2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

3,661 MOT tests in 2024. 66.2% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time66.2%
Failed or needed repairs33.8%
Typical mileage at test102,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,661 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 corroded2.6%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.3%
  5. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  6. Drag link end: ball joint has excessive play1.8%
  7. Rear fog lamp: not working1.8%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.7%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.7%
  10. Wheel bearings: has excessive play1.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.9%
  2. Suspension15.7%
  3. Brakes14.2%
  4. Steering11.9%
  5. Body & chassis10.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.0%
  8. Tyres2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.9%
  4. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush7.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.5%

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.

← 2005 DefenderAll Defender years2007 Defender →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2006 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 66.2% of 2006 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,661 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 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 2006 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).