2008 Land Rover Freelander petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Land Rover Freelander first registered in 2008 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 173 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 173 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2008 Land Rover Freelander petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2008 Land Rover Freelander petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension36% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes25% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors10% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering9% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Known faults on the 2008 Land Rover Freelander petrol
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Haldex coupling oil leak
The seals on the Haldex four-wheel-drive coupling can fail and leak oil.
At the viewing: Look for oil under the rear of the car.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Freelander Mk2 common problems (2006-2015)
- All engines
Suspension, brake and heater recalls
Recalls covered rear suspension fixings, rear brake caliper bolts, leaking fuel return pipes and an electric heater that could catch fire.
At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Freelander Mk2 common problems (2006-2015)
- All engines
Clunk from the front over bumps
The front anti-roll bar link nuts can work loose and clunk.
At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Freelander Mk2 common problems (2006-2015)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Land Rover Freelander petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Land Rover Freelander?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Land Rover Freelander compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | 130 | Brakes 22% |
| 2014 | 34,530 | Brakes 22% |
| 2013 | 39,251 | Suspension 30% |
| 2012 | 31,104 | Suspension 33% |
| 2011 | 36,621 | Suspension 33% |
| 2010 | 41,579 | Suspension 39% |
| 2009 | 29,376 | Suspension 42% |
| 2007 | 41,132 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 18,736 | Brakes 51% |
| 2005 | 17,361 | Brakes 53% |
| 2004 | 14,536 | Brakes 51% |
| 2003 | 9,187 | Brakes 53% |
| 2002 | 6,777 | Brakes 50% |
| 2001 | 3,439 | Brakes 50% |
| 2000 | 1,347 | Brakes 47% |
| 1999 | 808 | Suspension 50% |
| 1998 | 648 | Brakes 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Land Rover Freelander cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score