2002 Land Rover Defender: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Land Rover Defender?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Land Rover Defender than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Seat belts7.2× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  12.9% All 2002 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.6% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock and retract smoothly.

• Chassis rust or damage2.8× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  11.1% All 2002 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Wheel bearings2.6× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  10.1% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Steering box20.3× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  6.1% All 2002 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Shock absorbers1.9× usual
  Land Rover Defender

  12% All 2002 cars

  6.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2002 Land Rover Defender MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Land Rover Defender MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  31% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Steering
  14% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Rust and bodywork
  14% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Land Rover Defender

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 7.2× as often on the 2002 Land Rover Defender as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2002 Land Rover Defender as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2002 Land Rover Defender as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?