At 30,000 miles, we took the vehicle in to be "serviced" mainly because another mechanic told us that the oil was 'gunked'. The dealer informed us that there was no problem with the vehicle or the warranty and replaced the oil at a charge of over $94.00. Then at 34,000, the brakes suddenly began to grind and the brake light came on, we took it to the dealer and they said it was "normal wear and tear" and charged us over $355.00 to fix the brakes. After another 1,000 miles, the light came on again, when we called them they told us to leave it with them for a few weeks and refused us a loaner car. Also, the rear driver side window would not roll up and they replace it because it was 'under warranty'. At 46,000 miles the engine began to over heat. I took it to the nearest mechanic and was informed that the oil again was 'gunked up' because anti freeze had been leaking into the engine. After 3 weeks, the dealer "land rover of tulsa' first told us that the engine would have to be replaced. Then land rover inc tried to tell us that the engine would be our expense. They tried to inform us that the vehicle had not been properly serviced (even though we had taken it in several times at considerable expense). They kept the vehicle for 3 weeks, and then replaced some part, told us to watch the coolant and to have the oil changed every 6,000 miles. After 247 miles, half a gallon of antifreeze was gone and the engine started to run "funny again". Even though the dealer claimed that no anti freeze was in the oil, they forgot to clean the oil cap after their "service". I had it tested by an independent mechanic and anti freeze was found in the oil cap, which proves anti freeze was in the oil. Also, they claimed a wheel bearing was going out and they would order the part and fix it 'under warranty'. They seem confused that their 'warranty is not a pick and choose type warranty. This vehicle is obviously a lemon.
The worst 2003 Land Rover Defender problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Visibility1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes1
- Engine1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Land Rover Defender 2
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
What 2003 Land Rover Defender owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2003 Land Rover Defender
Other model years
Questions about the 2003 Land Rover Defender
Is the 2003 Land Rover Defender reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2003 Land Rover Defender, fewer than a typical Defender model year.
What is the 2003 Land Rover Defender year score?
The 2003 Land Rover Defender scores 95 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Land Rover Defender: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Land Rover Defender?
Brakes, with 1 complaint. Next is engine (1).
How many recalls does the 2003 Land Rover Defender have?
No recalls on record.
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