2003 Land Rover Discovery: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery: 1 recall, 48 owner complaints and up to 12 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #03V133000 · 2003 · 3,291 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Dealers will replace the throttle body.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (11): the most common themes are noise or vibration (6), leaks (4), warning light on (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (7), leaks (2).
- Speed control / throttle (8): the most common themes are sudden acceleration (2).
- Engine & cooling (8): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), leaks (2), warning light on (2).
The 2003 Land Rover Discovery has 48 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 23 Discovery model years for complaints (2.0× the average Discovery year). Complaints peaked in 2012 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 73,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (17 complaints, 0 recalls), 2004 (29 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.6 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 14 | 12 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2003 Land Rover Discovery. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Land Rover Discovery problems?
Owners have filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (11), transmission & drivetrain (10), speed control / throttle (8).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery get?
EPA ratings run up to 12 mpg combined (4.6 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Land Rover Discovery repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.