2003 Land Rover Range Rover
The 2003 Land Rover Range Rover marked a significant shift in the model’s design and technology, representing the third generation (L322). It was offered with a BMW-sourced 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 282 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Later in the model year, Land Rover switched to a Jaguar-sourced 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 290 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. People often appreciate the Range Rover for its off-road capabilities, luxurious interior, and iconic design. However, they commonly dislike its complex electronics, high maintenance costs, and poor fuel economy.
Engine
BMW 4.4L V8
- Cooling System Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Leaks from hoses, radiator, or expansion tank; overheating; low coolant level.
- Solution: Replace leaking hoses, radiator, or expansion tank.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal. Oil spots on the ground.
- Solution: Replace the faulty gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the location and severity.
- Recalls: None Found
- VANOS Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, poor fuel economy.
- Solution: Repair or replace VANOS solenoids and related components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Jaguar 4.4L V8
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise at startup, particularly when cold; potential for severe engine damage if the chain jumps.
- Solution: Replace timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Hose Failures
- Description/Symptoms: Cracked and brittle coolant hoses leading to leaks and potential overheating.
- Solution: Replace all suspect coolant hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
ZF 5HP24 5-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Harsh Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, inability to shift into certain gears.
- Solution: Perform a transmission service (fluid and filter change), or replace the transmission if damage is severe.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (service) to $3,000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly during acceleration; stalling; transmission slipping.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle leaning to one side, “Suspension Inactive” message on the dashboard, inability to adjust ride height, compressor running constantly.
- Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor. Consider replacing the air struts as well, if applicable.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Strut Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging overnight, particularly in cold weather; audible hissing sound from the struts; “Suspension Inactive” message on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replace leaking air struts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ per strut
- Recalls: None Found
- Height Sensor Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Incorrect ride height, “Suspension Inactive” message on the dashboard, uneven ride.
- Solution: Replace faulty height sensor(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per sensor
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery overnight, difficulty starting, parasitic draw.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This could involve faulty modules, relays, or wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Dim or non-functional display, flickering gauges, warning lights illuminating intermittently.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Central Locking System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking with the remote or key, alarm system malfunctions.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the central locking system. This could involve faulty actuators, door lock modules, or wiring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, water leaks.
- Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof mechanism or seals.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Tailgate Latch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Tailgate not opening or closing properly, latch mechanism failure.
- Solution: Replace the tailgate latch mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Heater Core Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell inside the cabin, foggy windows, low coolant level, poor heater performance.
- Solution: Replace the heater core. This is a labor-intensive job.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Navigation System/Radio Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Non-functional navigation system or radio, blank screen, inability to control climate control (on some models).
- Solution: Repair or replace the navigation system or radio unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2003 Land Rover Range Rover, while offering luxury and off-road capability, is known for its propensity for expensive repairs. Air suspension problems, electrical gremlins, and engine issues (especially cooling system leaks on the BMW engine and timing chain issues on the Jaguar engine) are common. Transmission issues can also be significant. The severity of the issues can range from minor annoyances to major system failures, and the cost to fix can be substantial. Potential buyers should factor in high maintenance costs when considering this vehicle.