2003 Land Rover Discovery recalls and problems

The 2003 Land Rover Discovery has 1 safety recall and 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Land Rover dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

8 / 2

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

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

2003 Land Rover Discovery recalls

Recall 03V-133: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Apr 14, 2003 · 3,291 vehicles affected · LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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.

Risk: In the case where a throttle fails to return to idle, particularly after a high degree of engine throttle application, the driver will experience difficulty in bringing the vehicle to rest, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 land rover at 1-201-818-8500.

2003 Land Rover Discovery problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	11
Power Train	10
Engine and Engine Cooling	9
Vehicle Speed Control	8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	7
Electrical System	6
Suspension	3
Structure	2
Tires	2
Air Bags	2
Service Brakes	2
Seat Belts	1

Most reported parts

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages — 2
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
Vehicle Speed Control › Cables — 2
Power Train › Driveline — 2
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage — 1
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module — 1
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 73,000 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 complaints

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

Suspension · at 109,000 miles · reported Aug 26, 2020

The contact owns a 2003 land rover n/a. The contact stated that he bought four tires that turned out to be manufacturer defects. The tires were federal tires, tire size 255/45/r20, and no DOT given. The tires were providing such a rough and bouncy ride that two shock absorbers were busted in the front and back of the vehicle. The contact removed the tires and took them to an unknown tire dealer. The dealer attempted to rebalance the tires then informed the contact that two of the four tires were out of round. The dealer said the contact would have to speak to the tire manufacturer to get the…

Air Bags · reported Aug 21, 2018

The contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. While the contact's spouse was driving 45 MPH around a curve, the vehicle hydroplaned, left the road, and crashed into a culvert and a highway sign. The vehicle rolled over multiple times. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system warning indicator was illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the spine, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…

Service Brakes · at 165,000 miles · reported Jul 14, 2018

On my way home from picking up my grandchild there was some vibrating on the passenger side of the automobile. Than a loud explosion followed by rubber burning smell and lost of control of car. Managed to pull over car would not rolling had to engage parking brake. Had car towed home. Drive shaft seperated and destroyed transmission pan. Broke pieces off of tansmission. Change rotors and brake and car still will not come to a complete stop without sliding a bit. Abs lights come on every time this happens. Both incidents happen while im driving streets or highway.

Vehicle Speed Control · at 72,000 miles · reported Mar 9, 2018

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. The brake pedal was applied and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (Land rover paramus, 405 nj-17, paramus, nj), but no failure codes were located. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the thumb, which did not require medical…

Structure · at 65,000 miles · reported Nov 16, 2016

The contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that there was excessive corrosion on the subframe by the rear axle of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected. The contact was informed that until the vehicle was repaired, the vehicle should not be used to tow another vehicle or trailer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

Other Land Rover Discovery years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 200420032002 2001 2000

Compare all Land Rover Discovery years · All Land Rover models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery: 03V-133 (vehicle speed control). 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?

Owners report engine problems most often (11 reports), followed by power train (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 73,000 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.