CARMOTIQ Model Research Report
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2016–2021
The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 88.6% across 46,429 official UK DVSA tests. Press and buyer guides usually cast the Range Rover Evoque as the stylish premium SUV that helped redefine the segment — accomplished on the road, strong on desirability, and still a reference point against Audi and BMW rivals. That character matters when you are choosing between similar badges on a forecourt. What MOT history adds is a harder, population-level test of day-to-day upkeep: among 46,429 DVSA tests on 2016–2021 examples, 88.6% passed outright — and the majority of recorded defect notes trace to maintenance items a viewing can reveal, not hidden mechanical collapse.
Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Land Rover Range Rover Evoque models have performed at MOT over time—not just one vehicle.
Report Dataset
- Official UK DVSA MOT tests analysed
- 46,429
- Recorded defect notes
- 44,773
- Registration era
- 2016–2021
- Coverage
- United Kingdom
- Snapshot
- 17 August 2026
- Research method
- Aggregated model-level MOT analysis
MOT pass rate
88.6%
of MOT tests passed
MOT tests analysed
46,429
Defect notes recorded
44,773
Key Findings
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque (2016–2021)
- 88.6% MOT pass rate across 46,429 DVSA tests for Land Rover Range Rover Evoque cars registered 2016–2021.
- 30,175 of 44,773 defect notes — about 67% — are classed as owner maintenance; tyres alone account for 8,856 records.
- Systemic defects total 1,180 records (roughly 2.6% of all notes); engine management lamp faults are the leading systemic items at 373 and 157 records.
- Owner-maintenance notes include 2,180 Dangerous and 2,624 Major severity entries in the extract — worth treating advisories seriously on a viewing.
- Review consensus positions the Evoque as a desirable premium SUV; MOT records suggest upkeep discipline, especially tyres and lighting, separates pass outcomes more often than rare platform-wide failures.
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Research Summary
Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque arrives in used-buyer research with a clear identity: a fashion-led premium SUV that reviewers still rate highly for style, cabin quality and general competence. Parkers calls the current-generation car an excellent premium SUV that sets the pace for its class; RAC and Autocar praise its blend of desirability and substance; Auto Express notes it became Land Rover's best-selling product. None of that tells you how examples actually fare at the annual test once they sit in the five-to-ten-year window — which is where most private buyers shop.
Carmotiq's aggregate of DVSA MOT records for Land Rover Range Rover Evoque cars first registered between 2016 and 2021 shows an 88.6% pass rate over 46,429 tests and 44,773 defect notes. The split is heavily skewed toward owner maintenance: 30,175 notes versus 8,226 wear-and-tear, 1,180 systemic and 5,192 other. Tyres worn close to the limit or on the edge dominate at 8,856 records — far ahead of any other single item. Headlamp aim too low (737), windscreen washer failure (229) and shock absorber misting (172) fill out the neglect picture. Systemic volume is modest by comparison, but engine management lamp faults — recorded under two related codes totalling 530 notes — are the stand-out recurring issue worth investigating on a test drive. Wear-and-tear entries are sparse at individual fault level, with only single- or double-digit counts for items such as drive-shaft play and exhaust mount wear.
For a buyer, the practical read is straightforward: the Evoque's MOT profile does not read like a model defined by chronic test-station failures, but it does reward careful ownership. A viewing that checks tyre condition across the full tread width, confirms warning lamps are absent or properly diagnosed, and verifies headlamp aim and washer function aligns directly with where this fleet accumulates defect notes. Treat this page as background research on the model before you shortlist specific cars — then corroborate with a physical inspection and the individual MOT history on GOV.UK for any registration you are serious about.
What this doesn't tell you
This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.
Two identical Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 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 Range Rover Evoque in this age band (not MOT tests and not number of vehicles).
- Owner maintenance
67.4% · 30,175
defect notes
- Wear & tear
18.4% · 8,226
defect notes
- Systemic
2.6% · 1,180
defect notes
- Other
11.6% · 5,192
defect notes
Severity mix
How those defect notes were graded — advisory, minor, major or dangerous — summed across categories for this model band.
Advisory
36,468
defect notes
Minor
1,596
defect notes
Major
4,391
defect notes
Dangerous
2,318
defect notes
Most Common Owner-Maintenance Faults
DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
- Recorded
- 8,856 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
- 737 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
Windscreen washer not working
- Recorded
- 229 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
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
- Recorded
- 172 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.3.2 (b)
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
Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault
- Recorded
- 102 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.1.6 (a)
What it means
The airbag/SRS warning lamp indicates a fault. Restraint systems may not deploy correctly in a collision.
Why it happens
Clock-spring, sensor or module faults — sometimes after prior accident repairs — set SRS warnings.
Buyer tip
Require a specialist SRS diagnosis — do not accept a bulb removed or lamp covered up.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
- Recorded
- 84 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 5.2.3 (h)
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed
- Recorded
- 28 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
Electronic stability control warning lamp indicates a fault
- Recorded
- 23 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 7.12 (e)
What it means
Electronic stability control is reporting a fault or related wiring damage. Stability aids may be unavailable.
Why it happens
Sensor, wiring or module faults disable ESC and light the dashboard warning.
Buyer tip
Check for ESC/ASR lamps on ignition and ask for a scan if any warning stays on.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
Most Common Wear & Tear Faults
DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.
Drive shaft damaged but serviceable sport bearing has play
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.7 (e)
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
Exhaust mounting defective hanger bracket rubber worn/split
- Recorded
- 2 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
Severity
Usually wear related
Rear Service brake excessively binding Unable to inspect road wheel and wheel bearing
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 1.2.1 (f)
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
Emissions unable to be completed Exhaust leak
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (e)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
Most Common Systemic Faults
DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 373 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
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
- Recorded
- 157 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
Exhaust emissions exceed level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine
- Recorded
- 9 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 8.2.2.2 (b)
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread cracked
- Recorded
- 5 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
Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
- Recorded
- 2 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
Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases Back of engine
- Recorded
- 1 MOT defect notes
- DVSA code
- 6.1.2 (a)
What it means
An exhaust mount is worn or the system is insecure/leaking. That can worsen noise, fumes and later emissions failures.
Why it happens
Rubber hangers perish and joints loosen with heat cycles and corrosion.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for hanging sections, cracked rubbers and sooty leak marks at joints.
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 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1,273 | 284 | 68 | 324 |
| 2023 | 3,584 | 937 | 168 | 663 |
| 2024 | 9,407 | 2,343 | 337 | 1,635 |
| 2025 | 10,975 | 3,177 | 425 | 1,769 |
| 2026 | 4,928 | 1,483 | 182 | 800 |
Buying a used Land Rover Range Rover Evoque: practical MOT checks
- Inspect all four tyres for edge wear and tread depth — tyre defects are the single largest MOT note on this model, recorded 8,856 times in our extract.
- With the engine running, confirm the engine management light behaves correctly and is not lit; MIL faults appear 530 times across two related systemic defect codes.
- Check headlamp aim on dip and main beam at night or against a wall — headlamp aim too low is the second most common owner-maintenance note, at 737 records.
- Scan the dashboard for SRS, electronic stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring warnings before you drive; these lamp faults sit among the recurring neglect-category notes.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the Range Rover Evoque MOT pass rate for 2016–2021 registrations?
- In Carmotiq's extract for Land Rover Range Rover Evoque cars first registered between 2016 and 2021, the MOT pass rate is 88.6% across 46,429 recorded DVSA tests.
- What are the most common MOT faults on a used Range Rover Evoque?
- Tyre wear close to the legal limit or worn on the edge is the highest-volume single note, at 8,856 records. Headlamp aim too low follows at 737. Among systemic items, engine management lamp faults lead with 373 and 157 records across two related codes.
- Does a low pass rate here mean every Evoque is unreliable?
- No. The 88.6% pass rate is a fleet-level aggregate for this registration band. Owner-maintenance notes account for 30,175 of 44,773 recorded defects — roughly 67% — while systemic defects total 1,180, or about 2.6% of all notes in the extract.