IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2007 Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)

From spring 2007 the Td5 was replaced by Ford's 2.4-litre Duratorq 'Puma' diesel - 122bhp with a variable-geometry turbo and 265lb ft - mated to a new six-speed manual, making the Td5 the last engine built in-house at Solihull. The bonnet gained a bulge for the taller unit, the vent flaps under the windscreen disappeared, rear seats became forward-facing and the revised L316 specification ran to 2016.

What changed for 2007

  • •2.4-litre Duratorq diesel with a six-speed gearbox replaces the Td5 and R380
  • •Forward-facing rear seating; the 90 becomes a four-seater and the 110 a seven-seater
  • •Reshaped bonnet, new dashboard and re-engineered doors to fight corrosion

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !EGR valve and inlet manifold carbon clogging on short-journey vehicles
  • !Clutch and dual-mass flywheel noise and slip on hard-worked or towed examples
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Chassis and Bulkhead Corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

The steel chassis and bulkhead rot from the inside out, often hidden by underseal or carpet.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,000–£5,000+
Warning Signs:

Visible rust holes, Moisture under carpets, MOT failure

What to Inspect:
  • Rear crossmember
  • Outriggers
  • Bulkhead corners (under the windscreen)
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

TD5 Injector Harness Oil Migration

SeriousEngine

Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug, causing rough running, misfires, and potential ECU damage.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£500
Warning Signs:

Rough idle, Misfires, Hard starting, Engine management light

What to Inspect:
  • Oil in ECU red plug connector
  • Injector harness condition
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Oil Leaks from Gaskets and Seals

ModerateEngine

Worn valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft seals cause persistent oil leaks. The rear main seal is particularly prone on later Puma models.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£800
Warning Signs:

Oil puddles under vehicle, Burning oil smell, Low oil level warnings

What to Inspect:
  • Valve cover gasket condition
  • Oil pan gasket
  • Front and rear crankshaft seals
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Electrical Gremlins and Wiring Deterioration

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

Corroded bulkhead earthing points and deteriorating wiring harnesses cause intermittent electrical faults including flickering lights, false warnings, and central locking failures.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£600
Warning Signs:

Flickering headlights, Random warning lights, Intermittent central locking, Inconsistent gauge readings

What to Inspect:
  • Bulkhead earthing point
  • Wiring harness condition
  • Battery terminal corrosion
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2007 Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)

  • Ask for evidence of clutch replacement and check for slipping under load on the test drive
  • Inspect the bulkhead pressing and door joints - the 2007 changes reduced but did not stop rot