2003 Land Rover Discovery

◆ Worse than typical

2003 Land Rover Discovery
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:44:13.080Z

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2003: 48 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	15
1995	49
1996	65
1997	35
1998	33
1999	17
2000	30
2001	13
2002	17
2003	48
2004	29
2006	2
2016	5
2017	54
2018	36
2019	38
2020	18
2021	10
2022	7
2023	7
2024	7
2025	0
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 23%

23% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140909

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121218

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180309

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 8%

8% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2003 — complaint volume: 48

R 20030423 — vehicle speed control

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.

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

Campaign 03V133000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2003 Land Rover Discovery — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 03V133000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

● 2000 ● 1998 ● 2018

WORST YEARS

◆ 1996 ◆ 2017 ◆ 1995

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2003 Land Rover Discovery reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Land Rover Discovery is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Land Rover Discovery?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.