Land Rover Freelander 2 MOT Failures: Common Issues & Parts Guide (L359, 2006–2015)

The Freelander 2 was a quantum leap over the original — a proper car-based SUV sharing its Ford EUCD platform with the Volvo XC60, with independent suspension all round, a vastly better interior, and the 2.2-litre TD4 diesel that became the default choice for UK buyers. A 3.2-litre straight-six petrol and later a 2.0-litre Si4 turbo petrol were also available. With 95,935 MOT tests recorded in 2024 — the largest dataset of any single model we've analysed — the Freelander 2 gives us an exceptionally detailed picture of what's failing and why.

Freelander 2 MOT Pass Rate

The Freelander 2 holds a 73.9% MOT pass rate — 2.8 percentage points below the UK average of 76.7%. A massive 14.5-point improvement over the Freelander 1's 59.4%, but still below average. The early models (2007–2008) drag the numbers down significantly, while the 2014 cars are above 82%.

The 2007 model year at 65.5% is essentially Freelander 1 territory. The improvement to 82.5% by 2014 shows ongoing refinement paying dividends. The median mileage at MOT is 113,460 miles — lower than the FL1's 126,000 but still a high-mileage car. With 63,323 failure items from 95,935 tests, the FL2 averages 0.66 failures per test — dramatically better than the FL1's 1.67.

1. Suspension — 34.4% of All Failures

Suspension is the dominant failure category at 34.4% (21,787 items). Several individual items rank in the top 10 overall.

What Fails

• Suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn — 5,210 failures (the #1 item — 8.2% of all failures)
• Steering ball joint with excessive wear — 3,757 failures (the #2 item — 1 in 26 cars)
• Shock absorber damaged or leaking — 2,383 failures (the #7 item — 1 in 40 cars)
• Steering rack gaiter deteriorated — 2,437 failures
• Suspension joint dust cover deteriorated — 1,967 failures
• Spring fractured or weakened — 1,873 failures (1 in 51 cars)
• Subframe mounting point corrosion — 1,592 failures
• Suspension component corroded — 759 failures

The steering ball joint count at 3,757 is a standout — this is a known Freelander 2 weakness, with the lower ball joints wearing rapidly, particularly on cars driven on poor roads. The shock absorber count at 2,383 is the highest we've seen on any vehicle — 1 in 40 cars has a leaking or damaged shock absorber. The spring fracture count at 1,873 (1 in 51) is also very high — the rear springs crack at the lowest coil, a JLR-wide issue but amplified by the FL2's weight.

What You Need

Tip: The lower ball joints are a known weak point — check them at every service. If one is worn, do both sides. And if replacing rear springs, always do both — a mismatched pair causes the car to sit unevenly.

2. Brakes — 20.1% of Failures

Brakes account for 20.1% (12,719 items). The parking brake is the major issue.

What Fails

• Parking brake efficiency below minimum — 2,969 failures (the #4 item — 1 in 32 cars)
• Brake lining/pad worn below 1.5mm — 2,682 failures
• Parking brake efficiency below 50% — 1,439 failures
• Parking brake inoperative on one side — 1,249 failures
• Brake binding — 1,077 failures
• Brake disc significantly worn — 1,005 failures

The parking brake failures at 5,657 combined are extraordinary — 1 in 17 Freelander 2s fails on the parking brake. This is a known FL2 issue: the rear caliper mechanism corrodes and the handbrake cables seize. The combination of a cable-operated parking brake and rear disc brakes in a corrosive environment is the root cause.

What You Need

Tip: The handbrake must be exercised at every drive — use it, don't just leave the car in Park. Lubricate the cables and rear caliper mechanisms at every service. If the handbrake efficiency is marginal, the cables and rear calipers typically both need replacing — doing one without the other is a false economy.

3. Lamps & Lighting — 18.6% of Failures

Lighting accounts for 18.6% (11,764 items) — the second-highest lighting failure rate after the Freelander 1.

What Fails

• Headlamp inoperative — 2,124 failures (the #8 item — 1 in 45 cars)
• Lamp inoperative — 2,093 failures
• Stop lamp inoperative — 1,739 failures (1 in 55 cars)
• Headlamp aim outside limits — 1,621 failures
• Lamp colour/intensity non-compliant — 1,415 failures

The headlamp failure at 2,124 is very high for a car of this era. The FL2's headlamp bulbs are notoriously difficult to replace (tight access behind the headlamp unit), which discourages owners from addressing them promptly. The stop lamp count at 1,739 reflects the same rear light cluster corrosion issues that plague the FL1.

What You Need

Tip: Check every light before the MOT. Headlamp bulb access is awkward — you may need to remove the wheel arch liner or the battery (depending on side) to reach the bulb holders. Clean all rear light cluster connectors and earth points.

4. Tyres & Wheels — 12.2% of Failures

What Fails

• Tyre tread depth non-compliant — 2,999 failures (the #3 item — 1 in 32 cars)
• Tyre seriously damaged — 1,368 failures
• Tyre cords visible — 907 failures

The tyre tread depth count at 2,999 is very high — the FL2 weighs around 1,800 kg and wears tyres faster than most cars in this class. Worn suspension bushes throwing alignment out compound the issue.

What You Need

5. Visibility — 3.5% of Failures

What Fails

• Wiper blade not clearing windscreen — 1,057 failures
• Windscreen washers non-functional — 974 failures

What You Need

6. Driveline — CV Boots

What Fails

• CV joint boot deteriorated — 814 failures

What You Need

7. Emissions & Exhaust — 1.7% of Failures

Lower than the FL1, reflecting the cleaner TD4 diesel and younger age.

What You Need

Beyond the MOT: Major Freelander 2 Faults

Timing Belt Failure (2.2 TD4)

The 2.2 TD4 diesel uses a timing belt with a replacement interval of every 10 years or 150,000 miles. Given the age and mileage of these cars, many are now approaching or past their second change. A snapped belt destroys the engine — pistons hit valves. This is a non-negotiable service item.

DPF Blockage (2.2 TD4)

The DPF clogs on cars used predominantly for short urban journeys. A blocked DPF triggers limp mode and the engine management light. Regular motorway runs are essential to keep the DPF regenerating.

Haldex Coupling Failure

The Freelander 2 uses a Haldex electronically controlled coupling to distribute torque to the rear wheels. The coupling needs its fluid changed at 20,000-mile intervals (often neglected). A failing Haldex causes loss of rear-wheel drive, ABS/traction control warnings, and a "Transmission Fault" message.

Thermostat Housing Leak

The thermostat housing develops coolant leaks — a common issue on the 2.2 TD4. If left, the coolant can run onto the piston cooling oil jet solenoid connector below it, shorting it out.

Dual Mass Flywheel (2.2 TD4)

The DMF wears and develops a rattle at idle, progressing to juddering on takeoff. Replacement requires gearbox removal — do the clutch at the same time.

Turbo Failure (2.2 TD4)

Loss of power, engine management light, and blue/white exhaust smoke. A whining noise is the early sign. When replacing, flush the oil system and replace the oil feed lines.

Window Regulator Failure

The window regulators continue to be a weak point — inherited from the FL1. All four doors are affected.

FL2 vs FL1: How Does It Compare?

The FL2 is dramatically better overall — the pass rate improved by 14.5 points and failure items per test dropped 60%. Brake pipe corrosion has virtually disappeared from the top failures. But new issues have emerged: the parking brake is now the #4 individual failure, leaking shock absorbers are a major issue, and spring fractures are much more common.

Freelander 2 MOT Failure Summary — At a Glance

Keeping Your Freelander 2 on the Road

The Freelander 2 is a fundamentally better car than the FL1 — the data proves it with a 14.5-point pass rate improvement and 60% fewer failure items per test. Brake pipe corrosion has been virtually eliminated as a failure mode, and structural corrosion is dramatically reduced.

The three priorities are: the parking brake (1 in 17 cars fails — exercise it daily and lubricate at every service), suspension (ball joints, shock absorbers, and springs are all wearing at high rates), and lights (check every bulb before the MOT — headlamp access is awkward, so don't leave it until the last minute).

The 2011+ models are the sweet spot — pass rates climb above the UK average, and the worst early production issues have been resolved. The 2014 models at 82.5% are genuinely good performers. At current prices, the Freelander 2 offers a lot of practical capability for modest money — provided you budget for the suspension and brakes.

Browse all Freelander 2 (2006–2015) parts at myton.parts

We stock genuine, OEM, and aftermarket parts with next-day UK delivery available.

Service & Maintenance Parts

The timing belt on the 2.2 TD4 is the critical service item — if it's due, do it. Haldex fluid should be changed every 20,000 miles. Gearbox fluid every 60,000 miles.

Data sourced from DVSA anonymised MOT test results (2024 test year, 95,935 tests on Freelander 2 models with first use dates 2007–2014). 63,323 individual failure items analysed. Specialist fault data from K Motors, Topgear Tuning, and Land Rover workshop reporting.