2003 Land Rover Discovery · 21,117 MOT tests
2003 Land Rover Discovery reliability
2003 Land Rover Discoverys fail 35.4% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 25 Discovery years (21,117 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 Land Rover Discovery?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Land Rover Discoverys: 25.3%)
- 35.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Land Rover Discoverys: 25.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 144,413
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 21,117
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (level)
- Weak spot: steering, 6.8% of tests fail here (25% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Land Rover Discovery
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.9%
- Suspension14.6%
- Brakes12%
- Body, chassis and structure11.3%
- Steering6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Position lamp not working 3.96%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 3.36%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Stop lamp not working 3.31%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.29%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.57%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 2.56%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (24.42%) · Chassis corroded but still rigid (11.22%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (8.37%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (5.89%) · Transmission oil leak, not excessive (5.39%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.36%)
Other years
Every Land Rover Discovery year
The full picture: Land Rover Discovery reliability. Before you pay for any Land Rover Discovery, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Land Rover Discovery reliable?
2003 Land Rover Discoverys fail 35.4% of first MOT tests, 23% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 25 Discovery years (21,117 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Land Rover Discovery MOT?
Most often position lamp not working (3.96% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (3.36% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.31% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Land Rover Discovery have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Land Rover Discovery shows 144,413 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Check a 2003 Land Rover Discovery free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.