2002 · 22 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2002 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

3,752 MOT tests in 2024. 64.5% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time64.5%
Failed or needed repairs35.5%
Typical mileage at test127,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,752 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.2%
  2. Rear fog lamp: not working2.5%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.0%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.0%
  7. Stop lamp: not working2.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements1.9%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.5%
  2. Suspension16.7%
  3. Brakes15.5%
  4. Body & chassis13.6%
  5. Steering12.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.6%
  8. Tyres2.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.7%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play8.0%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.7%
  5. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush7.4%

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: shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush. 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 2002 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 64.5% of 2002 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,752 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Land Rover Defender?

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

Is the 2002 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).