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2003 Land Rover Discovery II brakes problems

14 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 58,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
22%
typical mileage
58,000
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    4
  • Pedals and linkages
    2
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    2
  • Indicator light
    1
  • Antilock
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Land Rover Discovery II brakes problems in other years

199920002001200220032004

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 12

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported January 6, 2004 · 100,174 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems," and no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." the anti-lock braking system (ABS) modulator valve cover retaining bolts can crack due to stresses transmitted by the flexing valve covers.
Risk
This can produce an unexpected increase in stopping distance, with the potential for total loss of service braking function, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will strengthen the ABS modulator assembly valve covers and replace the retaining bolts. Owner notification is exepcted to begin during may 2004. Owners should contact land rover at 1‑800‑637‑6837.

Recall number 04V005000 · Recall details

What 2003 Land Rover Discovery II owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 20, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 62,000 miles · AR · crash

1. Applied the brakes. 2. Every time I apply brakes after vehicle has been started 3. Dealer claims there is nothing which can be done... Apparently all such models have this issue, which generates the question as to why land rover has not been made to do something about this, much like what would have been done had such an issue been incurred with a chevrolet, ford or toyota? This issue has already been recorded as service bulletin the federal safety agency item no. 10016118? This demonstrates there are recognized problems with the ABS modulator and system, resulting in the ABS/ emergency brake / hill descent and traction control lamps illuminating on the dash, which may cause the ABS system to incur failure when needed? The number of vehicle owners incurring this problem indicates there is a serious inherent defect within this vehicle, which I and many others cannot understand why such have not been recalled... There has apparently been another recall for an ABS component in this vehicle (the federal safety agency recall campaign id no. 04v005000) and this preliminary recall should also be amended to include this issue with the ABS system? This issue is well documented and widespread among this particular model and the federal safety agency should finally require land rover to correct such.

Filed Jul 13, 2010 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 60,000 miles · ME

2003 land rover discovery ii -ABS stops working, impaired braking, traction control stops working, bad ABS modulator connection. Happens spontaneously. Replaced ABS modulator.

Filed Aug 20, 2009 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 38,000 miles · CA

The defect is already recorded as service bulletin the federal safety agency item no. 10016118. In short, there is an issue with the shuttle valves in the ABS system, which result in the ABS/traction control/hill descent warning lamp illumination in the dash, and more importantly may prevent the ABS from activating as needed. Due to the overwhelming number of owners experiencing this same specific issue, a recall is very appropriate. There are inherent problems with the ABS in these cars, as is preliminary evident in the fact that there has already been a recall for another component in the ABS (the federal safety agency recall campaign id no. 04v005000). This issue is very widespread among owner's of this automobile. The safety system of the automobile is compromised and the federal safety agency should require land rover to finally address this problem.

Filed May 18, 2009 · Brakes · 30,000 miles · TX

My 2003 land rover discovery suffers from a well known problem which causes the ABS and traction control to fail. Hundreds of discoveries suffer from this well known problem with no fix or recall from land rover. The problem has been coined "three amigos" and can be easily found by searching online. I am dependent on my ABS and constantly and consistently am putting my family at risk with this constant and consistent failure. My discovery recently slid off of the road due to loss of ABS during a rain storm. I had 2 children in the vehicle with me.

Filed Dec 7, 2008 · Brakes · IL

The problem is with our 2003 land rover discovery. The problem occurs almost daily. The traction control, ABS, and hill descent (referred to as the three amigos). I feel this is very much a safety recall due to lack of braking and traction when these lights all are on. When these lights are on the traction control device does not function. Due to living in illinois weather this creates problems driving on snow and ice covered roads-in which in our area we seem to be having a shortage on salt for the roads. The full reasoning as to why I bought this vehicle was to not have to worry about road conditions (I didn't think problems with system failures would occur with the cost of these vehicles) I feel this is a recall problem. Putting many peoples lives in jeopardy who actually feel they are safe while driving until they experience the failure of this system in these vehicles while on a weekend trip or four wheeling as which they were designed to do. This is not a problem that I created on my vehicle this is a problem that the company created when they produced these vehicles and sold them. I do not feel it is my responsibility to correct their flaw that they made in the production of these vehicles with defective system allowing failure during driving conditions if a system fails that is defective. As to any deaths related in this incident -the answer would be as of this time no and I pray that does not happen, and I do not believe the police where called because I'm quite sure they could care less if the traction control or my ABS are functioning properly and thank god that I did not have any property destruction or crashes yet.

Filed Oct 14, 2008 · Brakes · 43,000 miles · AL

Land rover discovery ii ABS fault. I cannot drive more than 5 miles without the ABS, hill descent control, and transfer case warning lights illuminating. It is my understanding that this fault is a result of an ABS system failure. After fault has been received by the cars computer, ABS is non-responsive. This is a serious safety issue affecting many of the land rover discovery vehicles on the road. I have taken the car into my mechanic who has been unable to pinpoint the problem. Apparently more than one element to the ABS system is defective. This occurs everyday and I'm still working on a resolution. I cannot sell the car in good conscious with such a hazardous problem.

Filed Nov 11, 2007 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · CT

Anti lock brake failure; multiple lights illuminte whe heavy braking down hills. All brake pads and rotors are new. Lights on dash extinguish upon restart. Very poor braking almost allowing vehicle to travel into cross traffic. Felt as though anti-lock system stopped functioning with standard braking remaining. Happended several times with myself and wife driving vehicle. Brought to dealer and looked up info on internet. Dealer indicated is was the antilock brake system modulator. Many complaints on rover websites about this going fairly early in life of vehicle. Dealership told my wife that there was still normal braking if lights are on,but it should not be used like your braking with antilock systems. I do not believe that landrover has not addressed this issue. This problem as caused several close calls when braking on limited hills. Dealership indicated part was $1500 and total job was $2100 to replace, but again said it was not necessary to do as braking would be there if lights were not on.

Filed Oct 5, 2006 · Brakes · 68,200 miles · CA

Hill descent control traction control and the ABS light constantly light up, I just bought my car,(less than 2 months ago) when applied brakes sometimes do not work properly. I went to the dealer where I purchased the car only to be told that there is no warranty on electrical systems, I took the car to a service dealer and I was told that it will cost approximately 2500 dollars! I had other problems and I am very disappointed with my purchase. I have been told that all discoveries have this problem I feel that there should be a recall for this issue, this is my 3rd land rover and they all had ABS failure.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Brakes · 64,000 miles · FL

Discovery 2 ABS issues, major problems with ABS system. Upon application adds a bit of time to your anticipated stopping distance. Very dangerous can lead to serious accident dealer shop cannot find how to fix it and lights and ABS warning lights are on constantly. Abs system is not engaged when needed.

Filed Mar 21, 2006 · Brakes · CA

2003 discovery ii and the three main lights illuminating, two times they have been on and stay on, sometimes now they turn on and off. Traction control, ABS and hill descent control. This will be my third trip to the dealer for the same problem.

Questions about the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II brakes

Does the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II, 22% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Land Rover Discovery II brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 58,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Land Rover Discovery II brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V005000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Land Rover Discovery II have bad brakes?

The Land Rover Discovery II model years with the most brakes complaints are 2000 (16 complaints), 1999 (15 complaints) and 2003 (14 complaints).

Other 2003 Land Rover Discovery II problems

Engine 32Transmission 5Airbags 4Driver assistance 4Locks 3Acceleration 2Body 1Fuel system 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Steering 1Visibility 1

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