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MOT History from tests of diesel LAND ROVER DEFENDERs year 1979

Review the list of common LAND ROVER DEFENDER failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your LAND ROVER then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history
Pass percent:60.77%
(The average a diesel LAND ROVER DEFENDER year 1979 passes without issue)
Based on:311 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment17
Brakes imbalanced across an axle15
Registration plate lamp issues8
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|7
Offside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|7
Registration plate issues7
Fuel system component leaking |7.2.3|6
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|6
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1b|6
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively6
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|6
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel |steering box fitted| |2.2.A.1a|5
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|5
Rear brake binding5
Offside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|5
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|4
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1a|4
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|4
Offside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|4
Horn not working |1.6.2a|4
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|3
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|3
Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine |7.4.B.3b|3
Nearside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|3
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on |1.4.B.1f|3
Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the nearside |3.7.C.2|3
Windscreen washer not working 3
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|3
Brake pipe excessively corroded3
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view |8.1.2a|2
Nearside Front Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|2
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|2
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|2
Offside Front Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|2
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by damage |6.1.C.1|2
Brake pedal spongy |3.3.B.1b|2
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|2
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt |5.2.2a|2
Front Fuel system component leaking |7.2.3|2
Offside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|2
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|2
Offside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|2
Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|2
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|2
Brake has no servo assistance |3.3.B.2|2
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|2
Drivers seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. (6.2.5 (b) (i))2
Speedometer clearly inoperative (7.8 (b) (ii))2
Speedometer cannot be illuminated (7.8 (c) (ii))2
Offside Track rod end loose |2.2.B.1d|2
Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|2
Nearside Front Obligatory mirror missing |8.1.1|2
Front brake application uneven2
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Hazard warning lamps inoperative |1.4.B.1b|2
Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|2
Offside Rear Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |7.3.B.1a|2
Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Nearside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.D.4|2
Nearside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to significantly weakened the webbing |5.2.2a|2
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Windscreen wiper blade insecure2
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|2
Nearside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view |8.1.2a|1
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level |3.6.G.1b|1
Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber detached |2.7.2b|1
Offside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings |2.2.B.1h|1
Nearside Stop lamp emits other than a steady red light |1.2.1e|1
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|1
Battery insecure |1.9.1|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring fractured |2.4.B.1a|1
Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour of any colour |7.4.B.4|1
Steering box insecure |2.2.B.1a|1
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Offside Obligatory mirror insecure |8.1.1|1
Brake pedal anti-slip provision worn smooth |3.3.A.1b|1
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing |7.2.4c|1
Nearside Front Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened |2.4.C.3c|1
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Rear Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Nearside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Offside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Suspension arm synthetic bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Intermediate drop arm insecure |2.2.B.1a|1
Nearside Torsion bar excessive play at an end fixing |2.4.E.2|1
Offside Torsion bar excessive play at an end fixing |2.4.E.2|1
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive movement at a tie bar joint |2.5.A.1c|1
Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Indicator switch faulty |1.4.A.1|1
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|1
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement1
Nearside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil |3.5.1h|1
Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil |3.5.1h|1
Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Nearside Front Brake pipe fouled by moving parts |3.6.B.2a|1
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Nearside Front Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Rear reflector not red in colour |1.5.1d|1
Offside Rear reflector not red in colour |1.5.1d|1
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive |7.3.B.1b|1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded shocker mounting |2.4.A.3|1
Rear Torque/reaction arm has a deteriorated synthetic mounting resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel |3.1.6b|1
Front Prop shaft likely to become detached bolts loose |6.1.7 |a| |ii||1
Speedometer cannot be illuminated. |6.7.3|1
Offside Front Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on |1.4.B.1f|1
Offside Front Intermediate drop arm cracked and unserviceable |2.2.C.1d|1
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|1
Offside Front Driver`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|1
Offside Rear Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Offside Rear wheel cylinder leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Offside Front Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.A.2|1
Nearside Front Passenger`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.A.2|1
Rear reflector missing offside/nearside (4.8.2 (a) (ii))1
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))1
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))1
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))1
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))1
Front Prop shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))1
Nearside Front Brake disc contaminated oil (hub seal leak) (1.1.14 (b))1
Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))1
Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))1
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))1
Offside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))1
Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))1
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))1
Nearside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))1
Offside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))1
Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour likely to obscure the vision of other road users (8.2.2.2 (c))1
Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (7.1.2 (e))1
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective (7.1.2 (e))1
Fuel tank leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))1
Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated offside/nearside (5.1.3 (b) (i))1
Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated offside/nearside (5.1.3 (b) (i))1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.1.3 |b| |i||1
Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt drop arm |2.1.3 |g| |ii||1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Offside Front brake caliper has restricted free movement |3.5.1k|1
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|1
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|1
Nearside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.6.1|1
All position lamps not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings out rigger |6.1.B.2|1
Rear Upper Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement |7.2.4b|1
Inner Front Upper Steering column top mounting bracket insecure |2.1.2d|1
Offside Rear position lamp|s| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.1.A.3f|1
Nearside Stop lamp|s| not working |4.3.1 |a| |ii||1
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|1
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement |2.4.B.2|1
Offside Front Drive shaft uj which forms part of the suspension has excessive play in a universal joint |2.4.G.4b|1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.2.1f|1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Offside Front Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|1
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm |2.2.B.1b|1
Steering column movement between the shaft and steering wheel |2.1.2b|1
Steering column retaining device insecure |2.1.6|1
An item not tested |Manual|1
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort1
Centre Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|1
Offside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|1
Nearside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt |5.2.2a|1
Centre Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt |5.2.2a|1
Offside Front Obligatory mirror missing |8.1.1|1
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|1
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement on first application |3.3.A.5|1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported |3.6.B.1|1
Offside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Front Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush |2.4.B.2|1
Offside Front Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush |2.4.B.2|1
Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Front front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))1
Offside Front front brake binding |3.7.B.1|1
Offside Rear front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Nearside Rear front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Emissions not tested |7.0|1
Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the offside |3.7.C.2|1
Nearside Front Service brake grabbing severely |3.7.C.2|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush spring rear bush |2.4.B.2|1
Offside Rear Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush spring rear bush |2.4.B.2|1
Nearside Fuel cap/sealing device missing |7.2.4a|1
Offside Fuel cap/sealing device missing |7.2.4a|1
Nearside Rear Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |4.4.1 |a| |ii||1
Offside Front Direction indicator not working |4.4.1 |a| |ii||1
Upper Drag link end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly |1.4.B.1e|1
Hazard warning switch insecure |1.4.B.1d|1
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement1
Nearside Front Leaf spring has a deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement |2.4.B.2|1
Offside Front Leaf spring has a deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement |2.4.B.2|1
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|1
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|1
Steering system excessively tight |2.2.D.1|1
Steering system excessively rough |2.2.D.1|1
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Hinged tailboard cannot be secured in the closed position |6.4.1|1
Centre Vehicle structure is cracked, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Side repeater incomplete |1.5.A1b|1
Offside Side repeater incomplete |1.5.A1b|1
Nearside Front Hazard warning lamps inoperative |1.4.B.1b|1
Nearside Rear Hazard warning lamps inoperative |1.4.B.1b|1
Offside Rear Hazard warning lamps inoperative |1.4.B.1b|1
Nearside Front Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has excessive side play at eye |shackle| |2.4.B.4|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket loose |2.4.B.6a|1
Nearside front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Nearside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|1
Steering box has a significant oil leak |2.2.D.2e|1
Fuel tank leaking |7.2.3|1
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn shock absorber pivot |2.7.4|1
Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn shock absorber pivot |2.7.4|1
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Offside Rear Stop lamp|s| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |4.3.3 |b||1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.1.A.3f|1
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|1
Front Horn not working |1.6.2a|1
Service brake is causing the steering wheel to severely pull one way |3.7.C.2|1
Front Brake hose twisted |3.6.B.4c|1
Front Brake pipe inadequately supported |3.6.B.1|1
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer torn |7.2.4c|1
Offside Front Headlamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.7.5c|1
Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front front brake juddering severely |3.7.A.2b|1
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off |1.4.B.1f|1
Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber casing damaged externally so the unit does not function |2.7.2a|1
Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|1
Steering column top bearing excessively worn |2.1.2c|1
Offside Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.2.1f|1
Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting |6.6.6|1
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means |7.2.4b|1
Front Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position |8.4.1|1
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing |5.2.2a|1
Offside Obligatory mirror missing (8.1.1)1
Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure (5.2.1a)1
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)1
Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)1
Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)1
Fuel tank leaking (7.2.3)1
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)1
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)1
Brake hose excessively deteriorated1
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)1
Offside Rear An item not tested (Manual)1
Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Front Leaf spring fractured |2.4.B.1a|1
Offside Front Intermediate drop arm insecure |2.2.B.1a|1
Front Passenger`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|1
Windscreen has damage1
Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.3.A.2|1
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.A.2|1
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|1
Offside Front Leaf spring has a deteriorated shackle pin rubber bush resulting in excessive movement |2.4.B.2|1
Brake clevis joint excessively damaged and seriously weakened |3.5.1e|1
Fuel system component insecure |7.2.1|1
Offside Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.A.2|1
Nearside Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.A.2|1
Exhaust emits visible black smoke at idle |7.4.A.1|1
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings |2.2.B.1h|1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

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