Land Rover Defender MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 106,838 MOT tests on the Land Rover Defender carried out in 2023. 32% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Defenders passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1983 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (67% passed, +10.0 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 1987 models fared worst (63%, −8.6 points). Tested cars had covered 102,581 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 17.6% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 10.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 106,838
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 102,581
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Defender?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Defender MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 257 | 96% | 91% | +5.3 points | 25,664 |
| 2020 | 4,031 | 91% | 88% | +3.2 points | 29,246 |
| 2016 | 1,801 | 83% | 79% | +4.6 points | 31,380 |
| 2015 | 6,601 | 79% | 75% | +3.8 points | 44,959 |
| 2014 | 5,790 | 77% | 72% | +4.8 points | 54,720 |
| 2013 | 4,314 | 73% | 68% | +4.8 points | 62,019 |
| 2012 | 3,833 | 70% | 66% | +4.4 points | 67,599 |
| 2011 | 3,903 | 69% | 63% | +6.2 points | 78,123 |
| 2010 | 3,963 | 68% | 60% | +7.6 points | 80,888 |
| 2009 | 3,485 | 66% | 59% | +7.0 points | 86,404 |
| 2008 | 3,701 | 67% | 57% | +10.0 points | 93,606 |
| 2007 | 3,937 | 67% | 57% | +9.8 points | 98,910 |
| 2006 | 3,723 | 65% | 56% | +8.8 points | 104,505 |
| 2005 | 4,114 | 65% | 56% | +9.2 points | 111,123 |
| 2004 | 4,209 | 65% | 56% | +9.0 points | 117,608 |
| 2003 | 4,338 | 64% | 57% | +7.1 points | 124,595 |
| 2002 | 3,838 | 64% | 58% | +6.0 points | 128,788 |
| 2001 | 3,163 | 63% | 59% | +4.6 points | 128,523 |
| 2000 | 2,998 | 62% | 61% | +1.2 points | 131,577 |
| 1999 | 3,057 | 64% | 62% | +1.2 points | 136,352 |
| 1998 | 3,504 | 66% | 64% | +1.8 points | 130,787 |
| 1997 | 3,409 | 62% | 64% | −2.1 points | 142,120 |
| 1996 | 3,524 | 63% | 65% | −2.5 points | 150,544 |
| 1995 | 2,890 | 64% | 66% | −2.8 points | 140,574 |
| 1994 | 2,358 | 63% | 66% | −3.7 points | 139,983 |
| 1993 | 1,927 | 64% | 67% | −3.0 points | 134,920 |
| 1992 | 1,487 | 64% | 68% | −4.5 points | 138,404 |
| 1991 | 1,720 | 63% | 70% | −6.6 points | 139,686 |
| 1990 | 1,639 | 66% | 71% | −4.8 points | 139,631 |
| 1989 | 1,919 | 65% | 72% | −7.1 points | 137,961 |
| 1988 | 1,463 | 64% | 71% | −7.2 points | 137,344 |
| 1987 | 1,664 | 63% | 72% | −8.6 points | 138,049 |
| 1986 | 1,744 | 66% | 71% | −5.2 points | 132,377 |
| 1985 | 1,323 | 68% | 72% | −4.0 points | 130,519 |
| 1984 | 797 | 70% | 73% | −2.7 points | 130,491 |
| 1983 | 233 | 68% | 75% | −7.2 points | 124,131 |
Why the Land Rover Defender fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Defender | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 17.6% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 9.5% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.7% | 6.8% |
| Steering | 8.0% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 7.4% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 6.8% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.6% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 1.8% | 6.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.5% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 1.0% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working10.2%
- 2ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
- 3has an excessively worn bush2.8%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 5excessively corroded2.2%
- 6ball joint has excessive play2.1%
- 7too high2.0%
- 8provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
- 9efficiency below requirements1.8%
- 10not working1.8%
Common Defender MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Defender, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 12.9% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 6.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.6% |
| has an excessively worn bush | Suspension | 6.5% |
| webbing significantly weakened | Seatbelts and airbags | 5.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.3% |
| leaking excessively from transmission | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.1% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 4.5% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 4.4% |
Tips to help your Defender pass
Based on where Defenders most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 17.6% of Defender tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 8.7% of Defender tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Steering · 8.0% of Defender tests
Feel for play in the steering
Clunks or play in the steering wheel, uneven tyre wear or a split steering rack gaiter are all reasons to book an inspection before the test.
Compare with other models
Is the Defender ULEZ compliant? See the Land Rover Defender ULEZ check, or view all Land Rover models.
Other Land Rover models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 106,838 first MOT tests of the Land Rover Defender carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 106,838 first MOT tests of the Land Rover Defender.
What is the Land Rover Defender MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 106,838 first MOT attempts on the Land Rover Defender ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Land Rover Defender fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (17.6% of tests), suspension (9.5% of tests), brakes (8.7% of tests).
Which Defender year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 67% passed first time, +10.0 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 1987, at 63% (−8.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Land Rover Defender covered at its MOT?
The average was 102,581 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 25,664 miles and 1983 cars 124,131.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Land Rover Defender?
"leaking excessively from engine" was recorded on 15.2% of tests, in the noise, emissions and leaks area. 2.6% of Defenders failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Defender's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 106,838 Defenders in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 62% to 96% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Defender's MOT history
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