1990 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · G498 BKV
1990 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 26 Feb 1990. Recorded mileage 194,381 miles. MOT valid until 20 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1990 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 20 Jan 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 194,381 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.
G498 BKV Key Findings
- 33 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 05/01/2026
- 194,381 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 12 historical MOT failures
- 9 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (59 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
G498 BKV MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
33 MOT tests are recorded for this 1990 Land Rover Defender (G498 BKV) between May 2006 and January 2026.
The record contains 21 passes and 12 failures.
The most recent test on 05 January 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 12 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (59 issues), Brakes (31 issues), Tyres (22 issues), Suspension (13 issues), Steering (10 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 141 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 Front Upper Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))”; “Body component damaged and likely to cause injury n/s side pannel (6.2.1 (a) (i))”; “Horn sound not in accordance with requirements (7.7 (c))”.
G498 BKV Mileage History
- 19/05/2006114,851 mi
- 22/05/2007119,928 mi+5,077 mi
- 21/05/2008123,823 mi+3,895 mi
- 23/05/2009127,774 mi+3,951 mi
- 21/05/2010132,327 mi+4,553 mi
- 20/05/2011138,216 mi+5,889 mi
- 24/05/2011138,272 mi+56 mi
- 23/05/2012142,851 mi+4,579 mi
- 15/07/2013147,586 mi+4,735 mi
- 15/07/2013147,586 mi
- 10/07/2014152,620 mi+5,034 mi
- 10/07/2014152,620 mi
- 14/07/2015156,624 mi+4,004 mi
- 14/07/2015156,624 mi
- 13/07/2016161,657 mi+5,033 mi
- 13/07/2016161,657 mi
- 04/07/2017166,316 mi+4,659 mi
- 07/07/2017166,316 mi
- 17/01/2018168,553 mi+2,237 mi
- 15/01/2019171,700 mi+3,147 mi
- 15/01/2019171,700 mi
- 16/01/2020175,522 mi+3,822 mi
- 31/01/2020175,522 mi
- 14/01/2021178,527 mi+3,005 mi
- 14/01/2022182,068 mi+3,541 mi
- 14/01/2022182,068 mi
- 14/12/2022184,829 mi+2,761 mi
- 15/12/2022184,829 mi
- 14/12/2023187,957 mi+3,128 mi
- 18/12/2023187,957 mi
- 21/01/2025191,747 mi+3,790 mi
- 05/01/2026194,381 mi+2,634 mi
- 05/01/2026194,381 mi
Average of roughly 4,051 miles per year across 33 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 1990 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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