensions by Generation
YearsLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseCurb weight
2002–2005168″71″69″101″7,593 lb
ROWS 1·SOURCE NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada

Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.

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Land Rover Freelander cargo space, seating & interior room

How much the Freelander holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.

Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.

Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Land Rover Freelander tire size, oil type & owner specs

The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.

Wheels & tires
Wheel sizeby VIN
Tire sizeby VIN
Bolt patternby trim
Tire pressure32–36 PSI
Engine oil
Oil typeFull synthetic
Gradeon oil cap
Capacityby engine
Battery
Main battery12V · group by trim
Key-fob cellCR2032
Wiper blades
Front bladesby generation
Rear bladeif equipped
Fuses
Fuse boxeshood + dash
Diagramon box lid
Light bulbs
Headlightby trim
Tail / brakeby trim
Fogif equipped

Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.

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What MPG does the Land Rover Freelander get?

The Land Rover Freelander returns up to 17 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:

The 2005 Land Rover Freelander (2.5L 6-cyl) gets 17 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 523 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.

FIG.05a·Land Rover Freelander MPG, CO₂ & smog — V6
YearCityHwyCombFuel/yrCO₂ g/miSmogEngine
2005 Freelander161917$3,6505235/102.5L 6-cyl
2004 Freelander161917$3,6505232/102.5L 6-cyl
2003 Freelander151917$3,6505232.5L 6-cyl
2002 Freelander151917$4,5505232.5L 6-cyl
ROWS 4·SOURCE EPA (ForCar database)

Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.

See how the Freelander stacks up against the most fuel-efficient SUVs, or calculate this Freelander's real yearly fuel cost.

What engines does the Land Rover Freelander have? Power & range

The Land Rover Freelander is offered with 1 powertrain — 2.5L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.

FIG.06·Land Rover Freelander Powertrains
EngineDisplacementTransmissionDriveFuel
V62.5L · 6-cylAutomatic (S5)4-Wheel or All-Wheel DriveRegular
ROWS 1·SOURCE EPA + NHTSA vPIC

Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.

Can a Land Rover Freelander tow? Towing & payload

As an SUV, the Land Rover Freelander is built to tow and haul. The exact maximum towing capacity and payload depend on the engine, drivetrain and whether it has the factory tow package, on a curb weight near 3,569 lb.

What sets your Freelander's tow & payload rating:

  • Engine — a larger or turbocharged engine tows more than the base unit.
  • Drivetrain & axle — 4WD/AWD and the axle ratio shift the rating.
  • Tow package — the factory towing package (hitch, wiring, transmission cooler) raises the max.
  • Payload & GVWR — GVWR caps the combined load; more passengers and cargo lower how much you can tow.

Exact towing capacity, payload and GVWR are added per engine, drivetrain and trim — decode your VIN above, or check the driver's door-jamb and hitch labels. Curb weight from vehicle specifications.

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How much does a Land Rover Freelander cost to own?

A Land Rover Freelander tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Check what a used Freelander is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.

75%
Value @ 1 yr
53%
Value @ 3 yrs
37%
Value @ 5 yrs
$18,250
Est. 5-yr fuel
FIG.08·Land Rover Freelander Depreciation & Resale
$
AgeValue retainedEst. resale valueLost to depreciation
Year 175%$22,500−$7,500
Year 263%$18,900−$11,100
Year 353%$15,900−$14,100
Year 444%$13,200−$16,800
Year 537%$11,100−$18,900
ROWS 5·SOURCE ForCar estimate

What goes into the five-year cost to own:

  • Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Freelander loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
  • Fuel — ≈ $18,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
  • Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Freelander ages.
  • Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.

Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.

Is the Land Rover Freelander safe?

NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Freelander yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.

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How many miles does a Land Rover Freelander last?

A well-maintained Land Rover Freelander typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.

FREELANDER

Check your Land Rover Freelander’s VIN — history, recalls & specs

Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.

Check this Freelander’s VIN free →

All Land Rover Freelander model years

A year-by-year snapshot of the Land Rover Freelander — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.

FIG.11·All Land Rover Freelander Model Years
YearRecallsBest MPGSafety
2005 Freelander3 recalls17 mpg
2004 Freelander3 recalls17 mpg
2003 Freelander5 recalls17 mpg
2002 Freelander3 recalls17 mpg
ROWS 4·SOURCE NHTSA + EPA

Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).

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Frequently asked questions

What are the worst years for the Freelander?

By owner-complaint volume, 2002, 2003, 2004 drew the most reports. 2005, 2004, 2003 have the cleanest records.

How many recalls does the Freelander have?

14 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2002–2005. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Land Rover recalls and reliability across every model.

What MPG does the Freelander get?

Up to 17 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.

How many miles does a Freelander last?

A well-maintained Freelander typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.

Is the Freelander reliable?

Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Freelander is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.

What's the Land Rover Freelander warranty?

New Land Rover models carry a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 4 years / 50,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Land Rover dealer.

Where is the Land Rover Freelander made?

The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Freelander's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Land Rover may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.

How much does a Freelander weigh?

The Freelander's curb weight is around 3,569 lb. Its GVWR — the maximum loaded weight — decodes from the VIN.

How much ground clearance does the Freelander have?

Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.

Data sourced from NHTSA (recalls, complaints, safety ratings) and EPA fueleconomy.gov (MPG). Best/worst-year analysis is ForCar's own aggregation of complaint volume. Last updated Jul 2026. — ForCar Editorial Reviewed by , founder of ForCar.
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