2003 Land Rover Discovery Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 23%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Land Rover Discovery, 23% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on the highway when my engine started knocking. I immediately pulled over and then my oil and engine lights came on. I had it towed to the dealership and was informed my oil pump wasn't any good and I needed to replace my engine. After doing some investigating I discovered there was a technical alert sent out to dealerships regarding 2003 Land Rover Discovery ii oil pump failures. I was not notified of this when I purchased my vehicle years ago. Land rover is liable for this and I would like them to replace my engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10462863, filed 2012-06, 124,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10631948, filed 2014-09, 100,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10562976, filed 2014-02, 66,450 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10544783, filed 2013-09, 97,165 miles“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, filed 2015-03, 149,562 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 38% |
| 2022 | 1 | 9% |
| 2021 | 1 | 9% |
| 2020 | 4 | 21% |
| 2019 | 8 | 21% |
| 2018 | 6 | 16% |
| 2017 | 13 | 24% |
| 2016 | 2 | 40% |
| 2004 | 5 | 17% |
| 2003 | 11 | 23% |
| 2001 | 1 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2003 Land Rover Discovery
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology