2004 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · BIG 7038
2004 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 12 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 158,819 miles. MOT valid until 22 Oct 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 158,819 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BIG 7038 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/10/2026
- 158,819 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 3 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BIG 7038 MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2004 Land Rover Defender (BIG 7038) between November 2022 and October 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 23 October 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Steering (2 issues), Windscreen (1 issue), Brakes (1 issue), Bodywork (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Steering box has excessive movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Brake disc contaminated (1.1.14 (b))”; “Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))”.
BIG 7038 Mileage History
- 02/11/2022145,849 mi
- 02/11/2023150,887 mi+5,038 mi
- 08/11/2023150,897 mi+10 mi
- 24/10/2025155,933 mi+5,036 mi
- 23/10/2026158,819 mi+2,886 mi
Average of roughly 3,265 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Land Rover Defender (Classic L316)
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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LAND ROVER DEFENDER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2004 model year cars.
- Chassis and Bulkhead CorrosionSerious
The steel chassis and bulkhead rot from the inside out, often hidden by underseal or carpet.
- Oil Leaks from Gaskets and SealsModerate
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.
- TD5 Injector Harness Oil MigrationSerious
Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug, causing rough running, misfires, and potential ECU damage.
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