Common Land Rover Defender SE D Auto Problems, Faults, and Repair Costs
Typical MOT issues to check on the Land Rover Defender SE D Auto, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 3,524 MOT tests across 2 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: family car | Fuel: Diesel
94%
Land Rover Defender SE D Auto pass rate
90%
Land Rover average
82%
All-model average
The Land Rover Defender SE D Auto has an average MOT pass rate of 94%, which is 4 points above the Land Rover average and 12 points above the average across all models in our data.
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Common MOT Issues to Check on the Land Rover Defender SE D Auto
Typical issues for a car of this age and type, estimated from its age, fuel type and engine size (not counted from its MOT records), with rough repair costs
Brakes
Moderate likelihood£80 - £450
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Brake discs worn, brake pads thin, handbrake adjustment needed
Failure points:
Brake disc excessively worn, brake pipe corroded, brake efficiency below minimum
Suspension
Moderate likelihood£150 - £600
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Suspension arm bush worn, shock absorber misting, spring corroded
Failure points:
Coil spring broken, ball joint excessive play, shock absorber leaking
Lights
Moderate likelihood£15 - £200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Headlamp aim slightly out, lens deteriorated
Failure points:
Headlamp not working, brake light not functioning, indicator failure
Tyres
Moderate likelihood£50 - £300
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Tyre approaching legal limit, slight damage to sidewall
Failure points:
Tyre below minimum tread depth, tyre has a cut exposing ply
Exhaust & Emissions
Moderate likelihood£80 - £800
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Exhaust mounting corroded, slight exhaust leak
Failure points:
Exhaust emissions exceed limits, catalytic converter efficiency low, DPF warning
Steering
Lower likelihood£100 - £500
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Track rod end has slight play, steering rack boot deteriorated
Failure points:
Steering rack leaking, track rod ball joint worn beyond limits
Body & Structure
Lower likelihood£200 - £1200
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Surface corrosion on subframe, slight body panel damage
Failure points:
Structural corrosion, body mounting corroded through, chassis weakness
Windscreen & Wipers
Lower likelihood£10 - £350
Typical repair cost
Common advisories:
Minor windscreen chip, wiper blade deteriorated
Failure points:
Windscreen crack in swept area, wiper does not clear windscreen
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Land Rover Defender SE D Auto Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
Land Rover Defender SE D Auto Running Costs
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Find garages →Land Rover Defender SE D Auto FAQ
What are the most common Land Rover Defender SE D Auto problems?
Most of the Land Rover Defender SE D Auto cars in our data are fairly new, so no issue stands out; the list on this page shows the usual things to check on cars like this, with rough repair costs. Across 3,524 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 94% ended in a pass.
Is the Land Rover Defender SE D Auto reliable?
The Land Rover Defender SE D Auto has an average MOT pass rate of 94%, from 3,524 MOT tests. That is 12 points above the average across all models in our data (82%), a better than average result. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Land Rover Defender SE D Auto is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2021 Land Rover Defender SE D Auto has the highest MOT pass rate: 95% of its 611 tests ended in a pass. The 2020 has the lowest at 94%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Land Rover Defender SE D Auto faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Land Rover Defender SE D Auto typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
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Other Land Rover Models
Common problems pages for other Land Rover models