2009 · 15 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2009 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

3,334 MOT tests in 2024. 66.9% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

115Well above average
Passed first time66.9%
Failed or needed repairs33.1%
Typical mileage at test85,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,334 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.9%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  4. Stop lamp: not working2.3%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.9%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.8%
  8. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.7%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements1.6%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.5%
  2. Brakes15.3%
  3. Suspension13.4%
  4. Steering11.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%
  6. Body & chassis7.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.0%
  8. Tyres2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.1%
  4. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush7.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.6%

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 2009 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 66.9% of 2009 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,334 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Land Rover Defender?

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

Is the 2009 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 115, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).