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
- 48
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2003
None on file
23% of complaints
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 | 55 |
| 2018 | 37 |
| 2019 | 38 |
| 2020 | 19 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
23% · 11 reportsShow 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, 2014-09-09
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, 2012-12-18
Power train
21% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing driveline and driveshaft.
Service brakes
19% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Engine and engine cooling
19% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing engine and crankcase (pcv).
Vehicle speed control
17% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing cables and accelerator pedal.
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, 2018-03-09
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-04-12
Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 48 complaints filed for this model year.
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2003-04-23Vehicle speed control03V133000 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…
Buy-smart checklist
2003 Land Rover Discovery — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V133000 · Vehicle speed control
Other years of this model
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.