2003 Land Rover Discovery
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Land Rover › Discovery › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Land Rover Discovery. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Land Rover Discovery. Newest first.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
48 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension · Tires · Wheels
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover n/a. The contact stated that he bought four tires that turned out to be manufacturer defects. The tires were federal tires, tire size 255/45/r20, and no dot given. The tires were providing such a rough and bouncy ride that two shock absorbers were busted in…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover n/a. The contact stated that he bought four tires that turned out to be manufacturer defects. The tires were federal tires, tire size 255/45/r20, and no dot given. The tires were providing such a rough and bouncy ride that two shock absorbers were busted in the front and back of the vehicle. The contact removed the tires and took them to an unknown tire dealer. The dealer attempted to rebalance the tires then informed the contact that two of the four tires were out of round. The dealer said the contact would have to speak to the tire manufacturer to get the tires replaced. The manufacturer had not returned a call to the contact in over eight months. The contact no longer owns the vehicle. The failure mileage on the vehicle was 109,000. The vin was not available. *bf *as
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that there was a defect in the bosche engine which caused the engine to overheat. The failure caused the coolant to boil in the main cylinder head and mix with the oil in the engine. The contact was quoted a cost of $7,000 for the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that there was a defect in the bosche engine which caused the engine to overheat. The failure caused the coolant to boil in the main cylinder head and mix with the oil in the engine. The contact was quoted a cost of $7,000 for the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to (land rover north atlanta 1505 mansell rd, alpharetta, ga 30009, (770) 587-2000) to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000. *js
- Air bags · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While the contact's spouse was driving 45 mph around a curve, the vehicle hydroplaned, left the road, and crashed into a culvert and a highway sign. The vehicle rolled over multiple times. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system warning…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While the contact's spouse was driving 45 mph around a curve, the vehicle hydroplaned, left the road, and crashed into a culvert and a highway sign. The vehicle rolled over multiple times. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system warning indicator was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the spine, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Power train · Service brakes
On my way home from picking up my grandchild there was some vibrating on the passenger side of the automobile. Than a loud explosion followed by rubber burning smell and lost of control of car. Managed to pull over car would not rolling had to engage parking brake. Had car towed home. Drive shaft…
On my way home from picking up my grandchild there was some vibrating on the passenger side of the automobile. Than a loud explosion followed by rubber burning smell and lost of control of car. Managed to pull over car would not rolling had to engage parking brake. Had car towed home. Drive shaft seperated and destroyed transmission pan. Broke pieces off of tansmission. Change rotors and brake and car still will not come to a complete stop without sliding a bit. ABS lights come on every time this happens. Both incidents happen while im driving streets or highway.
- Air bags · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While driving 2 mph and making a right turn, the vehicle accelerated without warning. As a result, it crashed into a curb, drove over the sidewalk, and into the street. The brake pedal was applied and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to an…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While driving 2 mph and making a right turn, the vehicle accelerated without warning. As a result, it crashed into a curb, drove over the sidewalk, and into the street. The brake pedal was applied and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (land rover paramus, 405 NJ-17, paramus, nj), but no failure codes were located. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed. the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the thumb, which did not require medical attention. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 72,000.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that there was excessive corrosion on the subframe by the rear axle of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that until the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle should…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that there was excessive corrosion on the subframe by the rear axle of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that until the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle should not be used to tow another vehicle or trailer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
- Engine
2003 land rover discovery II oil pump failure: we bought ours previously-owned from a land rover dealer. Nothing was mentioned about the defect in the manufacturing of this 4.6 l engine or the attached march 14, 2003 technical alert. In spite of regular service, the engine failed because of this…
2003 land rover discovery II oil pump failure: we bought ours previously-owned from a land rover dealer. Nothing was mentioned about the defect in the manufacturing of this 4.6 l engine or the attached march 14, 2003 technical alert. In spite of regular service, the engine failed because of this defect and we replaced the engine with a used engine. Now, it may also be failing due to internal oil starvation. There are many posts online about these engine failures. Land rover sent out their alert, but did not offer the only remedy to their defective product - replace the engine ($10-12k). Like many others, we have spent thousands of dollars and been without the car while ours was in the shop because of a known defect that the land rover dealer chose not to share with us when we purchased the car. Attempts by others to seek help from land rover of america or through legal actions seem to have been unsuccessful. Since the statute of limitations has most likely expired on this matter, there IS probably no way to ever recover the financial losses. It seemed like a nice car, but land rover really dropped the ball on this one. Don't by a 2003-4 discovery unless the vin has been checked to be sure the vehicle IS in the production series included in the land rover technical alert -TA03 1201.
- Suspension
TL* 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.
- Engine · Vehicle speed control
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The brake pedal was engaged and the vehicle began to jerk when coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The vin was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The brake pedal was engaged and the vehicle began to jerk when coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the throttle body failed. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v133000 (vehicle speed control). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While driving at 45 mph, a noise emitted from the front of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,562. The vin was not available.
- Electrical system · Engine · Seats
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…
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 noise. He said the the oil pump was bad and we will have to replace the oil pump and if there was damage to the engine would have to replace that too. I understand that there was a technical alert dated march 14, 2003, just three months after I purchased my car. a class action suit was started in may 2003 but I was not informed of the suit. I called land rover of america and was told I was the only land rover owner to have a fire in the seat, which I found was untrue then I called them back when the oil pump went and said that my car was out of warrantyand was too old for land rover to do anything for me. the car has about 100,000 miles on it. we lived in juneau at the time and there are few roads. We were there until 2007 when we moved to montana. I am tired of excuses from the manufacturer. I paid almost $40,000dollars for the car that should last me a long time. it was to be my retirement car. other people have had the same problems that I have experianced to no avail. *tr
- Engine
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[xxx] ? 3A[xxx]. Below IS the original text from their alert. Why they haven't made the recall yet? It's so…
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[xxx] ? 3A[xxx]. 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 engine can die or burn anytime, and the only solution IS to replace the whole engine according to their tech alert. See below: 2003 discovery series II oil pump failures vehicles affected discovery series II (LT) 3a[xxx] ? 3A[xxx] situation oil pump failures on 2003 discovery series II vehicles may be the result of a manufacturing error. Locating dowel pins may be slightly misaligned permitting assembly of the oil pump to the engine block, but placing stress on the pump housing which can ultimately lead to leakage or failure. resolution whenever an oil pump failure IS encountered on vehicles within the above vin range the only effective repair currently available IS replacement of the complete engine assembly including the front cover/oil pump manufactured to the latest tolerances. use the following components to affect a repair: ? Lbb112301 4.6 engine assembly lev ? Lbb111461 4.6 engine assembly non-lev. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6) *js
- Engine · Power train · Service brakes, hydraulic
Purchased land rover discovery less then a month ago, since then the dash board looks like a christmas tree with the number of warning lights that are on. Was told by the dealer that the ABS modulator was out and it would $3500.00 just for the part, even though I researched it and found a repair…
Purchased land rover discovery less then a month ago, since then the dash board looks like a christmas tree with the number of warning lights that are on. Was told by the dealer that the ABS modulator was out and it would $3500.00 just for the part, even though I researched it and found a repair kit for under a $100. However, the most recent warning light IS the oil light and the car over heats in a very short amount of time, and knocks and bings. After reading the several post on this web sight, I too am now part of a long list of customers that have major issues with land rover. What a mistake it was. *tr
- Power train
2003 land rover discovery. consumer writes in regards to vehicle vibration issues and recall notice. *smd the consumer stated as he approached the traffic light, he heard a very loud banging noise from under the vehicle. the consumer called his local dealer, to explain about the recall notice…
2003 land rover discovery. consumer writes in regards to vehicle vibration issues and recall notice. *smd the consumer stated as he approached the traffic light, he heard a very loud banging noise from under the vehicle. the consumer called his local dealer, to explain about the recall notice he received, but the dealer informed him, since the vehicle had a 105,000 miles and he was not the original owner, the vehicle was not covered under the recall. The consumer referenced recall # 08v635000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
Technical service report from independent british land rover specialists, bethesda md: customer states engine makes a tapping noise, mostly at idle. Diagnosis - verified noise. oil light on due to low oil pressure, vehicle in vin range for oil pump failure due to misaligned front cover from…
Technical service report from independent british land rover specialists, bethesda md: customer states engine makes a tapping noise, mostly at idle. Diagnosis - verified noise. oil light on due to low oil pressure, vehicle in vin range for oil pump failure due to misaligned front cover from the manufacturer. oil pump damage has occurred, and needs to be changed. correct repair IS engine replacement, as damage to bearings can occur. failure also caused by block alignment positioning. at this point, no noticeable engine damage has occurred, and to avoid engine replacement can replace oil pump assembly. oil pump replacement would only be temporary x, as problem will most likely arise years down the line. will need to check front cover for damage during repair. additionally, large oil leak from intake end seals detected. Recommend replace oil pump, align front cover, replace intake gasket while noting there may be chances of engine failure, bearing damage & damage to front cover detected during service. notes: to avoid engine failure, replaced oil pump at a cost of $2,600 due to misaligned front cover from the land rover manufacturer. Will likely need to replace engine in the future at an expected cost of $10,000 due to block alignment positioning manufacturing errors from land rover. Customer will have to pay for these repairs in their entirety, despite the fact that they are caused by original manufacturing defects, as land rover has not issued a recall. Please assist - there are thousands of very similar complaints posted on multiple land rover forums online.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised him that there were slight oil leaks found. The contact…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised him that there were slight oil leaks found. The contact was also advised to continue to check the oil levels and to add oil in the vehicle until reaching his destination. The contact was later driving 70 mph when the vehicle emitted a loud banging noise. The contact moved to the shoulder where he observed a foreign object discharge from the exhaust pipe and cause the grass to catch on fire. The police and fire departments were contacted and a report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised that the engine failed due to extremely low oil pressure and a blown piston. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 134,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While parked, the contact noticed that the engine coolant was low and the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the reservoir was leaking and the coolant hose…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While parked, the contact noticed that the engine coolant was low and the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the reservoir was leaking and the coolant hose would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was then informed that the head gasket would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
- Engine
I was driving on the highway when my engine started knocking. I immediately pulled over and then my oil and engine lights came on. I had it towed to the dealership and was informed my oil pump wasn't any good and I needed to replace my engine. after doing some investigating I discovered there…
I was driving on the highway when my engine started knocking. I immediately pulled over and then my oil and engine lights came on. I had it towed to the dealership and was informed my oil pump wasn't any good and I needed to replace my engine. after doing some investigating I discovered there was a technical alert sent out to dealerships regarding 2003 land rover discovery II oil pump failures. I was not notified of this when I purchased my vehicle years ago. land rover IS liable for this and I would like them to replace my engine. they should have recalled these vehicles upon discovering the issue. not all customers have access to technical alerts and if I didn't research this matter I would have not had a clue this matter existed. please help me. I have a 6 month old son and need reliable transportation. thank you for your time. *tt
- Power train
Own a 2003 land rover discovery. Was driving when vechicle started to vibrate and drive rough - immediately after that, a noise was heard coming from underneath the vechicle. The car immediately stopped while the engine was still running and would not move. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. They…
Own a 2003 land rover discovery. Was driving when vechicle started to vibrate and drive rough - immediately after that, a noise was heard coming from underneath the vechicle. The car immediately stopped while the engine was still running and would not move. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic. They found that the front drive shaft "double spicer had broke at the transfer case mounting point and would need a new drive shaft. The vehicle was repaired. a case was filed with land rover - however, I am also documenting this as a saftey concern so that others could be aware of this danger behavior of the vehicle stopping immediately without warning in the middle of the highway. This could have been very fatal if vehicle would have been driven during a high traffic period. this incident was also very frighting for myself and the kids that were in the car with me and I am praying that land rover take this safety issue very serious and issue a recall for all of their land rover models (not just the range rover) before someone get seriously hurt from this abnormal failure. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Extremely loud knocking noise inside the engine. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Oil pump failure. Land rover issued a technical advisory to all of their dealers in march 2003 warning that due to a manufacturers defect in the engine block dowels being misdrilled where oil pump housing IS mounted, that the misalignment causes the oil pump housing to be stressed eventually…
Oil pump failure. Land rover issued a technical advisory to all of their dealers in march 2003 warning that due to a manufacturers defect in the engine block dowels being misdrilled where oil pump housing IS mounted, that the misalignment causes the oil pump housing to be stressed eventually causing the oil pump to fail. The only effective repair IS to replace the engine. I purchased this vehicle in 2006 which had come off lease. I had it serviced at land rover dealer in southampton ny and they never advised me that this was a manufacturers defect and that my vehicle fell within the vin range referred to in the technical advisory. Other consumers have the same problem and there are over 30,000 vehicles currently on the road with this same problem. Why IS there not a recall and why does lr not replace the defective engines? *tr
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact was exiting a parking space when noise was heard from under the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the failure and informed him that the drive-shaft was broken. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact was exiting a parking space when noise was heard from under the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle then stalled. the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who inspected the failure and informed him that the drive-shaft was broken. The manufacturer was contacted who stated there were no recalls for the failure and offered no further assistance. The failure mileage was 89,000.
- Power train
TL* 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 fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 67,000.
- Electrical system
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…
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 there were witnesses and probably video given that it IS a parking garage. Burning brake smell also very apparent. I work in insurance and know of this sort of claim. I did not move my foot, opened the door and looked, foot firmly on the brake. floor mat was not a factor. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Conducted an oil change nov 2010 engine failed nov 2010 engine still has full oil 2003 land rover discovery engine failure. Due to oil pump failure. This a known manufacture defect that land rover will not repair. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10214018Technical Bulletin: Squeaks & Rattles Kit Availability
- 10136669The 'Service Required' warning text will not appear on the Instrument Cluster (IC) if a vehicle has reached its service point.
- 10125267Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
- 632224Subject regarding new state ulev emissions requirements.
Every Land Rover Discovery model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.