2007 · 17 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2007 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

3,828 MOT tests in 2024. 66.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

117Well above average
Passed first time66.4%
Failed or needed repairs33.6%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,828 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.4%
  2. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.4%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.1%
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.1%
  7. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working1.5%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.2%
  2. Brakes17.0%
  3. Suspension14.5%
  4. Steering11.4%
  5. Body & chassis7.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks2.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.9%
  4. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush7.8%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.4%

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: rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2006 DefenderAll Defender years2008 Defender →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2007 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 66.4% of 2007 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,828 tests. The average for all 17-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2007 Land Rover Defender?

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

Is the 2007 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 117, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).