2003 Land Rover Discovery: engine failure

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Engine · WA

2003 land rover discovery ii oil pump failure: we bought ours previously-owned from a land rover dealer. Nothing was mentioned about the defect in the manufacturing of this 4.6 l engine or the attached march 14, 2003 technical alert. In spite of regular service, the engine failed because of this defect and we replaced the engine with a used engine. Now, it may also be failing due to internal oil starvation. There are many posts online about these engine failures. Land rover sent out their alert, but did not offer the only remedy to their defective product - replace the engine ($10-12k). Like many others, we have spent thousands of dollars and been without the car while ours was in the shop because of a known defect that the land rover dealer chose not to share with us when we purchased the car. Attempts by others to seek help from land rover of america or through legal actions seem to have been unsuccessful. Since the statute of limitations has most likely expired on this matter, there is probably no way to ever recover the financial losses. It seemed like a nice car, but land rover really dropped the ball on this one. Don't by a 2003-4 discovery unless the VIN has been checked to be sure the vehicle is in the production series included in the land rover technical alert -ta03 1201.

Filed Sep 21, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 97,165 miles · VA

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. At this point, no noticeable engine damage has occurred, and to avoid engine replacement can replace oil pump assembly. Oil pump replacement would only be temporary x, as problem will most likely arise years down the line. Will need to check front cover for damage during repair. Additionally, large oil leak from intake end seals detected. Recommend replace oil pump, align front cover, replace intake gasket while noting there may be chances of engine failure, bearing damage & damage to front cover detected during service. Notes: to avoid engine failure, replaced oil pump at a cost of $2,600 due to misaligned front cover from the land rover manufacturer. Will likely need to replace engine in the future at an expected cost of $10,000 due to block alignment positioning manufacturing errors from land rover. Customer will have to pay for these repairs in their entirety, despite the fact that they are caused by original manufacturing defects, as land rover has not issued a recall. Please assist - there are thousands of very similar complaints posted on multiple land rover forums online.

Filed Dec 18, 2012 · Engine · 134,000 miles · AR · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 land rover discovery. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised him that there were slight oil leaks found. The contact was also advised to continue to check the oil levels and to add oil in the vehicle until reaching his destination. The contact was later driving 70 MPH when the vehicle emitted a loud banging noise. The contact moved to the shoulder where he observed a foreign object discharge from the exhaust pipe and cause the grass to catch on fire. The police and fire departments were contacted and a report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic where they advised that the engine failed due to extremely low oil pressure and a blown piston. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The failure and current mileages were approximately 134,000.

Filed Mar 10, 2012 · Engine · 65,010 miles · NY

Oil pump failure. Land rover issued a technical advisory to all of their dealers in march 2003 warning that due to a manufacturers defect in the engine block dowels being misdrilled where oil pump housing is mounted, that the misalignment causes the oil pump housing to be stressed eventually causing the oil pump to fail. The only effective repair is to replace the engine. I purchased this vehicle in 2006 which had come off lease. I had it serviced at land rover dealer in southampton ny and they never advised me that this was a manufacturers defect and that my vehicle fell within the VIN range referred to in the technical advisory. Other consumers have the same problem and there are over 30,000 vehicles currently on the road with this same problem. Why is there not a recall and why does lr not replace the defective engines?

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Engine · 72,000 miles · GA

Conducted an oil change nov 2010 engine failed nov 2010 engine still has full oil 2003 land rover discovery engine failure. Due to oil pump failure. This a known manufacture defect that land rover will not repair.

Filed Feb 13, 2008 · Engine · 36,000 miles · IL

2003 discovery w/ 36k miles. I was driving off the highway and heard a noise from the engine and than oil light came on. Put in neutral and pulled over. Had it towed to nearest garage. Oil pump had "exploded" and ripped a whole in engine "cover." I saw the oil pump gear in pieces. There is a known technical service bulletin for disco 2003 oil pump failure resulting in new engine replacement as only permanent fix. Currently my car is at land rover hinsdale illinois. Will not cover b/c warranty is up 10mos ago. Have contacted customer care and they are in the process of deciding to either give me nothing or a "good will gesture" w/ unlear monetary help. Huge stress on a car that has few miles and a known problem that could have been fixed for 500 dollars or so and now could be up to 10,000. Something needs to be done. Thanks jk