2003 Land Rover Discovery 2.5L Diesel · SJ53 TFA
2003 Land Rover Discovery (2.5L, diesel). First registered 30 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 174,443 miles. MOT expired on 22 Oct 2022.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Glasgow
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 22 Oct 2022
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 174,443 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
This vehicle has not had an MOT in the past 5 years. Mechanical analysis was skipped.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
SJ53 TFA Key Findings
- 26 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 22/10/2021
- 174,443 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 11 historical MOT failures
- 21 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (20 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
SJ53 TFA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
26 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Land Rover Discovery (SJ53 TFA) between September 2006 and October 2021.
The record contains 15 passes and 11 failures.
The most recent test on 22 October 2021 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (20 issues), Lighting (20 issues), Tyres (10 issues), Suspension (10 issues), Bodywork (6 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 29 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))”; “Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”.
SJ53 TFA Mileage History
- 27/09/200635,673 mi
- 23/10/200747,911 mi+12,238 mi
- 24/10/200747,911 mi
- 24/10/200859,901 mi+11,990 mi
- 15/10/200972,936 mi+13,035 mi
- 20/10/200973,055 mi+119 mi
- 11/06/201082,658 mi+9,603 mi
- 22/06/201188,772 mi+6,114 mi
- 23/06/201188,772 mi
- 01/11/201297,335 mi+8,563 mi
- 29/10/2013108,211 mi+10,876 mi
- 30/10/2013108,211 mi
- 15/04/2015124,003 mi+15,792 mi
- 16/04/2015124,004 mi+1 mi
- 12/04/2016137,894 mi+13,890 mi
- 12/04/2016137,894 mi
- 06/04/2017148,999 mi+11,105 mi
- 08/04/2017148,999 mi
- 04/04/2018155,349 mi+6,350 mi
- 11/04/2018155,356 mi+7 mi
- 09/04/2019161,272 mi+5,916 mi
- 10/04/2019161,733 mi+461 mi
- 30/09/2020170,209 mi+8,476 mi
- 02/10/2020170,222 mi+13 mi
- 22/10/2021174,443 mi+4,221 mi
Average of roughly 9,210 miles per year across 25 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Discovery 2 (L318)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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LAND ROVER DISCOVERY Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- TD5 Injector Harness Oil MigrationSerious
Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug connector, causing rough running, misfires and potential ECU damage.
- Air Suspension and ACE System FailuresSerious
Self-levelling suspension (SLS) air bags perish and compressors fail. The ACE system leaks from corroded pipes, causing handling issues and expensive repairs.
- Three Amigos (ABS/TC/ HDC Warnings)Moderate
The ABS, Traction Control, and Hill Descent Control warning lights illuminate together. Usually caused by ABS sensor failures but can indicate more expensive 4WD system issues.
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