2001 · 23 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2001 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

2,989 MOT tests in 2024. 63.3% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time63.3%
Failed or needed repairs36.7%
Typical mileage at test125,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,989 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working3.0%
  3. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush2.7%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  5. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.7%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3%
  8. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.3%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.2%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics30.8%
  2. Suspension18.4%
  3. Body & chassis16.9%
  4. Brakes15.5%
  5. Steering14.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.5%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.4%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play8.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 63.3% of 2001 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,989 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Land Rover Defender?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; rear fog lamp: not working; shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).