1991 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · H397 AMR
1991 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 11 Mar 1991. Recorded mileage 143,548 miles. MOT expired on 18 May 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1991 · Bournemouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 18 May 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 143,548 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.
H397 AMR Key Findings
- 2 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 20/05/2025
- 143,548 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
H397 AMR MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
2 MOT tests are recorded for this 1991 Land Rover Defender (H397 AMR) between May 2025 and May 2025.
The record contains 1 pass and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 20 May 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: Brakes (6 issues), Steering (3 issues), Lighting (2 issues). 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 Front Brake pipe leaking on a hydraulic braking system brake pipes to calliper (1.1.11 (b) (ii))”; “Front Prop shaft joint excessively worn front uj (6.1.7 (c) (i))”; “Nearside Front Axle king pin is loose in the axle beam (5.1.2 (d) (i))”.
H397 AMR Mileage History
- 15/05/2025143,542 mi
- 20/05/2025143,548 mi+6 mi
Average of roughly 433 miles per year across 2 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: Poor
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 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.
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