Land Rover Defender years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
Land Rover Defender years with MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year: 1985–1995. Above it: 2000–2016 and 2020–2022. The other 4 years can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use year1985–1995
- Above the average for their first-use year2000–2016 and 2020–2022
- Can't be told apart from average1996–1999
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 72.6% to 73.1%.
In 2025, 72.9% of the 119,948 initial MOT tests on Land Rover Defender cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 68.8%. That is 4.1 points above the same-age average.
In our tables of the highest MOT pass rates by age: joint 15th of 116 cars first used in 2010.
Check a specific Defender
Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022age 3 | 9,83028,500 | 92.0%±0.6 | +3.5 ptsall: 88.5% | |
| 2021age 4 | 8,58038,600 | 91.1%±0.7 | +3.9 ptsall: 87.2% | |
| 2020age 5 | 4,19345,200 | 88.7%±1.0 | +2.7 ptsall: 86.0% | |
| 2016age 9 | 1,76232,400 | 83.6%±1.9 | +8.7 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 6,46646,600 | 79.1%±1.1 | +7.2 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2014age 11 | 5,67757,600 | 75.8%±1.2 | +7.2 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 4,22865,400 | 72.2%±1.4 | +6.4 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 3,76770,200 | 71.5%±1.5 | +8.0 ptsall: 63.5% | |
| 2011age 14 | 3,85179,800 | 70.0%±1.5 | +8.8 ptsall: 61.2% | |
| 2010age 15 | 3,81983,700 | 68.6%±1.5 | +9.3 ptsall: 59.3% | |
| 2009age 16 | 3,34388,100 | 68.3%±1.6 | +10.0 ptsall: 58.3% | |
| 2008age 17 | 3,58095,500 | 68.5%±1.6 | +11.3 ptsall: 57.2% | |
| 2007age 18 | 3,814100,100 | 67.1%±1.6 | +9.7 ptsall: 57.4% | |
| 2006age 19 | 3,660105,100 | 66.6%±1.6 | +9.6 ptsall: 57.0% | |
| 2005age 20 | 4,040110,800 | 67.2%±1.5 | +9.6 ptsall: 57.6% | |
| 2004age 21 | 4,122117,000 | 64.5%±1.5 | +6.7 ptsall: 57.8% | |
| 2003age 22 | 4,209124,300 | 65.4%±1.5 | +6.7 ptsall: 58.7% | |
| 2002age 23 | 3,702128,900 | 66.1%±1.6 | +6.6 ptsall: 59.5% | |
| 2001age 24 | 2,990127,900 | 65.0%±1.8 | +3.9 ptsall: 61.1% | |
| 2000age 25 | 2,870132,900 | 64.7%±1.8 | +2.0 ptsall: 62.7% | |
| 1999age 26 | 2,824137,700 | 65.0%±1.8 | +0.4 ptsall: 64.6% | |
| 1998age 27 | 3,332133,000 | 64.9%±1.7 | −0.7 ptsall: 65.6% | |
| 1997age 28 | 3,215143,800 | 66.7%±1.7 | −0.2 ptsall: 66.9% | |
| 1996age 29 | 3,319150,200 | 65.7%±1.7 | −1.1 ptsall: 66.8% | |
| 1995age 30 | 2,749140,900 | 64.2%±1.9 | −3.2 ptsall: 67.4% | |
| 1994age 31 | 2,199140,600 | 64.0%±2.1 | −4.9 ptsall: 68.9% | |
| 1993age 32 | 1,745136,000 | 66.4%±2.3 | −2.5 ptsall: 68.9% | |
| 1992age 33 | 1,433139,000 | 65.4%±2.6 | −3.9 ptsall: 69.3% | |
| 1991age 34 | 1,602140,600 | 65.4%±2.4 | −6.1 ptsall: 71.5% | |
| 1990age 35 | 1,541141,900 | 68.3%±2.4 | −4.6 ptsall: 72.9% | |
| 1989age 36 | 1,818140,700 | 68.0%±2.2 | −5.4 ptsall: 73.4% | |
| 1988age 37 | 1,426138,600 | 65.2%±2.6 | −8.6 ptsall: 73.8% | |
| 1987age 38 | 1,511138,100 | 68.1%±2.4 | −6.2 ptsall: 74.3% | |
| 1986age 39 | 1,587132,700 | 68.1%±2.4 | −5.8 ptsall: 73.9% | |
| 1985age 40 | 1,144129,100 | 71.3%±2.7 | −4.9 ptsall: 76.2% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
89.7% of Land Rover Defender tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 64.6% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 87.6% and 60.4%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 14,948 | 89.7%±0.5 | +2.1 ptsall: 87.6% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 25,636 | 82.4%±0.5 | +3.7 ptsall: 78.7% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 20,807 | 71.0%±0.7 | +5.2 ptsall: 65.8% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 19,395 | 66.2%±0.7 | +5.4 ptsall: 60.7% |
| 120,000 or more | 38,950 | 64.6%±0.5 | +4.2 ptsall: 60.4% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Defender tests were above average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Land Rover Defender tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. 212 tests (0.2%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common Defender problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Land Rover Defender
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Position lamp not workingLights and electrics | 11.4%3,698 tests | 10.2% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 8.2%2,652 tests | 7.1% |
| Shock absorber has an excessively worn bushSuspension | 7.7%2,518 tests | 0.7% |
| Rear fog lamp not workingLights and electrics | 7.6%2,482 tests | 4.0% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 7.1%2,303 tests | 7.5% |
| Headlamp aim too highLights and electrics | 6.1%1,971 tests | 3.5% |
| Rigid brake pipes excessively corrodedBrakes | 5.8%1,887 tests | 3.4% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 5.5%1,782 tests | 5.1% |
| Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lampsLights and electrics | 5.2%1,704 tests | 3.9% |
| Headlamp aim too lowLights and electrics | 5.0%1,626 tests | 4.4% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Defender's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Defender
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Body, chassis, structure
- Look for rust or damage under the sills, around the wheel arches and on the floor where you can see it.
- Open and close every door, the bonnet and the boot. They should latch properly.
- Check the seats are secure and adjust properly.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Defender's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Land Rover Defender cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 5.2% failed on tyres, against 1.3% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 4,193 and 47,231 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 17.4% of those with a tyre advisory and 17.3% of the others.
Brakes
Of Land Rover Defender cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 10.6% failed on brakes, against 5.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 8,403 and 43,300 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 17.6% of those with a brake advisory and 17.3% of the others.
Suspension
Of Land Rover Defender cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 13.1% failed on suspension, against 6.0% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 7,752 and 43,138 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 18.2% of those with a suspension advisory and 17.2% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataLand Rover Defender questions
Which Land Rover Defender years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 1985–1995. Above average: 2000–2016 and 2020–2022. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Land Rover Defender reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 72.9% of initial MOT tests on Land Rover Defender cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 68.8%. That is 4.1 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Land Rover Defender problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 52.8% of failed tests), suspension (in 28.0% of failed tests) and brakes (in 26.2% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Land Rover Defender?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Land Rover Defender cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 46,600 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Defender's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Land Rover Defender
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Land Rover models
- Land Rover Range Rover Evoque+5.2 pts against the same-age average
- Land Rover Discovery+6.0 pts against the same-age average
- Land Rover Range Rover Sport+7.6 pts against the same-age average
- Land Rover Discovery Sport+1.3 pts against the same-age average
- Land Rover Freelander+4.2 pts against the same-age average
- Land Rover Range Rover+9.2 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 8 Land Rover modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Land Rover Defender cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count