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2003 Land Rover Discovery Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Land Rover Discovery, most often about the engine (40% of complaints, typically around 96,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Discovery model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2003 Land Rover Discovery problems
Engine
19 complaints · 40%Half of these problems showed up before 96,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system.
Low oil pressure red light when lowering the speed to stop. In 2003, Land Rover issued an tech alert #ta03 1201 for the oil pump failures due to their manufacturing error with VIN# 3a[] ? 3a[]. Below is the original text from their alert. Why they haven't made the recall yet? It's so dangerous to drive the car with…
Tl contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that the oil warning indicator light illuminated and there was a clunking noise coming from the engine compartment. The mechanic stated that the oil pump needed to be replaced. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current and failure mileages were…
Transmission
10 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: driveline, automatic transmission, axle assembly.
I have faithfully followed the passport to service maintenance requirements and the vehicle was last serviced on 1/17/10. Upon delivery, the car was making a whistling sound, which I thought was a belt that needed lubrication. . On 02/25/10, the vehicle was driving rough for about 7 miles when the drive shaft broke.
The contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that the drive shaft fractured. The engine was still running, but the vehicle would not move. The contact stated that the failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the drive shaft was indeed…
Brakes
9 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: pedals and linkages, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
We were approaching the toll booths from the mass pike and my husband looked at me and asked me why we didn't have any brakes. I freaked out and didn't know what was going to happen. We were surrounded by cars and approaching the toll booth very quickly. We were able to slow down before we crashed, but we were and now…
Abs, traction control light and hill descent light stays on. The ABS brakes are not working. The dealer told me that my brake fluid was not changed according to recommended warranty standards. I've done some research and found that others who own this vehicle have also had ABS module malfunctions or defects.
Speed control
8 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 65,500 miles. Parts named most often: accelerator pedal, cables.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle automatically accelerated to 95 MPH. The brakes failed to work. The vehicle eventually returned to 65 MPH and was able to be pulled off the road. The vehicle had to be shifted to neutral and the emergency brake was applied in order to stop…
This 2003 Land Rover Discovery belongs to a friend. I was driving this vehicle, with her permission, back to our home after having the 60,000 service performed by our local mechanic. I was stopped in a line of traffic at a traffic light near the intersection of bloomsbury ave. And frederice rd. In catonsville, md…
Electrical
6 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition.
Was moving very slowly - in a parking garage. Began pulling into a space and applied brakes. Engine revved (throttle opened?) and accelerated by itself a few feet in to a wall. Given that it was only a few feet and a large cement wall, no major damage. My foot was firmly on the brake, the brakes were squealing and…
The first issue is about a seat fire. My husband was just pulling into our drive when the drivers seat heater burned a hole in the left side of the seat causing him to have a burn. The second problem is the oil pump. I heard a noise coming from the engine, and asked our mechanic what might have been the cause of the…
Suspension
3 complaints · 6%: the contact stated the steering wheel was misaligned while making turns. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who adjusted the steering wheel, but this did not remedy the problem. The vehicle was returned to the dealer again and the drag link was replaced, but this did not remedy the problem. During another visit…
The contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Discovery. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle as it started to vibrate violently. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 135,850.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Land Rover Discovery recalls
Speed control: cables
Risk: In the case where a throttle fails to return to idle, particularly after a high degree of engine throttle application, the driver will experience difficulty in bringing the vehicle to rest, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the throttle body. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact land rover at 1-201-818-8500.
Full defect summary
On certain sport utility vehicles, the throttle can stick intermittently during its operation. The exact point of sticking is not predictable and can result in a higher engine speed than expected.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Land Rover Discovery
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Land Rover Discovery?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (19 complaints, typically around 96,500 miles); transmission (10 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); brakes (9 complaints, typically around 47,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 14, 2003 (speed control). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Land Rover Discovery?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Discovery model year since 2000, with 48 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.