Land Rover Freelander Recall R/2002/041: Diagnostic Connector Concern, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 5 Nov 2002
- Launched
- 22,624
- vehicles in the UK
- A278
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Land Rover recalled Freelander vehicles built between 7 July 2000 and 18 March 2002. When some scan tools are connected to the diagnostic connector on the vehicle they expect to see a vehicle ground on pin 5 of the diagnostic connector. The dealer will fit a pin to position 5 on the diagnostic connector and splice to the existing earth point. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
When some scan tools are connected to the diagnostic connector on the vehicle they expect to see a vehicle ground on pin 5 of the diagnostic connector. Pin 5 of the diagnostic connector has no wire in place to supply a ground point. It is a legal requirement in NAS and for EOBD certified vehicles in the EU to have a vehicle ground in pin 5.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: DIAGNOSTIC CONNECTOR CONCERN. Defect: When some scan tools are connected to the diagnostic connector on the vehicle they expect to see a vehicle ground on pin 5 of the diagnostic connector. Pin 5 of the diagnostic connector has no wire in place to supply a ground point. It is a legal requirement in NAS and for EOBD certified vehicles in the EU to have a vehicle ground in pin 5. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and fit a pin to position 5 on the diagnostic connector and splice to the existing earth point.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: diagnostic connector concern.
The Fix
The dealer will fit a pin to position 5 on the diagnostic connector and splice to the existing earth point.
Are You Affected?
Freelander built between 7 July 2000 and 18 March 2002 may be included. Land Rover estimates 22,624 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 A278 or the DVSA reference R/2002/041. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreelanderFire may occur | Urgent | R/2015/186 | |
| Freelander, Range RoverFire may occur | Urgent | R/2013/091 | |
| FreelanderFire may occur | Urgent | R/2008/187 | |
| FreelanderBooster heater -possibility that vehicle may catch fire | Urgent | R/2008/125 | |
| FreelanderSunroof may detach | Low | R/2008/024 |
This is one of 159 Land Rover recalls in DVSA’s data. The Land Rover recall launched before it was R/2001/171 on 22 Apr 2002, for left hand front brake flexible hose concern. The one launched after it was R/2003/054 on 30 Apr 2003, for sticking throttle. You can also see every Land Rover recall and all recalls launched in 2002.
Source: DVSA recall R/2002/041, launched 5 November 2002. 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.