1999 · 25 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1999 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

2,906 MOT tests in 2024. 63.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time63.2%
Failed or needed repairs36.8%
Typical mileage at test136,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,906 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working3.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.5%
  3. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting3.3%
  4. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.1%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  6. Position lamp: not working2.8%
  7. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.3%
  8. Wheel bearings: has excessive play2.3%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics31.0%
  2. Suspension18.5%
  3. Body & chassis17.4%
  4. Steering14.4%
  5. Brakes14.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.0%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.2%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rear fog lamp: not working. 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 1999 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 63.2% of 1999 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,906 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Land Rover Defender?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

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