2014 Land Rover Defender: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Diesel and Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2014 Land Rover Defender
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Axle, hub bolt and brake hose recalls
Recalls covered front axle tubes that could crack and let a wheel come off, hub bolts that could break (2014), a front brake hose that could chafe and lose fluid, a transfer box shaft leaking oil onto the rear brakes (2007) and seatbelt brackets.
At the viewing: Ask a Land Rover dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Defender common problems (2005-2017)
- All engines
Clutch failure
The clutch can fail, making the gearchange stiff.
At the viewing: Change through all the gears and feel for stiffness or slip.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Defender common problems (2005-2017)
- All engines
Knocking off-road
The driveshaft can hit the sump when the axle articulates. A reshaped sump fixes it.
At the viewing: Ask if it knocks off-road.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Defender common problems (2005-2017)
- All engines
Fuel gauge faults
A faulty fuel level sensor makes the gauge unreliable.
At the viewing: Watch whether the fuel gauge jumps around.
Source: Haynes: Land Rover Defender common problems (2005-2017)
Looking at a Land Rover Defender?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Land Rover Defender compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 529 | Tyres 6% |
| 2022 | 10,198 | Tyres 16% |
| 2021 | 16,997 | Tyres 16% |
| 2020 | 12,258 | Tyres 17% |
| 2019 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | 5,259 | Lights and electrics 15% |
| 2015 | 19,425 | Brakes 20% |
| 2013 | 12,768 | Lights and electrics 25% |
| 2012 | 11,292 | Brakes 28% |
| 2011 | 11,607 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 11,558 | Suspension 33% |
| 2009 | 10,166 | Suspension 33% |
| 2008 | 10,865 | Suspension 35% |
| 2007 | 11,617 | Suspension 37% |
| 2006 | 11,038 | Suspension 37% |
| 2005 | 12,200 | Suspension 38% |
| 2004 | 12,447 | Suspension 38% |
| 2003 | 12,858 | Suspension 40% |
| 2002 | 11,282 | Suspension 39% |
| 2001 | 9,161 | Suspension 37% |
| 2000 | 8,745 | Suspension 39% |
| 1999 | 8,812 | Suspension 38% |
| 1998 | 10,222 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 1997 | 9,899 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 1996 | 10,182 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 1995 | 8,462 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 1994 | 6,802 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 1993 | 5,523 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1992 | 4,355 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1991 | 4,994 | Lights and electrics 39% |
| 1990 | 4,751 | Lights and electrics 37% |