Owners have filed 69 complaints
about the 2003 Land Rover Discovery with NHTSA between 2002 and 2020.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 18 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 81
Against the median year of the Land Rover Discovery. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
29% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
14% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Land Rover Discovery
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
58.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
711.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1830.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1118.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1627.1%
150,000+ miles
23.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2002peak 4Aug 2020
Recalls on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
03V133000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200414888 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the throttle could stick intermittently during operation. The exact point of sticking is not predictable and can result in a higher engine speed than expected. 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 bringing the vehicle to rest. Correction: Dealer will inspect the manufacturing date of the throttle body of vehicles within the referent VIN range and replace those with a batch number between B4 and B11, inclusive. This recall supersedes recall 2003097.
Recall 200309710 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the throttle could stick intermittently during operation. The exact point of sticking is not predictable and can result in a higher engine speed than expected. 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 bringing the vehicle to rest. Correction: Dealer will inspect the manufacturing date of the throttle body of vehicles within the referent VIN range and replace those with a batch number between B5 and B11, inclusive. This recall is superseded by recall 2004148
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Fair Grove, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11121302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fair Grove, MOCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11121302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesNEW York, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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. 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 ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesNEW York, NYCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. 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 ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesKila, MTFire
SEATS
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. I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, AND ASKED OUR MECHANIC WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. HE SAID THE THE OIL PUMP WAS BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP AND IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THAT TOO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL ALERT DATED MARCH 14, 2003, JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR. A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS STARTED IN MAY 2003 BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE SUIT. I CALLED LAND ROVER OF AMERICA AND WAS TOLD I WAS THE ONLY LAND ROVER OWNER TO HAVE A FIRE IN THE SEAT, WHICH I FOUND WAS UNTRUE THEN I CALLED THEM BACK WHEN THE OIL PUMP WENT AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTYAND WAS TOO OLD FOR LAND ROVER TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT. WE LIVED IN JUNEAU AT THE TIME AND THERE ARE FEW ROADS. WE WERE THERE UNTIL 2007 WHEN WE MOVED TO MONTANA. I AM TIRED OF EXCUSES FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I PAID ALMOST $40,000DOLLARS FOR THE CAR THAT SHOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME. IT WAS TO BE MY RETIREMENT CAR. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIANCED TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10631948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesKila, MTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, AND ASKED OUR MECHANIC WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. HE SAID THE THE OIL PUMP WAS BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP AND IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THAT TOO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL ALERT DATED MARCH 14, 2003, JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR. A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS STARTED IN MAY 2003 BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE SUIT. I CALLED LAND ROVER OF AMERICA AND WAS TOLD I WAS THE ONLY LAND ROVER OWNER TO HAVE A FIRE IN THE SEAT, WHICH I FOUND WAS UNTRUE THEN I CALLED THEM BACK WHEN THE OIL PUMP WENT AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTYAND WAS TOO OLD FOR LAND ROVER TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT. WE LIVED IN JUNEAU AT THE TIME AND THERE ARE FEW ROADS. WE WERE THERE UNTIL 2007 WHEN WE MOVED TO MONTANA. I AM TIRED OF EXCUSES FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I PAID ALMOST $40,000DOLLARS FOR THE CAR THAT SHOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME. IT WAS TO BE MY RETIREMENT CAR. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIANCED TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10631948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 109,000 milesHoover, AL
WHEELS
TL* 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 TIRES REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT RETURNED A CALL TO THE CONTACT IN OVER EIGHT MONTHS. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11351310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesHoover, AL
SUSPENSION
TL* 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 TIRES REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT RETURNED A CALL TO THE CONTACT IN OVER EIGHT MONTHS. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11351310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 109,000 milesHoover, AL
TIRES
TL* 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 TIRES REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT RETURNED A CALL TO THE CONTACT IN OVER EIGHT MONTHS. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE WAS 109,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF
NHTSA complaint #11351310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesRome, GA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT IN THE BOSCHE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE COOLANT TO BOIL IN THE MAIN CYLINDER HEAD AND MIX WITH THE OIL IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS QUOTED A COST OF $7,000 FOR THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO (LAND ROVER NORTH ATLANTA 1505 MANSELL RD, ALPHARETTA, GA 30009, (770) 587-2000) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.
NHTSA complaint #11302986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fair Grove, MOCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11121302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fair Grove, MOCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11121302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesLivonia, MI
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11111344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesLivonia, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11111344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesNEW York, NYCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
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. 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 ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesNEW York, NYCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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. 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 ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesFredericksburg, VA
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* 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.
NHTSA complaint #10926406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, WA
ENGINE
2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY II OIL PUMP FAILURE: WE BOUGHT OURS PREVIOUSLY-OWNED FROM A LAND ROVER DEALER. NOTHING WAS MENTIONED ABOUT THE DEFECT IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS 4.6 L ENGINE OR THE ATTACHED MARCH 14, 2003 TECHNICAL ALERT. IN SPITE OF REGULAR SERVICE, THE ENGINE FAILED BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT AND WE REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH A USED ENGINE. NOW, IT MAY ALSO BE FAILING DUE TO INTERNAL OIL STARVATION. THERE ARE MANY POSTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE ENGINE FAILURES. LAND ROVER SENT OUT THEIR ALERT, BUT DID NOT OFFER THE ONLY REMEDY TO THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCT - REPLACE THE ENGINE ($10-12K). LIKE MANY OTHERS, WE HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND BEEN WITHOUT THE CAR WHILE OURS WAS IN THE SHOP BECAUSE OF A KNOWN DEFECT THAT THE LAND ROVER DEALER CHOSE NOT TO SHARE WITH US WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR. ATTEMPTS BY OTHERS TO SEEK HELP FROM LAND ROVER OF AMERICA OR THROUGH LEGAL ACTIONS SEEM TO HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. SINCE THE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS HAS MOST LIKELY EXPIRED ON THIS MATTER, THERE IS PROBABLY NO WAY TO EVER RECOVER THE FINANCIAL LOSSES. IT SEEMED LIKE A NICE CAR, BUT LAND ROVER REALLY DROPPED THE BALL ON THIS ONE. DON'T BY A 2003-4 DISCOVERY UNLESS THE VIN HAS BEEN CHECKED TO BE SURE THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PRODUCTION SERIES INCLUDED IN THE LAND ROVER TECHNICAL ALERT -TA03 1201.
NHTSA complaint #10852355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,850 milesTampa, FL
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT STARTED TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,850.
NHTSA complaint #10778039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesLansing, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V133000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10714947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,000 milesLansing, IL
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V133000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA complaint #10714947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,562 milesDenver, CO
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, A NOISE EMITTED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 149,562. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10702741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesKila, MTFire
SEATS
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. I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, AND ASKED OUR MECHANIC WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. HE SAID THE THE OIL PUMP WAS BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP AND IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THAT TOO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL ALERT DATED MARCH 14, 2003, JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR. A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS STARTED IN MAY 2003 BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE SUIT. I CALLED LAND ROVER OF AMERICA AND WAS TOLD I WAS THE ONLY LAND ROVER OWNER TO HAVE A FIRE IN THE SEAT, WHICH I FOUND WAS UNTRUE THEN I CALLED THEM BACK WHEN THE OIL PUMP WENT AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTYAND WAS TOO OLD FOR LAND ROVER TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT. WE LIVED IN JUNEAU AT THE TIME AND THERE ARE FEW ROADS. WE WERE THERE UNTIL 2007 WHEN WE MOVED TO MONTANA. I AM TIRED OF EXCUSES FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I PAID ALMOST $40,000DOLLARS FOR THE CAR THAT SHOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME. IT WAS TO BE MY RETIREMENT CAR. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIANCED TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10631948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesKila, MTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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. I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, AND ASKED OUR MECHANIC WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. HE SAID THE THE OIL PUMP WAS BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP AND IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THAT TOO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL ALERT DATED MARCH 14, 2003, JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR. A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS STARTED IN MAY 2003 BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE SUIT. I CALLED LAND ROVER OF AMERICA AND WAS TOLD I WAS THE ONLY LAND ROVER OWNER TO HAVE A FIRE IN THE SEAT, WHICH I FOUND WAS UNTRUE THEN I CALLED THEM BACK WHEN THE OIL PUMP WENT AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTYAND WAS TOO OLD FOR LAND ROVER TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT. WE LIVED IN JUNEAU AT THE TIME AND THERE ARE FEW ROADS. WE WERE THERE UNTIL 2007 WHEN WE MOVED TO MONTANA. I AM TIRED OF EXCUSES FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I PAID ALMOST $40,000DOLLARS FOR THE CAR THAT SHOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME. IT WAS TO BE MY RETIREMENT CAR. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIANCED TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10631948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesKila, MTFire
ENGINE
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. I HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, AND ASKED OUR MECHANIC WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. HE SAID THE THE OIL PUMP WAS BAD AND WE WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE OIL PUMP AND IF THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THAT TOO. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A TECHNICAL ALERT DATED MARCH 14, 2003, JUST THREE MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY CAR. A CLASS ACTION SUIT WAS STARTED IN MAY 2003 BUT I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE SUIT. I CALLED LAND ROVER OF AMERICA AND WAS TOLD I WAS THE ONLY LAND ROVER OWNER TO HAVE A FIRE IN THE SEAT, WHICH I FOUND WAS UNTRUE THEN I CALLED THEM BACK WHEN THE OIL PUMP WENT AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTYAND WAS TOO OLD FOR LAND ROVER TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT. WE LIVED IN JUNEAU AT THE TIME AND THERE ARE FEW ROADS. WE WERE THERE UNTIL 2007 WHEN WE MOVED TO MONTANA. I AM TIRED OF EXCUSES FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I PAID ALMOST $40,000DOLLARS FOR THE CAR THAT SHOULD LAST ME A LONG TIME. IT WAS TO BE MY RETIREMENT CAR. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE EXPERIANCED TO NO AVAIL.
NHTSA complaint #10631948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,700 milesChapel Hill, NC
ENGINE
LOW OIL PRESSURE RED LIGHT WHEN LOWERING THE SPEED TO STOP. IN 2003, LAND ROVER ISSUED AN TECH ALERT #TA03 1201 FOR THE OIL PUMP FAILURES DUE TO THEIR MANUFACTURING ERROR WITH VIN# 3A[XXX] ? 3A[XXX]. BELOW IS THE ORIGINAL TEXT FROM THEIR ALERT. WHY THEY HAVEN'T MADE THE RECALL YET? IT'S SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH ENGINE CAN DIE OR BURN ANYTIME, AND THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ENGINE ACCORDING TO THEIR TECH ALERT. SEE BELOW: 2003 DISCOVERY SERIES II OIL PUMP FAILURES VEHICLES AFFECTED DISCOVERY SERIES II (LT) 3A[XXX] ? 3A[XXX] SITUATION OIL PUMP FAILURES ON 2003 DISCOVERY SERIES II VEHICLES MAY BE THE RESULT OF A MANUFACTURING ERROR. LOCATING DOWEL PINS MAY BE SLIGHTLY MISALIGNED PERMITTING ASSEMBLY OF THE OIL PUMP TO THE ENGINE BLOCK, BUT PLACING STRESS ON THE PUMP HOUSING WHICH CAN ULTIMATELY LEAD TO LEAKAGE OR FAILURE. RESOLUTION WHENEVER AN OIL PUMP FAILURE IS ENCOUNTERED ON VEHICLES WITHIN THE ABOVE VIN RANGE THE ONLY EFFECTIVE REPAIR CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IS REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPLETE ENGINE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE FRONT COVER/OIL PUMP MANUFACTURED TO THE LATEST TOLERANCES. USE THE FOLLOWING COMPONENTS TO AFFECT A REPAIR: ? LBB112301 4.6 ENGINE ASSEMBLY LEV ? LBB111461 4.6 ENGINE ASSEMBLY NON-LEV. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #10585482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,450 milesBound Brook, NJ
POWER TRAIN
PURCHASED LAND ROVER DISCOVERY LESS THEN A MONTH AGO, SINCE THEN THE DASH BOARD LOOKS LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THE NUMBER OF WARNING LIGHTS THAT ARE ON. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE ABS MODULATOR WAS OUT AND IT WOULD $3500.00 JUST FOR THE PART, EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND A REPAIR KIT FOR UNDER A $100. HOWEVER, THE MOST RECENT WARNING LIGHT IS THE OIL LIGHT AND THE CAR OVER HEATS IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, AND KNOCKS AND BINGS. AFTER READING THE SEVERAL POST ON THIS WEB SIGHT, I TOO AM NOW PART OF A LONG LIST OF CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE MAJOR ISSUES WITH LAND ROVER. WHAT A MISTAKE IT WAS.
NHTSA complaint #10562976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,450 milesBound Brook, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PURCHASED LAND ROVER DISCOVERY LESS THEN A MONTH AGO, SINCE THEN THE DASH BOARD LOOKS LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THE NUMBER OF WARNING LIGHTS THAT ARE ON. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE ABS MODULATOR WAS OUT AND IT WOULD $3500.00 JUST FOR THE PART, EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND A REPAIR KIT FOR UNDER A $100. HOWEVER, THE MOST RECENT WARNING LIGHT IS THE OIL LIGHT AND THE CAR OVER HEATS IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, AND KNOCKS AND BINGS. AFTER READING THE SEVERAL POST ON THIS WEB SIGHT, I TOO AM NOW PART OF A LONG LIST OF CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE MAJOR ISSUES WITH LAND ROVER. WHAT A MISTAKE IT WAS.
NHTSA complaint #10562976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,450 milesBound Brook, NJ
ENGINE
PURCHASED LAND ROVER DISCOVERY LESS THEN A MONTH AGO, SINCE THEN THE DASH BOARD LOOKS LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE WITH THE NUMBER OF WARNING LIGHTS THAT ARE ON. WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THE ABS MODULATOR WAS OUT AND IT WOULD $3500.00 JUST FOR THE PART, EVEN THOUGH I RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND A REPAIR KIT FOR UNDER A $100. HOWEVER, THE MOST RECENT WARNING LIGHT IS THE OIL LIGHT AND THE CAR OVER HEATS IN A VERY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME, AND KNOCKS AND BINGS. AFTER READING THE SEVERAL POST ON THIS WEB SIGHT, I TOO AM NOW PART OF A LONG LIST OF CUSTOMERS THAT HAVE MAJOR ISSUES WITH LAND ROVER. WHAT A MISTAKE IT WAS.
NHTSA complaint #10562976 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irving, TX
POWER TRAIN
2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE VIBRATION ISSUES AND RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE APPROACHED THE TRAFFIC LIGHT, HE HEARD A VERY LOUD BANGING NOISE FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER CALLED HIS LOCAL DEALER, TO EXPLAIN ABOUT THE RECALL NOTICE HE RECEIVED, BUT THE DEALER INFORMED HIM, SINCE THE VEHICLE HAD A 105,000 MILES AND HE WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL # 08V635000.
NHTSA complaint #10558846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,165 milesAlexandria, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TECHNICAL SERVICE REPORT FROM INDEPENDENT BRITISH LAND ROVER SPECIALISTS, BETHESDA MD: CUSTOMER STATES ENGINE MAKES A TAPPING NOISE, MOSTLY AT IDLE. DIAGNOSIS - VERIFIED NOISE. OIL LIGHT ON DUE TO LOW OIL PRESSURE, VEHICLE IN VIN RANGE FOR OIL PUMP FAILURE DUE TO MISALIGNED FRONT COVER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. OIL PUMP DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED, AND NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. CORRECT REPAIR IS ENGINE REPLACEMENT, AS DAMAGE TO BEARINGS CAN OCCUR. FAILURE ALSO CAUSED BY BLOCK ALIGNMENT POSITIONING. AT THIS POINT, NO NOTICEABLE ENGINE DAMAGE HAS OCCURRED, AND TO AVOID ENGINE REPLACEMENT CAN REPLACE OIL PUMP ASSEMBLY. OIL PUMP REPLACEMENT WOULD ONLY BE TEMPORARY X, AS PROBLEM WILL MOST LIKELY ARISE YEARS DOWN THE LINE. WILL NEED TO CHECK FRONT COVER FOR DAMAGE DURING REPAIR. ADDITIONALLY, LARGE OIL LEAK FROM INTAKE END SEALS DETECTED. RECOMMEND REPLACE OIL PUMP, ALIGN FRONT COVER, REPLACE INTAKE GASKET WHILE NOTING THERE MAY BE CHANCES OF ENGINE FAILURE, BEARING DAMAGE & DAMAGE TO FRONT COVER DETECTED DURING SERVICE. NOTES: TO AVOID ENGINE FAILURE, REPLACED OIL PUMP AT A COST OF $2,600 DUE TO MISALIGNED FRONT COVER FROM THE LAND ROVER MANUFACTURER. WILL LIKELY NEED TO REPLACE ENGINE IN THE FUTURE AT AN EXPECTED COST OF $10,000 DUE TO BLOCK ALIGNMENT POSITIONING MANUFACTURING ERRORS FROM LAND ROVER. CUSTOMER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS IN THEIR ENTIRETY, DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE CAUSED BY ORIGINAL MANUFACTURING DEFECTS, AS LAND ROVER HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. PLEASE ASSIST - THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF VERY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS POSTED ON MULTIPLE LAND ROVER FORUMS ONLINE.
NHTSA complaint #10544783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.