1997 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · FLZ 4392
1997 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 17 Apr 1997. Recorded mileage 157,630 miles. MOT valid until 22 Dec 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1997 · Nottingham
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Dec 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 157,630 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.
FLZ 4392 Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 10/12/2025
- 157,630 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring suspension items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
FLZ 4392 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 1997 Land Rover Defender (FLZ 4392) between June 2022 and December 2025.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 10 December 2025 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: Suspension (5 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 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: “Offside Rear Brake pipe likely to become detached or damaged hose bracket corrode away (1.1.11 (d) (ii))”; “Central Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering o/s chassis (6.1.1 (c”; “Nearside Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))”.
FLZ 4392 Mileage History
- 06/06/2022156,180 mi
- 23/12/2023156,181 mi+1 mi
- 09/12/2024156,770 mi+589 mi
- 17/12/2024156,770 mi
- 10/12/2025157,630 mi+860 mi
Average of roughly 413 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.
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 1997 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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