CarBrief

NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Discovery, and engine complaints lead the list[1][2]. The EPA rates it at 12 MPG combined[3].

111owner complaints[1]
3recalls[4]
12MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 111 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Of these, 13 mention a crash, 4 a fire and 10 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Median mileage at failure
Engine[2] 51 0 3 75,000
Brakes[5] 21 6 0 54,500
Power train[6] 15 1 0 73,000
Speed control[7] 10 4 0 70,000
Air bags[8] 6 4 1 not listed
Electrical system[9] 6 2 1 83,000

Engine. In the sample of engine complaints we read, In the sample of engine complaints we read, 11 of 12 describe an oil warning light or an oil pump failure, often followed by loud engine noise or a ruined engine[2]. Some of these owners also say the company would not cover the repair. The group has 3 fires[2].

Brakes. In the brake sample, 6 of 12 texts describe ABS, traction control and hill descent warning lights staying on, or weaker braking[5]. Another 4 of 12 say the brake and accelerator pedals feel too close together[5]. The group has 6 crashes[5].

Power train. In the sample we read, 5 of 12 texts describe a broken driveshaft that left the vehicle unable to move[6]. Another 2 of 12 describe a transmission that failed or would not shift[6].

Speed control. In the sample we read, 9 of 11 texts describe sudden acceleration or a stuck throttle[7]. Six of the 11 say the owner's vehicle was not covered by the throttle recall when it happened[7]. The group has 4 crashes[7].

The air bag group has 4 crashes and 10 injuries, but only 6 complaints[8]. That is too few to draw a conclusion.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 3 recalls for this model year[10][11][12]. Newest first:

Our data cannot tell you whether a specific vehicle is covered or already repaired. Some owners in the complaint sample say their vehicle was left out of the throttle recall[7]. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the Discovery Series II with the 4.6L 8-cylinder engine and a 4-speed automatic at 11 MPG city, 14 highway and 12 combined[3]. It is a 4-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle that uses premium fuel[3]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $6,850, based on current EPA fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the car was new[3].

Engine and size

The EPA entry lists a 4.6L 8-cylinder engine[3]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications for the Discovery S/SE/HSE 4-door SUV 4WD and can differ slightly from US models[13].

Measure Value
Length 184 in
Width 74 in
Height 76 in
Wheelbase 100 in
Curb weight 4,575 lb

All figures come from one source[13].

How 2003 compares with other years

1995: 53 complaints, 4 recalls19951996: 75 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 37 complaints, 2 recalls19971998: 33 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 53 complaints, 8 recalls19992000: 70 complaints, 10 recalls2001: 44 complaints, 6 recalls20012002: 51 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 111 complaints, 3 recalls11120032004: 51 complaints, 1 recalls2015: 14 complaints, 2 recalls20152016: 57 complaints, 2 recalls2017: 94 complaints, 5 recalls20172018: 59 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 60 complaints, 4 recalls20192020: 32 complaints, 10 recalls2021: 15 complaints, 6 recalls20212022: 15 complaints, 6 recalls2023: 11 complaints, 7 recalls20232024: 8 complaints, 7 recalls2025: 6 complaints, 3 recalls20252026: 1 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Discovery model year. The 2003 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995534
1996753
1997372
1998331
1999538
20007010
2001446
2002513
20031113
2004511
2015142
2016572
2017945
2018595
2019604
20203210
2021156
2022156
2023117
202487
202563
202611

The 2003 Discovery has 111 complaints[4]. That is the highest count of any model year NHTSA lists for the Discovery. The next highest are 94 complaints for 2017 and 75 for 1996[4]. Its 3 recalls are fewer than the 10 for 2000 and the 8 for 1999[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat the comparison as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2003 Discovery?

The record is mixed to cautious. This year has the most complaints of any Discovery year, and the engine group alone has 51[4][2]. Owners in the sample we read often describe oil pump trouble followed by engine damage[2]. Before buying, ask for proof that all 3 recalls were done, and check the VIN with NHTSA[10][11][12]. Budget for fuel too, since the EPA puts annual cost at $6,850[3]. A pre-purchase inspection that looks at the engine, ABS and driveshaft fits what owners report.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Land Rover Discovery?
Engine complaints are the largest group at 51 of 111[2][1]. In the sample we read, owners often describe oil pump failure. Brakes (21), power train (15) and speed control (10) follow[5][6][7].
Does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery have recalls?
Yes, 3[10][11][12]. They cover ABS modulator bolts (04V005), an ACE pump bolt leak that can cause a fire (04V006) and a sticking throttle (03V133)[10][11][12].
What is the gas mileage of the 2003 Land Rover Discovery?
The EPA rates it at 11 city, 14 highway and 12 combined MPG, with premium fuel[3].
Is the 2003 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
It has the highest complaint count of any Discovery year listed, 111[4]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales[1].
How big is the 2003 Land Rover Discovery?
It is 184 in long, 74 in wide and 76 in tall, with a 100 in wheelbase Optional: drop the parenthetical in the FAQ answer.[13].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 111 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery (13 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 10 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 51 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. EPA rating for Discovery Series II, 4.6L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 14 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $6,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Land Rover Discovery model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. 21 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 15 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 73,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 10 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 6 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 10 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 6 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 83,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Recall 04V005, filed January 6, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 04V006, filed January 6, 2004: Engine And Engine Cooling. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 03V133, filed April 14, 2003: Vehicle Speed Control › Cables. NHTSA recall database
  13. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, DISCOVERY S/SE/HSE 4DR SUV 4WD: length 184 in, width 74 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 100 in, curb weight 4,575 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.