1991 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · H278 FKE
1991 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Mar 1991. Recorded mileage 136,497 miles. MOT valid until 14 Apr 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1991 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 14 Apr 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 136,497 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.
H278 FKE Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/04/2026
- 136,497 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 10 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (10 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
H278 FKE 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 1991 Land Rover Defender (H278 FKE) between March 2025 and April 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 16 April 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 3 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (10 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Steering (2 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 27 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: “Exhaust system insecure Exhust corroded and split into 3 parts (6.1.2 (a))”; “Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))”; “Nearside Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prev”.
H278 FKE Mileage History
- 29/03/2025124,429 mi
- 29/03/2025124,429 mi
- 13/03/2026135,518 mi+11,089 mi
- 13/04/2026136,441 mi+923 mi
- 16/04/2026136,497 mi+56 mi
Average of roughly 11,503 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
Estimate current market value
Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Below 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.
Similar Vehicles
Plate Neighbors
Batch Registration Neighbors (H278 Series)
Vehicles registered in the same regional DVLA batch as H278FKE.
FIAT
MERCEDES-BENZ
200
SAAB
900
VOLVO
900 Series
HONDA
CG125
NISSAN
FIGARO
PORSCHE
911
BMW
3 SERIES
KAWASAKI
LAND ROVER
DEFENDER
VOLKSWAGEN
TRANSPORTER
HONDA
UNKNOWN
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 1991 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.
Recently Checked UK Vehicles
Live vehicle history checks and MOT records recently queried by UK car buyers.