2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Land Rover Discovery MOT pass rate and common faults

5,352 MOT tests in 2024. 64.2% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time64.2%
Failed or needed repairs35.8%
Typical mileage at test146,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,352 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.6%
  3. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  5. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.8%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.7%
  7. Stop lamp: not working2.6%
  8. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.2%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn2.0%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect1.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics29.1%
  2. Suspension22.1%
  3. Brakes20.2%
  4. Body & chassis15.8%
  5. Steering8.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.5%
  2. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced12.0%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.1%
  5. Transmission oil leaks: leaking excessively from transmission6.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Land Rover Discovery?

In 2024, 64.2% of 2003 Land Rover Discovery cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,352 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Land Rover Discovery?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Land Rover Discovery reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).