2003 Land Rover Freelander Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 19%of 140 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Land Rover Freelander, 19% of the 140 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I purchased my 2003 Freelander landrover 11/05/08. I have had issues ever since both passenger side windows do not work taillights no longer working even after changing bulbs, fuel pump went lr did replace per recall, transmission has gone, instruments lights with in dash have gone out , tires are balding quickly after replacement.”
NHTSA complaint #10288662, filed 2009-10, 98,000 miles“I have a landrover Freelander 2003 se, the transmission on this car is very harsh, shifting from one speed to another makes very big noise especially when it has been running for long time. Took it to a transmission shop , they said nothing is wrong in the outside and all look good, but after reading in the internet I found out that this type of car has an issue with their transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10318163, filed 2010-03, 85,000 miles“I have a landrover Freelander 2003. The car needed a new engine at 41,000 miles and right after that transmission seals had to be repaired right after that air. Heating units were replaced now the car is at 73,000 miles and the dealer is telling me that I need a new engine again for the same problem coolant and oil mixing ,which was the problem I had in 2007 when they replaced the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10354938, filed 2010-09, 73,000 miles“I have a 2003 landrover I have had to make repairs to this auto due to the drive shaft. I have to put drive shaft bearing on both sides of car this is very expensive. I have also called Land Rover they say they cannot help since I don't take my car to their dealership to have the SUV worked on I have kept my car in tip top shape I get.”
NHTSA complaint #10252529, filed 2008-12, 114,000 miles“2000 landrover Freelander - transmission failure at 57k miles. Transmission cost me 1150 dollars to fix. \ the fuel pump failed after another 100 miles. That cost me 1050 dollars. This car was junk. The car has since been in an accident which totaled it. But I can't prove the car was at fault, but I'll bet it was.”
NHTSA complaint #10228318, filed 2008-05, 55,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10018820Dec 16, 2005Revised procedures and times for transmission replacement.
- 10016664Mar 7, 2005Correct identification of transmission fluid check plug. The similarity of the freelander automatic transmission level inspection plug to surrounding fasteners can lead to…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Land Rover Freelander
88 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Land Rover Freelander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology