Three problems related to radiator have been reported for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Land Rover Freelander based on all problems reported for the 2003 Freelander.
At 88,000 miles, my 2003 Land Rover Freelander lost ~80% of power while going up a hill on a major high way and started to billow smoke. After steering the vehicle out of traffic, I popped the hood to find the material on the lower side of the hood on fire. Upon putting this fire out, I realized there was still a large amount of smoke coming from the underside of the engine cover and my anti-freeze was empty, when served only a couple weeks prior. After letting the vehicle cool, I took off the engine cover to find it had a mixture of coolant and oil resting on top of it; a dark-milky colored liquid. Upon having it towed and further inspected by a professional, not only is my head gasket gone, a fitting on the a radiator line had melted above the engine, and a catalytic converter is as well. I got it back to my house in this condition because I still owe $7500 and have only had it for 1 year. Mechanically totaled in my driveway, it now only sometimes will shift and when it does, only happens with force. Prior to this almost fatal disaster, I had three window assemblies brake; ruining the motors and causing them to fall while driving, and my brake lights do not function. I replaced the brake light switch, problem with brake lights still persists. I've given up hope on this SUV and have got not one reply from Land Rover costumer service. I am stuck making payments, and even if I could afford to fix it, would never put my wife and daughter in it again. Please get these vehicles off the road, before someone is even less lucky then I.
2003 Land Rover Freelander hse, head gasket failure diagnosed by auto technician at dealership service department after reported smell of burnt coolant and visible radiator coolant in the engine-oil. Technician advised me this is problem is engine defect in head gasket stress bolts and location of thermostat. Engine overheats and oil in radiator system due to head gasket failure. Vehicle no longer functional, overheated due to no head gasket/cannot be fixed. Mechanic just advised me to try and trade it in when I purchase a new vehicle, as manufacturer discontinued model and also engine, not under warranty nor is product repairable (engine & vehicle discontinued , manufacturer has refused to help in any way).
Numerous large repairs needed for a 2003 Land Rover Freelander, current mileage approx 79,000 including: new engine oct 2007, new radiator June 2007, new fuel pump may 2007, new thermostat April 2007, internal electrical fault September 2006, cooling system September 2006, broken sway bar April 2006, right rear window replaced February 2006, child safety lock recall November 2005, brake switch failure November 2005, heater core leaking coolant November 2005, coolant bottle replaced November 2005, driver door replaced December 2004, windshield washer broken December 2004.