2003 Land Rover Discovery II recalls and problems

The 2003 Land Rover Discovery II has 2 safety recalls and 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Land Rover dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
63
Crashes / fires
5 / 2
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Land Rover Discovery II vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Land Rover Discovery II recalls

Recall 04V-005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jan 6, 2004 · 100,174 vehicles affected · LAND ROVER

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-006: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Jan 6, 2004 · 5,264 vehicles affected · LAND ROVER

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the active cornering enhancement (Ace) pump banjo bolt looses torque and allows fluid to leak past the joint.

Risk: The fluid from the pump joint can ignite, resulting in an under hood fire.

Fix: 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.

2003 Land Rover Discovery II problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine and Engine Cooling27
Service Brakes, Hydraulic11
Power Train5
Engine5
Air Bags4
Unknown or Other3
Latches/Locks/Linkages3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Traction Control System3
Service Brakes, Electric2
Seat Belts1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 14
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch — 2
  • Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Land Rover Discovery II complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 158,510 miles · reported Dec 11, 2016
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 · reported Jul 7, 2016
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…
Air Bags · reported Dec 25, 2015
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 · at 85,000 miles · reported Apr 3, 2014
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…
Engine · at 55,000 miles · reported Feb 4, 2014
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.

Other Land Rover Discovery II years

Compare all Land Rover Discovery II years · All Land Rover models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II: 04V-005 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-006 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II?

Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (27 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (11). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,000 miles.

Are Land Rover recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Land Rover dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.