Recalls: Land Rover L359 Freelander 2
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Land Rover L359 Freelander 2
2007-08 Land Rover L359 Freelander 2: sunroof could detach
In February 2008, a recall was issued for MY2007 and MY2008 Land Rover L359 Freelander 2 models fitted with a sunroof as the sunroof guide rails could failure, causing the sunroof to become detached from its operating mechanism and bind; the driver may hear a cracking noise if this occurred. In this situation, the glass panel would remain attached to its frame, but attempts to operate the sunroof would result in continued noise and abnormal operation. If a vertical force was applied, the glass panel could become fully detached from the vehicle (PRA 2008/9817).
Land Rover L359 Freelander 2: short circuit and potential fire
In September 2008, a recall was issued for Land Rover L359 Freelander 2 models fitted with an electric booster heater. Condensation from the air conditioning evaporator mounted in the heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) unit could come into contact with the control circuitry for the additional electric booster heater, resulting in a short circuit. This normally drained the battery, causing it to go flat and prevent the vehicle from starting. Furthermore, the short circuit could create a distinct smell from hot and/or melted components which, in extreme circumstances, may develop into a fire in the interior of the vehicle – this could occur when the vehicle was in use or parked and unattended (PRA 2008/10330).
2012-13 model year Land Rover L359 Freelander 2 Diesel: potential fuel leak
In August 2013, a recall was issued for 1485 model year 2012 to 2013 Land Rover L359 Freelander 2 vehicles that were powered by 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines. In these vehicles, diesel fuel may leak from the engine-mounted injector spill rail spigot to the spill return pipe connector joint. If this occurred, diesel fuel could leak onto the ground and also run onto the exhaust system and turbocharger, posing a risk of an under-bonnet fire. The affected vehicles had serial numbers in the range 283941 to 366379 (PRA 2013/13697).
Problems and faults: Land Rover L359 Freelander 2
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2009-10 Land Rover Freelander 2: airbags may not function correctly
In 2010, Land Rover UK issued a ‘non-code action’ for Land Rover Freelander 2 vehicles that were manufactured from 12 November 2009 to 23 August 2010. For these vehicles, the shorting bar in the clock spring could have been disconnected when the driver’s air bag module connector was installed. As a result, the driver’s frontal airbag may not deploy as intended or at all; as such, it would not protect the driver in the event of a collision and the risk of injury would increase. To fix, a spacer was to be installed into the driver’s airbag clock spring harness connector (NCA/2010/030).
While no official recall was issued in Australia or the UK, a recall was issued in the USA (NHTSA Campaign Number 10V581000).
Land Rover L359 Freelander 2: rear differential noise
In November 2010, Land Rover issued service bulletin LTB00342/2010 for Land Rover Freelander 2 vehicles with serial numbers from 00212 onwards. In these vehicles, there may be excessive humming noise and/or rumble, or a high-pitched whine from the rear differential assembly. According to the service bulletin, the cause of may be pinion tail bearing spalling caused by subsurface material deformation as a result of static overload. To fix, the differential pinion shaft needed to be replaced.
Problems and faults: Land Rover L359 Freelander 2
- The Land Rover L359 Freelander 2’s engine may not restart after heat soak due to insufficient fuel pressure to overcome vapor lock (i.e. liquid fuel changing to gas while still in the fuel delivery system).
- The L359 Freelander 2’s engine may be hard to restart – or stumble when started – requiring software updates for the body control module, instrument module and sun sensor.
- Where fitted, the sunroof panel may become crooked or jammed due to the guides breaking.
- If the parking brake does not work properly, the cable may require adjustment and the brake shoes may need to be burnished.
- The adaptive lighting system may stop working and the warning light may illuminate because the system loses track of the stepper motor position; if so, the module needs to be re-flashed.
- After crossing water, the vehicle may not restart due to water entering the starter.
