2003 Land Rover Discovery II
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Land Rover › Discovery II › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Land Rover Discovery II. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II. Newest first.
Jaguar land rover north america, inc. (Land rover) IS recalling certain rear driveshaft couplings, land rover branded part number tvf100010, manufactured from april 2011 through november 2011, sold for use as service parts for certain model year 1995-1999 discovery, 1999-2004 discovery II, and 1995 range rover classic vehicles. some of the rear driveshaft…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this increased vibration warning sign IS ignored, catastrophic failure of the drive coupling can occur. the driveshaft may detach from the vehicle while in motion resulting in loss of drive and loss of transmission park functionality, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash and/or injury.
Remedy
Land rover will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected rear driveshaft couplers free of charge. the safety recall began on may 4, 2012. owners may contact jaguar land rover north america at 1-201-818-8500.
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems," and no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." the anti-lock braking system (ABS) modulator valve cover retaining bolts can crack due to stresses transmitted by the flexing valve covers.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This can produce an unexpected increase in stopping distance, with the potential for total loss of service braking function, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will strengthen the ABS modulator assembly valve covers and replace the retaining bolts. owner notification IS exepcted to begin during may 2004. owners should contact land rover at 1-800-637-6837.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the active cornering enhancement (ace) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The fluid from the pump joint can ignite, resulting in an under hood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the vehicles for leakage. if no leakage IS evident, the banjo bolt will be re-tightened. if leakage IS evident, the banjo bolt and dowty washers will be replaced. owner notification IS expected to begin during may 2004. owners should contact land rover at 1-800-637-6837.
Owner complaints
63 complaints5 involved a crash2 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Power train
Engine started knocking after I purchased it and I had just got the best recommended oil an spark plugs / wires no money to repair
- Air bags · Steering · Unknown or other
We were driving straight on I 5. In red bluff california headed to lodi ca.the car just started making a noise and then the vehicle started swiirving left to right with control or response from the steering wheell we hit going 65mph.and we were smashed into a guard rail head on. Then spun out all…
We were driving straight on I 5. In red bluff california headed to lodi ca.the car just started making a noise and then the vehicle started swiirving left to right with control or response from the steering wheell we hit going 65mph.and we were smashed into a guard rail head on. Then spun out all over the freeway. Car IS totaled and no air bags deployed.happened at 1435 in the afternoon. Dry sunny conditions , and we had a 11 month old in the car behind me on passenger side. And a 4 yr old behind my wife whom was driving. Scary , my goal IS to prevent this from happening to other family's like mine. My wife and I were lucky to only walk away injured. And kids tramitized but alive.. Thank god. But another family might not be so lucky unless this IS addressed.
- Air bags
The steering air bag blowout for nothing, the vehicle was stationary the motor was working I'm whasing the land rover and that happened, I'm confuse.
- Engine
My engine started making a knocking sound and then a sound similar to metal scratching metal. I had a master mechanic look at the engine and had several part replaced 1500.00 worth to be exact and still the sound occurs. I contacted land rover and because my vehicle IS used and over the warranty…
My engine started making a knocking sound and then a sound similar to metal scratching metal. I had a master mechanic look at the engine and had several part replaced 1500.00 worth to be exact and still the sound occurs. I contacted land rover and because my vehicle IS used and over the warranty there was nothing they could do but suggest a new engine. I have researched and it appears this IS a known issue and has been acknowledge by land rover that the land rover discovery 2003 the oil pump was faulty, however have denied any kind of solution to the problem to multiple customers other than suggesting a new engine. I don't understand as a consumer we can be expected to be held responsible for repairs on a vehicle which the manufacture knowing and willingly manufacture the a vehicle with faulty equipment. although I understand there IS no safety risk to this faulty equipment its still wrong to produce a technical with faulty equipment. I am other customers are hoping by contacting the nhtsa something will be done. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated while driving the vehicle would suddenly stall. The failure was diagnosed by the dealer who confirmed that the engine oil pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery II. the contact stated that the oil pump failed, causing the engine to seize and fail. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that because the oil pump failed, the engine would need replacing. The vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. The failure and current mileage was 150,000.
- Engine
I have experienced the same online issue with my land rover discovery II, my vin IS not the same however the same exact issues. "2003 discovery series II oil pump failure" I have a load knocking noise coming from my engine, the vehicle IS still running, and oil changes, treatments etc cannot stop…
I have experienced the same online issue with my land rover discovery II, my vin IS not the same however the same exact issues. "2003 discovery series II oil pump failure" I have a load knocking noise coming from my engine, the vehicle IS still running, and oil changes, treatments etc cannot stop the knock. not getting any warning lights of low pressure however it IS at the land rover dealership of fort worth now and they confirmed the same. this a $12,000 fix for an issue that should have been a recall or notice to the public. I have over 300 postings on line about the same issues but all in 60 mins of looking and sure there are thousands more. I'm not sure how to search for recalls over in great britain being that someone told me that?s where my vehicle was imported from with the salty vin number but any direction would be appreciated. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving low mileage 2003 discovery II SE7, engine began to knock in upper engine area on driver side. pulled into local repair shop immediately and was told it was not a rod as the noise dissipates when idled above 1000 rpm. took it to a local land rover shop and was told it was either a…
While driving low mileage 2003 discovery II SE7, engine began to knock in upper engine area on driver side. pulled into local repair shop immediately and was told it was not a rod as the noise dissipates when idled above 1000 rpm. took it to a local land rover shop and was told it was either a bad oil pump or the sleeve in the cylinder at the back of the engine has come loose and IS knocking up against the head gasket. technician privately indicated both are known issues and that a new engine IS required in either case and that lr north america knows of the issues and has refused to assist owners or issue a recall. cost of new engine IS between $8,000 and 12,000 depending on who you talk with. since the only real issue so far IS the noise factor (sounds like a diesel while idling), technician further advised it would be best to keep driving the lr until it completely failed as the price of new engine would not be more and I should get as much from the original as possible. request nhtsa lobby on behalf of owners to get this issue resolved between owners and lrna. issues are obvious manufacturing defects and lr should be held accountable for the problem and offer some type solution to the consumer. the nhtsa should issue some sort of fine if possible to force lr to make good on their product. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I own a 2003 land rover discovery SE. this vehicle only has 57,000 miles and has been very well maintained. recently I noticed a tap coming from the engine. I immediately took it over to the local land rover dealer. after a couple of days, I was informed that it needed a new engine in order to…
I own a 2003 land rover discovery SE. this vehicle only has 57,000 miles and has been very well maintained. recently I noticed a tap coming from the engine. I immediately took it over to the local land rover dealer. after a couple of days, I was informed that it needed a new engine in order to fix this problem, at a cost of $14,000. what a joke! there IS a widespread problem with these trucks maintaining adequate oil pressure in order to keep them running properly. once again the consumer gets the shaft. I am now stuck, along with a lot of other lr owners, faced with a huge repair bill. this matter should have been looked into as a possible recall. *tr
- Vehicle speed control · Vehicle speed control › Cables
While driving our 2003 land rover discovery II hse today, the throttle suddenly and unexpectedly stuck in the full position. my wife was able to avoid traffic, control the vehicle and get the transmission in neutral. the vehicle was towed to a land rover dealer, and they determined that the…
While driving our 2003 land rover discovery II hse today, the throttle suddenly and unexpectedly stuck in the full position. my wife was able to avoid traffic, control the vehicle and get the transmission in neutral. the vehicle was towed to a land rover dealer, and they determined that the throttle butterfly valve had stuck. I researched this and came up with nhtsa case number 03v133000 which deal with this exact issue for this model year vehicle. the dealer claims there are no outstanding recalls for my vehicle and refused to replace the part under this issue. I find it highly coincidental that I am experiencing the exact issue described in the nhtsa case. in reviewing the case information there were other reports outside of the date range that land rover claims apply to this defect. I contacted the land rover corporate office and they said they were reviewing the case, but that the recall did not apply to my vehicle since the recalls are vin specific. the service representative did admit that this problem does occur on other vehicles of this type. there was no warning of this failure and it could have resulted in a serious accident. *Tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
2003 land rover discovery II "slabs control unit" otherwise known by the owner & mechanics as the "3 amigos (abs,hdc,tc)...... I am sure you have been advised of the problem because the internet has several unhappy owners complaining. this unit controlsthe 4-wheel anti-lock braking, hill…
2003 land rover discovery II "slabs control unit" otherwise known by the owner & mechanics as the "3 amigos (abs,hdc,tc)...... I am sure you have been advised of the problem because the internet has several unhappy owners complaining. this unit controlsthe 4-wheel anti-lock braking, hill descent and 4 wheel traction control along with self leveling suspension. to correct the problem the dealer wants to install a new unit at a cost of over $1500 to 2500 depending on labor cost. please let me know if you are already conducting an investigation in the above, any help would be appreciated.. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Traction control system
1. Applied the brakes. 2. Every time I apply brakes after vehicle has been started 3. Dealer claims there IS nothing which can be done... Apparently all such models have this issue, which generates the question as to why land rover has not been made to do something about this, much like what…
1. Applied the brakes. 2. Every time I apply brakes after vehicle has been started 3. Dealer claims there IS nothing which can be done... Apparently all such models have this issue, which generates the question as to why land rover has not been made to do something about this, much like what would have been done had such an issue been incurred with a chevrolet, ford or toyota? this issue has already been recorded as service bulletin nhtsa item no. 10016118? This demonstrates there are recognized problems with the ABS modulator and system, resulting in the ABS/ emergency brake / hill descent and traction control lamps illuminating on the dash, which may cause the ABS system to incur failure when needed? The number of vehicle owners incurring this problem indicates there IS a serious inherent defect within this vehicle, which I and many others cannot understand why such have not been recalled... there has apparently been another recall for an ABS component in this vehicle (nhtsa recall campaign ID no. 04V005000) and this preliminary recall should also be amended to include this issue with the ABS system? This issue IS well documented and widespread among this particular model and the nhtsa should finally require land rover to correct such. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling · Latches/locks/linkages · Power train › Automatic transmission
I have experienced what appears to be the same oil pump symptoms others have complained of. despite reading "full", my truck seems to have difficulty adequately lubricating. so, some days it's sounded like a tank!! *Tr
- Child seat
I just bought a land rover discovery 2 series hse with 50,000 plus miles 2 weeks ago and just found out about the oil pump problem. My discovery IS within the affected vin# and already has the oil light on. So what's the update on this matter?? Any recall from land rover???? *Tr
- Service brakes, electric · Traction control system
2003 land rover discovery II -ABS stops working, impaired braking, traction control stops working, bad ABS modulator connection. Happens spontaneously. Replaced ABS modulator. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I purchased a 2003 land rover discovery series II hse with 44K miles. in february 2008, I brought the vehicle to land rover dealer to have a full inspection of the vehicle. the inspection report noted that vehicle was in great condition with no issues needing to be addressed. but along with…
I purchased a 2003 land rover discovery series II hse with 44K miles. in february 2008, I brought the vehicle to land rover dealer to have a full inspection of the vehicle. the inspection report noted that vehicle was in great condition with no issues needing to be addressed. but along with the evaluation paper work provided by the land rover dealer was a land rover technical alert. the technical alert stated the following;' discovery series II (LT) 3a771801 ' 3a808362 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. my land rover vin number falls within the identified vin number range of affected vehicles. jump ahead to 2010. while driving the vehicle on 26 march 2010, the oil light came and the engine began to make rumbling sounds. I turned off the vehicle. fearing the worst, I had the vehicle towed at a cost of $545 to my mechanic. my mechanic confirmed that the oil pump had failed. I spoke to the land rover dealer and to land rover of north america. neither would cover the repair in spite of the technical alert published and provided by them on this condition. the estimated cost to repair the vehicle IS $10,000. I believe that I am responsible for the ownership and reasonable risks associated with a used vehicle. But, the issue with my vehicle IS not reasonable. land rover made a manufacturing 'error', published it and then left the 'error' to the consequence and expense of myself. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
2003 land rover discovery oil pump failure. land rover IS aware of this problem and does not want to do a recall. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Traction control system
The defect IS already recorded as service bulletin nhtsa item no. 10016118. In short, there IS an issue with the shuttle valves in the ABS system, which result in the abs/traction control/hill descent warning lamp illumination in the dash, and more importantly may prevent the ABS from activating as…
The defect IS already recorded as service bulletin nhtsa item no. 10016118. In short, there IS an issue with the shuttle valves in the ABS system, which result in the abs/traction control/hill descent warning lamp illumination in the dash, and more importantly may prevent the ABS from activating as needed. due to the overwhelming number of owners experiencing this same specific issue, a recall IS very appropriate. There are inherent problems with the ABS in these cars, as IS preliminary evident in the fact that there has already been a recall for another component in the ABS (nhtsa recall campaign ID no. 04V005000). This issue IS very widespread among owner's of this automobile. the safety system of the automobile IS compromised and the nhtsa should require land rover to finally address this problem. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My 2003 land rover discovery suffers from a well known problem which causes the ABS and traction control to fail. hundreds of discoveries suffer from this well known problem with no fix or recall from land rover. the problem has been coined "three amigos" and can be easily found by searching…
My 2003 land rover discovery suffers from a well known problem which causes the ABS and traction control to fail. hundreds of discoveries suffer from this well known problem with no fix or recall from land rover. the problem has been coined "three amigos" and can be easily found by searching online. I am dependent on my ABS and constantly and consistently am putting my family at risk with this constant and consistent failure. My discovery recently slid off of the road due to loss of ABS during a rain storm. I had 2 children in the vehicle with me. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a 2003 land rover discovery. I just paid to replace the oil pump only to find out that land rover published a technical alert that states the only way to fix the issue IS to replace the entire engine. Dowel pins on the block are misaligned due to a manufacturer error per the alert. The…
I have a 2003 land rover discovery. I just paid to replace the oil pump only to find out that land rover published a technical alert that states the only way to fix the issue IS to replace the entire engine. Dowel pins on the block are misaligned due to a manufacturer error per the alert. The vehicle only has 58K miles and has been meticulously maintained. Land rover IS not offering to cover any of the repair costs even though it was a manufacturer error from the start. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I have a 2003 landrover discovery 85,000 miles on the vehicle when the oil light came on. The repair shop states I need a new oil pump. There IS a landrover service bulletin out that states they are aware that some discovery's between a set of serial numbers are defective but they will not help the…
I have a 2003 landrover discovery 85,000 miles on the vehicle when the oil light came on. The repair shop states I need a new oil pump. There IS a landrover service bulletin out that states they are aware that some discovery's between a set of serial numbers are defective but they will not help the owners of these vehicles to repair the problem it will cost me $1,300 dollars at the least to fix this problem. This should be covered by landrover. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a 2003 land rover that just passed 50 k and started ticking from the engine. I took it to the dealer and they told me that I had a oil pump failure and I need a new engine. That will cost 8000$. Why do we have to pay that amount of money when the manufacturer has hundreds of these failures. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
The problem IS with our 2003 land rover discovery. the problem occurs almost daily. the traction control, ABS, and hill descent (referred to as the three amigos). I feel this IS very much a safety recall due to lack of braking and traction when these lights all are on. when these lights are on…
The problem IS with our 2003 land rover discovery. the problem occurs almost daily. the traction control, ABS, and hill descent (referred to as the three amigos). I feel this IS very much a safety recall due to lack of braking and traction when these lights all are on. when these lights are on the traction control device does not function. due to living in illinois weather this creates problems driving on snow and ice covered roads-in which in our area we seem to be having a shortage on salt for the roads. The full reasoning as to why I bought this vehicle was to not have to worry about road conditions (i didn't think problems with system failures would occur with the cost of these vehicles) I feel this IS a recall problem. putting many peoples lives in jeopardy who actually feel they are safe while driving until they experience the failure of this system in these vehicles while on a weekend trip or four wheeling as which they were designed to do. this IS not a problem that I created on my vehicle this IS a problem that the company created when they produced these vehicles and sold them. I do not feel it IS my responsibility to correct their flaw that they made in the production of these vehicles with defective system allowing failure during driving conditions if a system fails that IS defective. as to any deaths related in this incident -the answer would be as of this time no and I pray that does not happen, and I do not believe the police where called because I'm quite sure they could care less if the traction control or my ABS are functioning properly and thank god that I did not have any property destruction or crashes yet. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Bolt on oil pump lost torque that caused oil loss and engine overheating and head gasket failure. occurred one time and had oil pump repaired. expansion reservoir tank replaced. plenum lines replaced. head gasket replaced. according to design flaw indicated by land rover america, this issue IS highly likely to occur again. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
2003 land rover discovery II experienced sudden oil pump failure which will require an entire engine replacement. This problem was recognized as a manufacturing error per a land rover technical alert TA03 1201 issued in 2003 but was not divulged to the public and has not generated a recall. The…
2003 land rover discovery II experienced sudden oil pump failure which will require an entire engine replacement. This problem was recognized as a manufacturing error per a land rover technical alert TA03 1201 issued in 2003 but was not divulged to the public and has not generated a recall. The manufacturer refuses to significantly assist with replacement despite their previous identified error and clear consumer expectation that oil pump malfunctions and/or engine replacements are not expected after 5 years/60k miles of use with a normally maintained engine. *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.
- 10125267Presentation from Dealer Shop Foreman Conference Call
- 10102683"Issue: reports have been received of engine damage occurring, which IS caused by the use of non-approved engine induction / fuel injection cleaning equipment or materials. This includes, but IS not limited to, ""vacu-flush"" type equipment. Cause: the use of non-approved equipment can cause the engines to hydro-lock, or cause other engine damage, and sometimes the only possible repair IS to replace the engine."
- 10100968"Issue: this ssm has been released to address the high number of speaker assemblies returned, many of which are deemed as no fault found. Cause: incorrect diagnosis."
- 10016662Revised procedure and time for steering box installation.
- 10016660Revised front shock replacement procedure and times-replaces the published information on gtr section 60.30.02.
- 10016118Shuttle valve switch related anti-lock braking system /traction control /hill descent control warning lamp illumination troubleshooting. All land rover discovery series II.
- 10011555Troubleshooting anti-lock braking system (abs)/hdc/tc warning lamp illumination. Land rover discovery series II.
- 10011539Incorrect a/c refrigerant label. Land rover discovery series II.
- 10011531Handbrake vibration noise.
- 10006793Revised t-box removal procedure.
- 10005207Service action fuel cap/filler neck sealing.
- 10004606Free play in the seat belt allows the buckle to come in contact with the b post trim when the belt IS not in use. During normal drive cycles the buckle causes a tapping noise on the trim.
- 10002315Oil pump failures.
Every Land Rover Discovery II model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.