I have a 2004 Freelander SE, bought brand new off the lot in 04. I currently have about 54k miles on it and in the last week have noticed coolant leaking, causing the over heating light to come on. I have read on this forum about the 2002 and 2003 problems, but I'm not reading much about the 04 model having the same problems. I have it in the shop now being looked at and waiting to hear what the verdict is. My question is... can any one tell me if the 04 model is doomed to what appears to be a major quality issue with the earlier models? While I'm here... is it common for the rear differential to go bad at 52k miles? I had that fixed about 2 months ago. I want to figure out how much more $$ to put into this thing or if I should off load it sooner than later. Thanks!

 

I was told today the problem was the thermostat. Estimated repair bill of $500. Does that seem about normal? Also recomended was a coolant flush for another $130 = $630 out the door.

Thanks!

 

That seems a tad bit too high, but then again it's not really that easy of a job to do and it may have taken a bit of diagnostic time to find the thermostat problem. It is located in the middle of the engine underneathe the large black intake manifold. We change them here at the shop
in about an hour, but then again thats all we do are LandRovers. The larger problem may be coolant leaking between the cylinder and the block. Check out our youtube video "Freelander Engine", which may explain some of the coolant loss. We also offer some freelander parts for sale under MYAUTOHAUSSTORE on ebay. Our website is www.rockboundrovers.com. Give us a ring if you have any question in regards to ordering parts or such. We also offer some
different engines for sale. A performance Freelander engine and a standard replacement with
many improvements over the stock unit. Good luck and I hope your engine is ok. Our telephone number is 714-847-9531.

 

I had the same problems with my 2004 HSE. I bought it new off the lot in late 04. I've since had multiple problems with the coolant system, among other things. After they replaced my thermostat and entire coolant system, I still lost coolant. It wasn't leaking on the ground, but into the engine. Check your cap for residue and I'm sure you'll find some. They have replaced my engine twice and the problem returns with each time. It is currently back in the shop and it's looking like it will be getting engine number 3! I was told that nothing has been done to solve the problem so I expect problems to continue, just a matter of time. If anyone else has had similar problems, I would love to hear from you!! They even told me that cars without the extended warranty were being totaled by Land Rover. I love my Freelander and was very disappointed when all this began. Good luck!

 

all these engines suffer from the very same thing, low or loosing coolant is lethal since the engine will fail and self destroy, but there is hope (but only as prevention and is not a fix for the already damaged engine):

get a freelander cooling kit, is a device that modifies the times at when the fans turn on and keeps the engine running cooler without interfering with the a/c and other components, it installs in minutes and is cheap insurance to make these nice vehicles a little more reliable, send me an e-mail or message and I will send you a link. langford.steve@yahoo.com

Land Rover designed the freelander to run borderline hot to improve performance, emissions and mileage (which is true and works) but it will not forgive you running low on coolant.

 

The freelander is evil! Once the notorious engine problem starts(without warning) you will be stuck paying on a vehicle that can't be fixed, unless you want to install a $7000 engine that will blow again. Trust me, I just went through the nightmare. I'm amazed that LR hasn't been made to resolve the issue...what a crime.

 

update
Hey I get a bunch of e-mails about the kit, you can get it doing a search on e-bay

"Freelander Cooling Kit"
the freelander with the first prototype is running awesome and just passed 140k miles!
also other benefits is the oil stays crystal clear between oil changes and it does not lose it's viscosity due to the high running temps.

here is the info from ebay

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If you have a Land Rover Freelander you know about the common engine failure, usually between 50k - 90k miles, these vehicles are nice but will not forgive you when the engine overheats, it will self destroy. the engine is was designed with different metal/steel alloys that when they overheat the expand at a very different rate and engine fails.

The entire system works great but borderline hot, so any small problems with the cooling system will be lethal, the common reason is a cracked coolant reservoir, or hose rupture, again the reservoir will crack or the hoses will fail because the engine just runs a little hotter that it should, the coolant components will crack or blow due to the excessive pressure and sustained high temperature, if you look at the temp needle, it likes to be close to the middle.

So if you have a Freelander or will buy one, do yourself a favor and buy a "Freelander Engine Cooling Kit" which is a set of relays, wires and connectors that installs in minutes and reduces the operating temperature by turning the fan (s) at a different temperatures than the programmed by factory without interfering with the a/c and other components.

This is the cheapest insurance, it will help you avoid a 5,000.00 bill replacing a freelander engine.

This is a device that prevents damage, it will not fix the damage if it already ocurred, (however it will help in cases where the damage is mild)

As all electrical components, there are no refunds, only replacement if defective. all kits are tested before shipping to insure reliability

Important: even if device fails, the factory system still works as originally described



KIT INCLUDES: DEVICE AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

 

Hey I get a bunch of e-mails about the kit, you can get it doing a search on e-bay

"Freelander toronto asian escort Cooling Kit"
the freelander with the first prototype is running awesome and just passed 140k miles!
also other toronto escort benefits is the oil stays toronto asian escorts crystal clear between oil changes toronto escorts and it does not lose it's viscosity due to the high running temps.

here is the info from ebay

 

EXACTLY the same thing that happened to me. The dealership kept stringing me along, telling me it was the thermostat, then the heater core, then the overflow bottle...

Bottom line was I got the feeling they were being less than honest, as I've been told it's a total pain to do the engine swap, and their mechanics hate doing them.

Finally got the engine done (under warranty), and within a year, it needed another.

Worst vehicle I've ever owned. Use the piece of crap as trade to upgrade to an LR2 if possible, and watch the dealership squirm. That's what I did. The LR2 is a much better vehicle.