Skip to content
KickTyres
Land Rover2000–2014 Critical issues documented

Land Rover Freelander L359: common faults & what to check

The L359 is the Land Rover Freelander built 2007–2014. It was sold here with the 2.2 diesel and 3.2 petrol. Of the 9 faults documented for the Freelander, 6 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Land Rover Freelander

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

9

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$800–$4,000

Typical repair

5

Systems covered

You're looking at the L359

2 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

A 2008 Land Rover Freelander is the L359 generation (2007 to 2014).

Start your free check on this Land Rover Freelander

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Land Rover Freelander L359Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Freelander came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Land Rover Freelander · 2008

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Land Rover Freelander before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Check the PTU oil level via its separate fill and check plug – the PTU oil is isolated from the gearbox.

    See why

    Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Input Shaft Seal Failure – Silent Oil Starvation

    The Freelander 2 Power Transfer Unit is mounted on the side of the gearbox to drive the rear axle and has its own separate oil supply. The input shaft seal between the gearbox and PTU is a well-documented failure point. When the seal fails, PTU oil leaks internally and gearbox oil migrates in through the shaft, but without any visible puddle under the vehicle because the oil loss wicks along internal shafts. The PTU oil level drops silently to zero, the unit overheats, and the internal bearings and clutch pack are destroyed. This expensive failure is entirely preventable with a low-cost seal replacement.

    What you would notice

    • No external oil puddle despite internal seal failure – the primary danger of this fault
    • Vibration or growling noise from the drivetrain under load in later stages
    • Whining noise from the transmission area that increases with road speed
    • Visible oil residue under the vehicle near the PTU-to-gearbox junction if advanced

    Typically $500–$7,000 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Perform slow full-lock turns in a car park and feel for shudder, resistance, or binding from the drivetrain.

    See why

    Rear IRD Haldex Coupling Failure from Neglected Fluid

    The Freelander 2 rear axle uses an Interactive Rear Differential with a Haldex hydraulic coupling to vary torque split between front and rear axles. The Haldex unit has its own oil supply requiring service approximately every 40,000 km, but this is frequently omitted from standard servicing. Without fresh oil, the clutch plates and internal pump wear, causing clutch slip, vibration on tight turns, and eventual unit failure. The IRD bearing assembly can also fail independently from the coupling. Replacement of the complete IRD unit is a significant cost.

    What you would notice

    • Shudder or binding when performing tight low-speed turns in a car park
    • Drivetrain vibration under acceleration from low speed
    • Whining or growling noise from the rear drivetrain under load
    • AWD fault warning light on the dash

    Typically $2,000–$5,500 to put right.

  • Common issue

    Look under the rear for oil around the Haldex unit and rear diff.

    See why

    Haldex coupling and rear differential oil leaks

    The Freelander 2's all-wheel drive uses a Haldex coupling feeding the rear diff, and a puddle of oil under the rear is commonly a Haldex or rear diff seal leak. The Haldex also needs its oil and filter serviced or the coupling wears; the rear diff itself can whine if run low. Neglected AWD servicing is common on these cars.

    What you would notice

    • Oil drips or wet patch under the rear of the car
    • Whine or rumble from the rear diff
    • AWD warning or reduced traction
    • No record of Haldex oil/filter service

    Typically $300–$2,500 to put right.

See all 6 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 2 rated critical.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

01Rear IRD Haldex Coupling Failure from Neglected Fluid

Perform slow full-lock turns in a car park and feel for shudder, resistance, or binding from the drivetrain.2006–2014TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Fluid leaks1 critical2

02Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Input Shaft Seal Failure – Silent Oil Starvation

Check the PTU oil level via its separate fill and check plug – the PTU oil is isolated from the gearbox.2006–2014Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Haldex coupling and rear differential oil leaks

Look under the rear for oil around the Haldex unit and rear diff.2007–2014Fluid Leaks
CommonFluid Leaks $300–$2,500 to fix

The Freelander 2's all-wheel drive uses a Haldex coupling feeding the rear diff, and a puddle of oil under the rear is commonly a Haldex or rear diff seal leak. The Haldex also needs its oil and filter serviced or the coupling wears; the rear diff itself can whine if run low. Neglected AWD servicing is common on these cars.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil drips or wet patch under the rear of the car
  • Whine or rumble from the rear diff
  • AWD warning or reduced traction
  • No record of Haldex oil/filter service

What to check

Look under the rear for oil around the Haldex unit and rear diff. Ask for evidence the Haldex oil and filter have been serviced (many are never touched). On the drive listen for a rear-end whine that rises with speed. Fresh clean oil around the coupling means a recent leak, not just old residue.

Where to look: Haldex coupling and rear differential at the back of the car

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the Haldex oil and filter ever been serviced?”
  • “Any oil leaks from the rear diff?”
  • “Any AWD or traction warnings?”
Depends on the exact engine — 3 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling3

01TD4 2.2 Timing Belt Failure – Interference Engine with Short Replacement Interval

Verify the last timing belt replacement date and mileage from the service book.diesel2006–2014EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

022.2 TD4/SD4 fuel pump failure and DPF blockage

Ask about the car's typical journeys; a short-trip city car is high risk for both faults.diesel2007–2014Engine
CommonEngine $800–$5,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Freelander 2's 2.2 diesel can suffer high-pressure fuel pump failure, which can shed metal debris through the fuel system and cause hard starting, misfires or a no-start. It is also prone to DPF blockage on short urban trips, leading to warning lights, limp mode and forced regens. Both are far more likely on a city-bound, short-journey car.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hard starting or intermittent no-start
  • Misfire or loss of power / limp mode
  • DPF or engine warning light
  • Puffs of black smoke and rising fuel use

What to check

Ask about the car's typical journeys; a short-trip city car is high risk for both faults. Do a cold start and check it fires promptly without a long crank. Look for a DPF or engine light and ask when the DPF last needed a forced regen. If the pump has failed before, ask whether the fuel system was fully cleaned or just the pump replaced.

Where to look: High-pressure fuel pump on the 2.2 diesel engine; DPF in the exhaust

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

Ask the seller

  • “Is the car used for short trips or longer runs?”
  • “Any fuel pump or DPF work done?”
  • “Any limp-mode or DPF warnings recently?”

03EGR cooler coolant leak (2.2 diesel)

Check the coolant header tank level and look for a car that has been topped up.diesel2007–2014Cooling
OccasionalCooling $600–$2,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 2.2 diesel Freelander 2 is prone to the EGR cooler cracking and leaking coolant, which shows as unexplained coolant loss and sometimes white exhaust smoke or a sweet smell. Left unchecked it overheats the engine. It is a well-known Freelander 2 diesel weak point and worth checking the coolant level and history.

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant level dropping with no obvious external leak
  • Sweet coolant smell
  • White smoke or steam from the exhaust
  • Occasional overheating

What to check

  1. Check the coolant header tank level and look for a car that has been topped up.
  2. Smell for coolant around the engine bay when warm.
  3. Ask about any coolant loss or overheating.
  4. On the test drive watch the temperature gauge stays steady.
  5. A car that mysteriously loses coolant on this engine often has the EGR cooler at fault.

Where to look: EGR cooler on the 2.2 diesel engine

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Does it lose coolant without a visible leak?”
  • “Has the EGR cooler been replaced?”
  • “Any overheating history?”
Other Land Rover Freelander engines and years3 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling2

01K-series head gasket failure (1.8 petrol, Freelander 1)

Undo the oil filler cap and look for creamy emulsion, and check the coolant header tank for oil film or a low level.petrol2000–2006Engine
Very commonEngine $1,500–$4,000 to fix

Does not apply

The 1.8 K-series petrol Freelander 1 is infamous for head gasket failure. The alloy engine's gasket and dowels let go, mixing coolant and oil and overheating the engine; caught late it warps the head or cracks the block. This is the single biggest reason to be cautious with an early petrol Freelander, and many have already been scrapped because of it.

A removed multi-layer steel head gasket held up, showing staining around the cylinder bore.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A used multi-layer head gasket. Discolouration between a cylinder and a water gallery is the tell.

John Furman · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Mayonnaise-like sludge under the oil cap
  • Coolant loss with no obvious leak
  • Overheating or fluctuating temperature gauge
  • White steam from the exhaust and rough running

What to check

  1. Undo the oil filler cap and look for creamy emulsion, and check the coolant header tank for oil film or a low level.
  2. Watch the temperature gauge on the test drive; it should stay steady.
  3. Look for exhaust steam once warm.
  4. Ask whether the head gasket has been done and, ideally, with an uprated multi-layer gasket and dowels.

Where to look: Cylinder head gasket on the 1.8 K-series petrol engine

Parts involved: Head gasket.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the head gasket been replaced, and with what kit?”
  • “Does it use or lose coolant?”
  • “Has it ever overheated?”

02IRD unit and viscous coupling (VCU) driveline failure

On a slow tight full-lock turn in a car park, feel for binding or juddering (drivetrain wind-up), a sign of a stiffening VCU.2000–2006Transmission
CommonTransmission $1,200–$4,000 to fix

Does not apply

The Freelander 1's all-wheel-drive system relies on an Intermediate Reduction Drive (IRD) unit and a viscous coupling (VCU) in the propshaft. When the VCU stiffens with age it fights the drivetrain and destroys the IRD and rear diff, an expensive chain-reaction failure. Many owners run them front-wheel-drive only after a failure. A car with mismatched or worn tyres accelerates VCU wear.

Symptoms to notice

  • Wind-up, binding or 'crabbing' on full-lock slow turns
  • Whining or rumbling from under the car
  • Vibration through the floor at speed
  • Uneven tyre wear across the four corners

What to check

  1. On a slow tight full-lock turn in a car park, feel for binding or juddering (drivetrain wind-up), a sign of a stiffening VCU.
  2. Listen for whines from the IRD/rear diff on the drive.
  3. Check all four tyres match in size, brand and wear; mismatched tyres wreck the VCU.
  4. Ask when the VCU was last replaced (it is a wear item).

Where to look: IRD unit beside the gearbox, VCU in the centre of the propshaft, and rear differential

Parts involved: Differential.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the viscous coupling (VCU) last replaced?”
  • “Are all four tyres matched?”
  • “Any binding on tight turns?”
Electrical1

01Water ingress and electrical faults (Freelander 1)

Press the carpets in all four footwells and lift the boot floor to feel for damp.2000–2006Electrical
CommonElectrical $200–$1,500 to fix

Does not apply

Freelander 1s are prone to water leaks, especially the softback/sunroof cars and around door and screen seals, leading to damp footwells and boot, and then electrical faults as connectors corrode. The sunroof drains block and overflow inside. Damp carpets plus intermittent electrical gremlins are a common combination on these cars.

Symptoms to notice

  • Damp or wet carpets in the footwells or boot
  • Musty smell inside
  • Intermittent electrical faults (windows, lights, central locking)
  • Fogged-up windows that won't clear

What to check

Press the carpets in all four footwells and lift the boot floor to feel for damp. Sniff for a musty, mouldy smell. If it has a sunroof, check the drains are clear. Test all the electrics, windows, central locking, lights, for intermittent faults that often follow water ingress.

Where to look: Footwell and boot carpets, sunroof drains, door and screen seals, body electrical connectors

Ask the seller

  • “Are the carpets ever damp?”
  • “Any electrical faults that come and go?”
  • “Have the sunroof drains been cleared?”

Land Rover Freelander faults in detail

Narrowed to the Land Rover Freelander · 2008. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Input Shaft Seal Failure – Silent Oil StarvationCritical · Fluid LeaksRear IRD Haldex Coupling Failure from Neglected FluidMajor · TransmissionTD4 2.2 Timing Belt Failure – Interference Engine with Short Replacement IntervalCritical · Engine

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Land Rover Freelander’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Land Rover models

Land Rover Discovery27 documented faultsLand Rover Range Rover Sport25 documented faultsLand Rover Range Rover22 documented faultsLand Rover Evoque7 documented faultsLand Rover Discovery 36 documented faultsLand Rover Discovery Sport5 documented faults

Land Rover Freelander buyer questions

Is the Land Rover Freelander reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 9 documented faults for the Land Rover Freelander, the recurring problem areas are fluid leaks, engine, and transmission. A Land Rover Freelander with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Land Rover Freelander?

We've catalogued 9 known faults for the Land Rover Freelander, covering fluid leaks, engine, and transmission. All 9 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Land Rover Freelander?

Most single repairs on the Land Rover Freelander fall between $800–$4,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 9 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Land Rover Freelander?

Yes. A Land Rover Freelander inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.