2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

4,271 MOT tests in 2024. 62.9% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time62.9%
Failed or needed repairs37.1%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,271 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.4%
  2. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.7%
  4. Rear fog lamp: not working2.5%
  5. Stop lamp: not working2.2%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  7. Wheel bearings: has excessive play2.0%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.0%
  10. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.6%
  2. Brakes17.1%
  3. Suspension16.4%
  4. Steering13.3%
  5. Body & chassis12.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  8. Tyres2.7%

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 corroded15.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.6%
  5. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush7.0%

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 2003 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 62.9% of 2003 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,271 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Land Rover Defender?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush; position lamp: not working; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).