LAND ROVER DEFENDER (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 180 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Total Tests (2024)
180
Avg Mileage
42,929 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,037
Is the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the LAND ROVER brand average of 90%.
At 3 years old, 97% of LAND ROVER DEFENDERs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 180 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 42,929 miles.
How does the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER has 42,929 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
How much does a 2021 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 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER is a large car with a 3000cc hybrid engine. 180 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 11% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 42,929 miles at 3 years old, LAND ROVER DEFENDER owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER Fuel Costs
The 3000cc hybrid engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,037 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% 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 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.
Alternatives to the 2021 LAND ROVER DEFENDER
The LAND ROVER DEFENDER is actually the most reliable option among similar hybrid large cars from this era. Here are comparable hybrid cars with similar engines:
- TOYOTA RAV4 (2020) 95% pass rate (-2%) from 21,063 tests
- BMW X5 XDRIVE45E M SPORT AUTO (2021) 88% pass rate (-9%) from 7,560 tests
- BMW M340I XDRIVE MHEV AUTO (2021) 93% pass rate (-4%) from 4,809 tests
- LEXUS RX (2019) 96% pass rate (-1%) from 4,047 tests