Engine Belts And Pulleys problems of the 2002 Land Rover Freelander

I began accelerating on a viadock (bridge) when I felt a snap underneath me, as I reached the peak of the brigde, the car stalled out and I began descending on the bridge with my 2 daughters in the car. It completely stopped before I was able to reach the bottom of the bridge, which put me in harms way of traffic coming over the hill. I immediately hit my hazards and prayed everyone would see me before rear ending me. I was able to get the car towed. Then I found out it my timing belt broke; causing my engine to shut down. Total cost to fix will be $4000. I researched this make and model and found that hundreds of other people have reported similar issues. There seems to be a lot of issues with this particular make/model/year. The reviews on how Land Rover has been handling this particular issue are mixed with some saying they rectified the problem immediately and others saying they would not even respond to their complaints. I am nervous to see how they handle mine.

I took my 2002 Land Rover Freelander into Land Rover to be service because my transmission was slipping and the check engine light was on. They said it wasn't the transmission but it was the upper intake manifold, the vacuum hoses, and sensor that was causing the problem. So we had them replace the manifold, hoses and sensors. The service manager keep narrating that it wasn't the transmission. We picked up the car the next day again the service manager assist it wasn't the transmission and the car is running perfectly. As soon as I went about 2 miles my transmission started slipping. I took the car back to Land Rover the next day irritated. The car spent 5 days at the shop trying to find out the problem. Which was indeed the transmission, they didn't offer to fix the transmission but to refund the money and put the old parts back in. Which we agree to unless they guarantee it would be in the same condition. It was making more noise then before, 2 weeks later the timing belt broke. This car is a lemon. Its doesn't make since how the engine, the timing belt, the transmission, and the upper intake manifold all fell at once. The car is not running and stuck in my drive way.

Bought the car used 2002 Freelander Land Rover v6 and drove it. Day four heard a loose bolt sound, it went away. Later that day driving home with children in the car, it died on the freeway, no warning lights, no warning at all, just died. Turns out the timing belt broke and broke the valves and now they want to replace the entire engine. I paid 4k for the car and it will cost 6k to repair. This car is dangerous. We had to move over 3 highway lanes with no power and sit on the side of the road for 1. 5 hours to be towed. I had my children in the car with me, this was very very scary!.

The 2002 Land Rover Freelander has been nothing but trouble since I purchased it in 2005. It has always had problems with overheating, when I talked to the dealership about it, they told me the Freelander burnt through coolant faster than most cars. I did not think it was normal for it to burn through a gallon of coolant every 3-4 weeks. This has continued since then. Until now, my Freelander"s timing belt broke ( at 60,800) well before recommended changing of the belt and has essentially totaled my car. Since it will cost me a minimum of $4,500 to fix it. (up to $8,500). The car is only worth $8,000.

I finally got my Freelander back from over 4 months of waiting. My 2002 Freelander required a new engine after it was found that mud and/or debris had entered my timing belt enclosure and caused my engine to jump time and catostrophically destroy my engine valves and cylinder walls. A specific Land Rover dealer noted that "mud" was the total cause of my engine failure, when in fact it was a 1" x 1" hole in the timing belt enclsoure; this hole is a design flaw or oversight and thus allows any dirt/grime/debris/mud to enter and cause severe damage. Freelander never showed visible signs (meter or steam) that it was overheating. Insurance has covered this issue under a flood coverage and has fronted over $12,800 for a new engine. I haven't received any loss-use coverage for the 4 months. Upon inspection of my new 2003 engine, I found a new plastic piece that now covers the once 1" x 1" hole in the timing belt enclosure. This piece also has a piece number and costs appoximately $6. 00. Now you can see, a mere $6 item would have saved me and insurance over $13,000. Land rover has not initiated a recall or service bulletin to my knowledge; I suspect that this will only be installed on an as needed basis for those drivers who do use their Freelander as advertised by Land Rover. In a recent article in Land Rover chronicle, it was stated that the 2006 Freelander will have a better sealed engine compartment, due to the fact that most drivers are using their vehicles for off-road use (as advertised); they also state that this vehicle wasn't designed to match the discovery or defender. On top of it all, my front axle required replacement due to a new engine install (vibration problems), a new 02 sensor, plus I've noticed a small hand-sized dent on my hood (from closing). I still have problems of some sort since my service engine light it on now.