CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Land Rover Defender
2011–2016
The Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2011–2016 is 80% across 235,065 official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 397,492 recorded defect notes for Land Rover Defender models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Land Rover Defender models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 235,065
- Recorded defect notes
- 397,492
- Registration era
- 2011–2016
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 27 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
80%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
235,065
Defect notes recorded
397,492
Key Findings
Land Rover Defender (2011–2016)
- 80% MOT pass rate across 235,065 tests.
- 53% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
- Shock absorber condition accounts for a leading share of recorded MOT issues.
- Brake-pipe deterioration is the most common recurring systemic issue in this extract.
- Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.
Land Rover Defender Research Summary
Based on over 235,065 official UK MOT tests, Land Rover Defender models registered between 2011 and 2016 achieve a solid 80% MOT pass rate.
The majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with dampers, tyres and lighting accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.
Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although brake-pipe deterioration appears consistently across the dataset.
Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Land Rover Defender is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Land Rover Defender should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Land Rover Defender models can have very different maintenance histories.
Use this report to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car.
How we classify MOT faults
We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.
- Owner maintenance
- Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — for example tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
- Wear & tear
- Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
- Systemic
- Recurring wording and patterns that appear across the model fleet and may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
- Other
- Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.
How MOT failures break down
Share of recorded defect notes by category for Land Rover Defender in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
52.6% · 209,053
defect notes
- Wear & tear
14.8% · 58,804
defect notes
- Systemic
13.7% · 54,521
defect notes
- Other
18.9% · 75,114
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
276,855
defect notes
Minor
24,588
defect notes
Major
86,519
defect notes
Dangerous
9,530
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush
- Recorded
- 21,242 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (c)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 17,019 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (e)
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Headlamp aim too low
- Recorded
- 9,064 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.2 (a)
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush
- Recorded
- 3,970 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.7.4
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed
- Recorded
- 3,913 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.1.2 (b)
What it means
Seat-belt webbing is frayed or lightly damaged, which can weaken the belt in a crash.
Why it happens
Abrasion at guides, trapped belts or age fray the webbing fibres.
Buyer tip
Pull each belt fully out and inspect for cuts, fraying and weak retraction.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 3,891 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5 (a)
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre worn close to the legal limit
- Recorded
- 3,675 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 4.1.E.1
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Brake pad(s) wearing thin
- Recorded
- 3,599 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5.1g
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
These issues often build up when routine checks are skipped between services — tyres, lamps and washers are typical examples.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush
- Recorded
- 8,062 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (c)
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually wear related
Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush
- Recorded
- 1,838 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.7.4
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually wear related
Radius arm has excessive play in a pin/bush
- Recorded
- 1,471 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.4.G.2
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- Recorded
- 1,076 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.5.1i
What it means
A brake disc is contaminated, scored or otherwise not in a serviceable condition for consistent braking.
Why it happens
Worn pads, rust lip, oil contamination or delayed disc replacement leave an uneven braking surface.
Buyer tip
Check disc faces through the wheels and ask for pad/disc measurements if the car is due brakes soon.
Severity
Usually wear related
Ball joint has excessive play
- Recorded
- 328 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.2.B.1f
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt
- Recorded
- 248 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.2.C.1c
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Rear wheel bearing has excessive play
- Recorded
- 71 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.6.2
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
wheel bearing has excessive play
- Recorded
- 57 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.5.A.3c
What it means
This wording appears on DVSA MOT records for this model. It flags a tester-observed defect or advisory that can affect safety, legality or a future pass.
Why it happens
Components age with mileage and road use, even when a car has been looked after carefully.
Buyer tip
Ask the seller for invoices covering this item, and have an independent inspector confirm whether it is still present.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Brake pipe excessively damaged
- Recorded
- 38,875 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (c)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 776 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pipe excessively chafed
- Recorded
- 682 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 3.6.B.2c
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 271 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Power steering ram leaking
- Recorded
- 151 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.1.5 (a)
What it means
Power steering assistance is malfunctioning, making the car heavier and less predictable to steer.
Why it happens
Low fluid, pump faults, leaks or electric PAS failures remove assistance.
Buyer tip
Check fluid (if hydraulic), look for leaks, and verify electric PAS warnings on the dash.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread cracked
- Recorded
- 114 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 0.1 (b)
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Steering column universal joint has excessive wear or play
- Recorded
- 100 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 2.2.2 (c)
What it means
Play or wear in a steering-column joint can feel like vagueness or a knock through the wheel.
Why it happens
Intermediate shaft joints wear with mileage and can develop free play.
Buyer tip
Have a technician check column UJs and intermediate shafts if you feel notchiness.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture
- Recorded
- 97 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.1.11 (a)
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Recent year-by-year category counts
Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, and not a prediction).
| Year | Owner maintenance | Wear & tear | Systemic | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | defect notes | |
| 2021 | 22,234 | 6,359 | 6,476 | 7,085 |
| 2022 | 22,247 | 7,106 | 7,180 | 7,696 |
| 2023 | 22,502 | 7,474 | 7,913 | 8,013 |
| 2024 | 23,869 | 8,111 | 8,433 | 8,895 |
| 2025 | 24,041 | 8,825 | 8,617 | 10,044 |
| 2026 | 9,444 | 3,441 | 3,288 | 3,907 |
Buying a used Land Rover Defender: practical MOT checks
- Walk the car against the highest-volume MOT notes listed in this report.
- Ask for a full service history that matches the mileage.
- Compare this model with a peer in the same age band, not against a single registration check alone.
- Confirm any warning lamps (engine management, ABS, SRS) are investigated, not just cleared.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Land Rover Defender MOT pass rate for 2011–2016?
- In this extract, Land Rover Defender shows a 80% MOT pass rate across 235,065 recorded DVSA tests.
- What drives most Land Rover Defender MOT defect notes?
- About 53% of recorded defect notes are classed as owner maintenance.
- Is this the same as checking one registration on GOV.UK?
- No. GOV.UK shows one vehicle. This page aggregates MOT outcomes for the Land Rover Defender model in a fixed UK registration age band so you can research the model before you shortlist cars.