LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 3,316 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Total Tests (2024)
3,316
Avg Mileage
35,776 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,750
Is the 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 91% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 3,316 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 35,776 miles.
How does the 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 35,776 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 97% MOT pass rate, while the 1992 model has the lowest at 74%. The 2016 sits between the two at 91%.
How much does a 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 97% | 180 | 42,929 mi |
| 2020 | 97% | 156 | 35,400 mi |
| 2016 | 91% | 3,316 | 35,776 mi |
| 2015 | 89% | 12,411 | 48,785 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 10,525 | 59,995 mi |
| 2013 | 84% | 8,186 | 66,606 mi |
| 2012 | 83% | 7,139 | 71,959 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 7,345 | 82,891 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 7,290 | 85,020 mi |
| 2009 | 79% | 6,584 | 90,754 mi |
| 2008 | 81% | 7,024 | 98,525 mi |
| 2007 | 79% | 7,656 | 101,926 mi |
| 2006 | 78% | 6,868 | 109,686 mi |
| 2005 | 77% | 7,581 | 112,742 mi |
| 2004 | 77% | 7,976 | 120,020 mi |
| 2003 | 77% | 8,035 | 129,000 mi |
| 2002 | 77% | 6,870 | 132,092 mi |
| 2001 | 75% | 5,673 | 131,257 mi |
| 2000 | 75% | 5,304 | 134,243 mi |
| 1999 | 75% | 8,887 | 140,417 mi |
| 1998 | 76% | 10,516 | 136,993 mi |
| 1997 | 76% | 10,084 | 146,489 mi |
| 1996 | 74% | 10,767 | 153,542 mi |
| 1995 | 74% | 9,229 | 143,046 mi |
| 1994 | 74% | 7,092 | 141,555 mi |
| 1993 | 76% | 5,910 | 137,101 mi |
| 1992 | 74% | 4,530 | 143,915 mi |
| 1991 | 76% | 5,265 | 141,354 mi |
| 1990 | 75% | 5,027 | 142,154 mi |
Checking a specific LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a family car with a 2200cc diesel engine. 3,316 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 35,776 miles at 8 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs
The 2200cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,750 (£146/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER Reliability Trend
Newer LAND ROVER DEFENDERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 97%.
Alternatives to the 2016 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The LAND ROVER DEFENDER is actually the most reliable option among similar diesel family cars from this era. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2015) 89% pass rate (-2%) from 121,777 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (2017) 81% pass rate (-10%) from 80,031 tests
- KIA SPORTAGE (2016) 85% pass rate (-6%) from 66,048 tests
- LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE (2016) 90% pass rate (-1%) from 60,437 tests