Consumer Complaint Detail
LAND ROVER / FREELANDER / 2002
0 Injured
0 Death
No Fire
| Components - Details | |
|---|---|
| NHTSA Complaint Number: 003270098 | Incident Date: Dec, 05 2003 |
| Consumer's City: SAN ANTONIO | Consumer's State: TX |
| Vehicle Transmission Type: AUTO | Manufacturers Name: Land Rover |
| Model Name: FREELANDER | Model Year: 2002 |
| Vehicle Involved in a Crash: No | Component's Description: Engine and engine cooling:engine |
| Vehicle Involved in a Fire: No | Persons Injured: 0 |
| Vehicle's VIN#: SALNY22272A | Date added to File: May, 25 2021 |
| Date Complaint Received: Apr, 11 2004 | Complaint Type: IVOQ |
| Incident Reported To Police: No | Purchase Date: Aug, 26 2002 |
| Was Original Owner: No | Anti-lock Brakes: Yes |
| Number of Cylinders: 6 | Date of Manufacturer: - |
| Was Vehicle Towed: - | Description of the Complaints: I finally got my freelander back from over 4 months of waiting. my 2002 freelander required a new engine after it was found that mud and/or debris had entered my timing belt enclosure and caused my engine to jump time and catostrophically destroy my engine valves and cylinder walls. a specific land rover dealer noted that "mud" was the total cause of my engine failure, when in fact it was a 1" x 1" hole in the timing belt enclsoure; this hole is a design flaw or oversight and thus allows any dirt/grime/debris/mud to enter and cause severe damage. freelander never showed visible signs (meter or steam) that it was overheating. insurance has covered this issue under a flood coverage and has fronted over $12,800 for a new engine. i haven't received any loss-use coverage for the 4 months. upon inspection of my new 2003 engine, i found a new plastic piece that now covers the once 1" x 1" hole in the timing belt enclosure. this piece also has a piece number and costs appoximately $6.00. now you can see, a mere $6 item would have saved me and insurance over $13,000. land rover has not initiated a recall or service bulletin to my knowledge; i suspect that this will only be installed on an as needed basis for those drivers who do use their freelander as advertised by land rover. in a recent article in land rover chronicle, it was stated that the 2006 freelander will have a better sealed engine compartment, due to the fact that most drivers are using their vehicles for off-road use (as advertised); they also state that this vehicle wasn't designed to match the discovery or defender. on top of it all, my front axle required replacement due to a new engine install (vibration problems), a new 02 sensor, plus i've noticed a small hand-sized dent on my hood (from closing). i still have problems of some sort since my service engine light it on now.*ak |