2003 Land Rover Discovery
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 37 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
23% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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
Also filed under SEATS
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
21% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driveline and driveshaft.
CRASH19% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH INJURY19% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).
17% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cables and accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
Also filed under AIR BAGS
THE BRAKE AND GAS PEDALS ARE TOO CLOSE TO EACH OTHER AND ALMOST AT THE SAME LEVEL THAT YOU CAN STEP BOTH PEDALS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO SURGE FORWARD. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030412
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V133000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.