Land Rover Defender, Freelander Recall R/2001/017: Insecurity Of Front Seat Backrest, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 22 Oct 2001
- Launched
- 4,368
- vehicles in the UK
- 237
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Land Rover recalled Defender, Freelander vehicles built between 1 August 2000 and 28 February 2001. The front seats may not latch positively following operation of the seat tip lever. The dealer will fit in cases where the mechanism is found to bind a new seat frame assembly. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The front seats may not latch positively following operation of the seat tip lever. In consequence the seat squab (backrest) could attempt to fold forward if the vehicle should be brought to a very rapid stop.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: INSECURITY OF FRONT SEAT BACKREST. Defect: The front seats may not latch positively following operation of the seat tip lever. In consequence the seat squab (backrest) could attempt to fold forward if the vehicle should be brought to a very rapid stop. Remedy: Affected vehicles will be recalled for examination of the operation and integrity of the front seat tip lever and latching mechanism. In cases where the mechanism is found to bind a new seat frame assembly will be fitted.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: insecurity of front seat backrest.
The Fix
The dealer will fit in cases where the mechanism is found to bind a new seat frame assembly.
Are You Affected?
Defender, Freelander built between 1 August 2000 and 28 February 2001 may be included. Land Rover estimates 4,368 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Land Rover, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Land Rover.
- Book with any franchised Land Rover dealer, quoting the campaign code 237 or the DVSA reference R/2001/017. See how to get a Land Rover recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and 1 moreD6 idler pulley clash | Low | R/2026/241 | |
| Defender, Discovery, Range RoverDriver’s airbag potential Non-Deployment | Urgent | R/2026/245 | |
| Defender, DiscoveryDefender and Discovery 2026 model year fuel tank wall thickness | Urgent | R/2026/177 | |
| Defender, Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover VelarE-PACE F-PACE Defender Discovery Sport Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar PHEV traction battery fire risk | Urgent | R/2025/553 | |
| DefenderDefender third row lower seat belt anchorage bracket | Urgent | R/2026/115 |
This is one of 159 Land Rover recalls in DVSA’s data. The Land Rover recall launched before it was R/2000/074 on 5 Dec 2000, for cooling system leaks. The one launched after it was R/2002/035 on 14 Mar 2002, for risk of fire. You can also see every Land Rover recall, all recalls launched in 2001 and door and latch recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2001/017, launched 22 October 2001. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.