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Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) (2003-2006) reliability

At a glance

Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) models built around 2006 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

34% of MOT tests on Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 30% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) models built around 2006 involves the brakes.

Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2003-2006SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 21,210 tests of Freelander models registered 2003-2006.

About 1 in 8 Freelander Mk1 (facelift) MOTs (13.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,557 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Freelander Mk1 (facelift) MOTs (8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 6,557 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (facelift) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,14234.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
6,55734.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
5,70134.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,18433.5%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,62632.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 20 years old.

How the Freelander Mk1 (facelift) compares

At each age below, see how the Freelander Mk1 (facelift) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 29,105 tests across 5 Land Rover models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateLand Rover average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,14234.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
6,55734.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
5,70134.7%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
4,18433.5%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,62632.2%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Freelander Mk1 (facelift).

  1. 1

    Porsche Cayenne

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.7%
    Dangerous
    4.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.7%, against 34.3% for the Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    1,231 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%

    Lower fail rate: 26.4%, against 34.3% for the Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,442 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Toyota Land Cruiser

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%

    Lower fail rate: 27.2%, against 34.3% for the Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,020 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    BMW X3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9%
    Dangerous
    6.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.6%

    Lower fail rate: 28.1%, against 34.3% for the Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,867 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

98%of all Land Rover Freelander cars first registered in 2014 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · More than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

12 recalls in all

4 of the 12 Freelander Mk1 (facelift) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Incorrect manufacturer of the passenger airbag
  • Sunroof may detach
  • Left hand rear door child safety lock lever may fail

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Freelander Mk1 (facelift) cars built around 2006

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,313 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
71%
Emissions
33%
Drivetrain
13%
Bodywork
9%
Steering
3%

Wear items

Lighting
74%
Brakes
70%
Tyres
48%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 29% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Freelander Mk1 (facelift) cars have aged

How Freelander Mk1 (facelift) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1516171819202122Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (7,962 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (7,095 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.1% (6,049 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (4,935 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (3,748 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (8,333 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (6,994 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (5,664 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (4,419 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.5% (3,444 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (7,690 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (6,210 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (4,877 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (3,702 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (2,722 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (5,185 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (4,020 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (2,971 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (2,180 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (1,626 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
How each part holds up as Mk1 (facelift) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (facelift) cars age

The share of diesel cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car21 years22 years23 years24 years
Suspension71%68%62%60%
Brakes70%68%71%71%
Emissions33%37%43%41%
Tyres48%49%45%42%
Lighting74%66%71%65%
Drivetrain13%13%13%10%
Bodywork9%10%11%8%
Steering3%4%3%5%
Corrosion29%26%27%17%

Based on diesel cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 842 to 1,313 cars at each age.

Mk1 (facelift) variants compared

Freelander Mk1 (facelift) variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each Freelander Mk1 (facelift) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • FREELANDER34.3%6,261 tests

Petrol

  • FREELANDER33.6%295 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Land Rover Freelanders of this age

This list covers every Land Rover Freelander built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (facelift) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    35.0%
    Advisory: 3,910Fail: 500 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.1%
    Advisory: 1,738Fail: 160 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.0%
    Advisory: 1,629Fail: 179 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    14.5%
    Advisory: 1,073Fail: 18 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    14.2%
    Advisory: 840Fail: 459 (35% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,557 tests

Looking at a Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Land Rover Freelander Mk1 (facelift) (2003-2006) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 6,557 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 21,210 MOT tests on Land Rover Freelanders first registered between 2003-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.