MOT History from tests of petrol LAND ROVER DEFENDERs year 1987

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:56.89%

(The average a petrol LAND ROVER DEFENDER year 1987 passes without issue)

Based on:5,519 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	384
Brake pipe excessively corroded	318
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	276
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	268
Registration plate lamp issues	227
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	163
Registration plate issues	142
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	127
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	102
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	81
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	80
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	79
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	72
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	68
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	67
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	65
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	64
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	63
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	63
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	62
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	61
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	60
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	56
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	54
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	51
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	51
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	50
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	49
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	48
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	48
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	47
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	45
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	44
Rear brake binding	43
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	43
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	43
Power steering component\|s\| leaking \|2.3.3b\|	40
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	39
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	38
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	37
Rear brake application uneven	37
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	36
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	35
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	34
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	32
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	32
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	31
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	31
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	30
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	30
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	30
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	28
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	28
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	28
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	28
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	27
Rear Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	27
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	27
Nearside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	26
Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	26
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	25
Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	25
Nearside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	25
Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	25
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	25
Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	25
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	24
Offside Front Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	24
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	24
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	23
Offside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	23
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	23
Windscreen washer not working	23
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	22
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	22
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	22
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	22
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	22
Offside Front brake disc contaminated by oil \|3.5.1h\|	21
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	21
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	20
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	20
Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	19
Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	19
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	19
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm \|2.2.B.1b\|	19
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	19
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	19
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	18
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	18
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	18
Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	18
Fuel tank leaking \|7.2.3\|	18
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	18
Nearside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	17
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	17
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	17
Rear fog lamp switch faulty \|1.3.1a\|	17
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	17
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	17
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	17
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	17
Windscreen has damage	16
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	16
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	16
Steering box has a significant oil leak \|2.2.D.2e\|	16
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	16
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	16
Power steering pump leaking from a failed component \|2.3.3b\|	15
Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	15
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	15
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	15
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	15
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	15
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	15
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	14
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	14
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	14
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	14
Offside Rear reflector missing \|1.5.1a\|	14
Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))	14
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	14
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	13
Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	13
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	13
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	13
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	13
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	13
Centre Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	13
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	13
Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	13
Offside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing \|5.2.2a\|	12
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	12
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	12
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	12
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	12
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	11
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	11
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	11
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	11
Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play \|2.5.A.3b\|	11
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	11
Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	11
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Hazard warning switch inoperative (4.4.2 (a) (ii))	11
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	11
Nearside Front brake disc contaminated by oil \|3.5.1h\|	11
Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	11
Nearside Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	11
Power steering component\|s\| leaking from a failed seal \|2.3.3b\|	11
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	11
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Offside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	10
Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	10
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	10
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	10
Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	10
Nearside Rear Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	10
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))	10
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red \|1.3.2e\|	10
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	10
Offside Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	10
Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	10
Nearside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing \|5.2.2a\|	9
Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	9
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	9
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	9
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	9
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	9
Offside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	9
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Driver`s door does not latch securely closed \|6.2.B.1a\|	9
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	9
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	9
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	9
Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	8
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	8
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	8
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position \|8.4.1\|	8
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	8
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	8
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))	8
Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	8
Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	8
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	8
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	8
Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	8
Offside Rear brake drum contaminated by oil \|3.5.1h\|	8
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	8
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	8
Offside Front Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Offside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	8
Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Offside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play \|2.5.A.3b\|	8
Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))	8
Offside Front Panhard rod has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	8
Offside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt \|5.2.2a\|	8
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	8
Power steering malfunctioning \|2.3.3a\|	8
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	8
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	8
Nearside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	8
Nearside Rear reflector missing \|1.5.1a\|	8
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	8

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.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

MOT History from tests of petrol LAND ROVER DEFENDERs year 1987

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