2012 Land Rover Defender 2.4L Diesel · VK12 FTA
2012 Land Rover Defender (2.4L, diesel). First registered 23 Mar 2012. Recorded mileage 137,651 miles. MOT valid until 30 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2012 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 30 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 137,651 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.4L
- 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.
VK12 FTA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 02/07/2026
- 137,651 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VK12 FTA 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 (VK12 FTA) between December 2024 and July 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 02 July 2026 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: Tyres (6 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Suspension (4 issues), Lighting (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 19 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: “Central Rear Sub-frame ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))”.
VK12 FTA Mileage History
- 05/12/2024122,692 mi
- 17/12/2024123,178 mi+486 mi
- 05/01/2026131,710 mi+8,532 mi
- 01/07/2026137,651 mi+5,941 mi
- 02/07/2026137,651 mi
Average of roughly 9,516 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: Average
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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Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
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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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