2008 · 16 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2008 Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate and common faults

3,553 MOT tests in 2024. 68.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

120Well above average
Passed first time68.4%
Failed or needed repairs31.6%
Typical mileage at test92,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,553 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.0%
  2. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush3.0%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.7%
  4. Stop lamp: not working2.2%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.8%
  7. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.7%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.4%
  10. Wheel bearings: has excessive play1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics22.9%
  2. Brakes14.9%
  3. Suspension12.5%
  4. Steering11.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.0%
  6. Body & chassis5.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks2.7%
  8. Tyres1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.6%
  3. Shock absorbers: has an excessively worn bush9.0%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.9%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.7%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Land Rover Defender?

In 2024, 68.4% of 2008 Land Rover Defender cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,553 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 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 2008 Land Rover Defender reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 120, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).