Model year guide

2003 Land Rover Freelander

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Land Rover Freelander is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 260 on record.

2003 Land Rover Freelander — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Land Rover Freelander at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints140
Combined17 mpg
Typical price$1,864

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2003 Land Rover Freelander recalls 5

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #07V041000 · manufacturer #P004 (P002) · 09/02/2007

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.

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…

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch NHTSA Campaign #05V300000 · manufacturer #B011 · 28/06/2005

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.

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.

Structure:frame And Members NHTSA Campaign #04V489000 · manufacturer #B175 · 07/10/2004

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.

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 1-800-6…

Structure:body:roof And Pillars NHTSA Campaign #04V347000 · manufacturer #B176 · 12/07/2004

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.

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:latch NHTSA Campaign #04V207000 · manufacturer #B163 · 05/05/2004

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

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2003 Land Rover Freelander common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2003 Land Rover Freelander MPG & running costs

Combined17 mpg
City15 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,950
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
TransmissionAutomatic 5-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$7,750 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 2 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2003 Land Rover Freelander worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,864
High
$2,700

From 14 comparable 2003 Land Rover Freelander listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Land Rover Freelander costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$19,750
Fuel only$19,750
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
168.1–170.1 in
Width
71.3 in
Height
69.3 in
Wheelbase
100.8 in
Curb weight
3,569–3,585 lb
Front track
60.6–61.0 in
Rear track
61.0–61.4 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

FUEL PUMP FAILURE - STALL Closed

SUBJECT COMPONENT FAILURES FOUND THAT CAN OCCUR AT ANY SPEED AND GENERALLY RESULT IN A NO RESTART CONDITION. THESE ARE GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE POTENTIAL SEVERITY OF STALLING INCIDENTS. HOWEVER, THESE INCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED AT RELATIVELY LOW RATES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION WHEN COMPARED WITH PRIOR INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING SIMILAR CATEGORIES OF ENGINE STALL CONSEQUENCES. FURTHER IN…

NHTSA #EA07018 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Dec 2007 · closed Dec 2008

FUEL PUMP FAILURE Closed

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE07-036 ON JULY 17, 2007, BASED ON THREE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF SUDDEN ENGINE STALL WHILE DRIVING DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILURE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 LAND ROVER FREELANDER VEHICLES. IN EACH INCIDENT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED FOR REPAIRS. IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER, FORD PROVIDED O…

NHTSA #PE07036 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Jul 2007 · closed Dec 2007

BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE Closed

ON JUNE 16, 2005, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE05-034) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED STOP LAMP (BRAKE) SWITCH FAILURES IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SERIES II VEHICLES. ON OCTOBER 14, 2005, THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND THE SCOPE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2002 THROUGH 2005 FREELANDER VEHICLES THAT USE A SUBSTANTIALLY…

NHTSA #EA05016 · Exterior Lighting · opened Oct 2005 · closed Feb 2007

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 34

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 34.

RESCINDED - Windshield Wiper Noise / Judder / Streak - RESCINDED

Bulletin LTB00552NAS3 · Equipment · Jan 2021

The steering wheel may exhibit a vibration / shimmy while driving.

Bulletin LTB00401NAS6 · Wheels, Steering, Suspension · Mar 2018

Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call

Bulletin SFCC-14SEP17 · Equipment · Sep 2017

"SITUATION: THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY MAKE A SQUEAK NOISE, JUDDER, OR STREAK THE WINDSHIELD. CAUSE: THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A BUILD-UP OF DIRT AND GREASE ON THE SURFACE OF THE WINDSHIELD GLASS."

Bulletin LTB00552NAS2 · Visibility · Sep 2015

"ISSUE: REPORTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED OF ENGINE DAMAGE OCCURRING, WHICH IS CAUSED BY THE USE OF NON-APPROVED ENGINE INDUCTION / FUEL INJECTION CLEANING EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, ""VACU-FLUSH"" TYPE EQUIPMENT. CAUSE: THE USE OF…

Bulletin SSM56457 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine · Oct 2014

Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization

Bulletin LTB00401NAS4 · Wheels · Feb 2014

SITUATION: THE STEERING WHEEL MAY EXHIBIT A VIBRATION / SHIMMY WHILE DRIVING. CAUSE: THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A ROAD WHEEL/TIRE ASSEMBLY IMBALANCE AND/OR TEMPORARY TIRE FLAT-SPOTTING.

Bulletin LTB00401NAS4 · Tires, Steering, Wheels · Feb 2014

Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization

Bulletin LTB00401NAS4 · Tires, Wheels · Feb 2014

Technical Bulletin: Squeaks & Rattles Kit Availability

Bulletin LTB00389NAS3 · Equipment · Nov 2013

Technical Bulletin: Wheel/Tire Balancing and Optimization

Bulletin LTB00401NAS3 · Wheels · Oct 2013

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the FREELANDER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 3

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

On certain vehicles, the brake lamp switch may become maladjusted as a result of incorrect setting procedure during vehicle assembly or as a result of switch mounting bracket flex. A maladjusted switch may allow the contacts to remain permanently connected as the switch has reached the extent of its travel, which may result in the brake lamps remaining permanently illuminated.…

Transport Canada #2007031 · Feb 2007

Other

On certain vehicles, the Child Safety Lever, incorporated into the rear door latch assembly fitted to the left rear door, when engaged, may permit the door to be opened by the interior door handle (when the Child Safety Lever is still in the ON position). Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if needed, replace the latch assembly.

Transport Canada #2005193 · Jun 2005

Other

On certain vehicles, after extended use or repeated cycling of the left rear door latch with the child lock engaged, two interfacing components could jam, disengaging the child lock. Correction: Dealers will replace the left rear latch.

Transport Canada #2004159 · May 2004

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Land Rover Freelander

The Land Rover Freelander is a series of four-wheel-drive vehicles that was manufactured and marketed by Land Rover from 1997 to 2015. The second generation was sold from 2007 to 2015 in North America and the Middle East as the LR2 and in Europe as the Freelander 2. The Freelander was sold in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions. The name 'Freelander' is derived from the combination of 'Freedom' and 'Lander'.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2003 Land Rover Freelander trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · SE3 · S · HSE
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl

2003 Land Rover Freelander vehicles on record

Other Land Rover Freelander model years

2003 Land Rover Freelander — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Land Rover Freelander have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Land Rover Freelander?

Across all 140 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, fuel system, gasoline.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Land Rover Freelander get?

The 2003 Land Rover Freelander has a U.S. EPA estimate of 17 mpg combined (15 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2003 Land Rover Freelander worth?

Comparable 2003 Land Rover Freelander listings run roughly $700–$2,700, typically around $1,864 (from 14 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.