Turbocharger Life (Freelander)?

[christer]

We have a Freelander 2.0 TD. It is S-reg (early 99) and has covered 45000kms (it is LHD, originated in France). Recently there was an unfamilar sound (like a drill) which would appear when the turbo would normally come on boost as it were. Boost was OK, but when we took it to a Land Rover dealer, they diagnosed a failed turbocharger. This was a fairly costly experience and I am keen to know if I have a claim against Land Rover, or whether you guys feel that this is fair. The vehicle has been serviced as per manufacturer's instructions.

Thanks in advance

[JSG]

Hi Christer,

Did they say what caused the turbo to fail? I've not heard of that many problems with the older TD engine but I'll ask around.

Did you have a three year warranty? I had a problem with a rear wheel hub at 62,000 miles and out of the warranty period but my dealer spoke to Land Rover who said it was unusual for this to fail at this mileage. LR then gave me a 100% service credit and did the job for nothing.

Cheers,
JSG.

[christer]

JSg

It sounded to me and indeed was confirmed by the dealer that the turbo 'had run dry'....my other car is not a Land Rover and indeed this is my fathers car so I really don't know anything about the LR systems...

Thanks for reply so far

[v8guinness]

Turbo's usually fail due to improper care, i.e. not allowing the engine a few seconds to warm before use, and the turbo 30secs or so to slow/stop at the end of a run... BMW apparently have had a lot of this with the 330d as its attracting a lot of folks who were used to petrols. However there are some cars out there that fail due to lubrication pipes blocking up or similar... not sure if the Freelander engine is one, some research might be advised, I would expect longer life than that regardless.

[Graham]

LR have been very good on replacing stuff due to design manufacturing faults even well out of warranty. am mates 1.8 freeloader (98 model) recently dropped one of its liners and they replaced the engine FOC without even telling him till it was done. So if you dealer is any good if its a known problem id have though they would sort it ( anyone from tvr listening)

Id try asking andrew at Famous four about it as he'll know if its common or not and if so beat the dealer up about it..

[liszt]

Apparently the Freelander engine is causing Ford a real nightmare. It is one of there biggest warranty problems. I believe there is a problem with there being a difference between the front and rear diffs.

Personally I am very glad we changed our 1.8 Xei for a Disco V8