2012 Land Rover Defender 2.2L Diesel · MR51 ABS
2012 Land Rover Defender (2.2L, diesel). First registered 15 Nov 2012. Recorded mileage 142,404 miles. MOT valid until 27 Nov 2026. Taxed until 01 Nov 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 27 Nov 2026
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Nov 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,404 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.2L
- 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.
MR51 ABS Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 08/11/2025
- 142,404 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
MR51 ABS 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 2012 Land Rover Defender (MR51 ABS) between November 2023 and November 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 08 November 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). 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: “Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”; “Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))”; “Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))”.
MR51 ABS Mileage History
- 28/11/2023130,382 mi
- 08/11/2024136,399 mi+6,017 mi
- 19/11/2024136,555 mi+156 mi
- 08/11/2025142,404 mi+5,849 mi
- 08/11/2025142,404 mi
Average of roughly 6,175 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.
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Digital Service History
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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 2012 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.
- Electrical Gremlins and Wiring DeteriorationModerate
Corroded bulkhead earthing points and deteriorating wiring harnesses cause intermittent electrical faults including flickering lights, false warnings, and central locking failures.
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