LAND ROVER DEFENDER MOT pass rate
77.8% of 222,244 LAND ROVER DEFENDER MOT tests pass.
The DEFENDER passes 77.8% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the average across all LAND ROVER models (84.7%).
At 77.8%, The LAND ROVER DEFENDER passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
This is the average across every LAND ROVER DEFENDER in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
How to check and keep your LAND ROVER’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the LAND ROVER DEFENDER tested at 0–3 years pass 95.5% of the time, compared with just 71.4% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 95.5% | 13,911 | 31,331 miles |
| 3–6 years | 95.4% | 21,142 | 36,130 miles |
| 6–10 years | 88.3% | 19,176 | 48,051 miles |
| 10–15 years | 79.5% | 31,515 | 74,169 miles |
| 15+ years | 71.4% | 136,500 | 131,332 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The most common reason the LAND ROVER DEFENDER fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 85.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 85.3% | Not working |
| Suspension | 45.3% | Has an excessively worn bush |
| Brakes | 38.2% | Excessively corroded |
| Body, chassis, structure | 34.9% | Corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced |
| Steering | 29.0% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Visibility | 21.9% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.2% | Emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit |
| Tyres | 7.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 4.8% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Identification of the vehicle | 3.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Related LAND ROVER models
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE — 88.8% pass rate
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT — 88.6% pass rate
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY — 82.4% pass rate
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT — 88.0% pass rate
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER — 86.3% pass rate
- LAND ROVER FREELANDER — 73.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
- 77.8% of LAND ROVER DEFENDER MOT tests pass, based on 222,244 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
- The most common reason the LAND ROVER DEFENDER fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 85.3% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- Does this show the LAND ROVER DEFENDER's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the LAND ROVER service history guide for how to check and keep one.