1994 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · L404 DPL
1994 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 01 Feb 1994. Recorded mileage 192,918 miles. MOT valid until 11 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Jan 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1994 · Stanmore (Wimbledon)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 11 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jan 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 192,918 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.
L404 DPL Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 13/07/2026
- 192,918 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (17 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
L404 DPL 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 1994 Land Rover Defender (L404 DPL) between February 2025 and July 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 13 July 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: Lighting (17 issues), Bodywork (9 issues), Suspension (9 issues), Brakes (7 issues), Steering (3 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 44 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 Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced at spr”; “Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced at tra”; “Exhaust fumes entering cabin engine breather (6.1.2 (b) (i))”.
L404 DPL Mileage History
- 17/02/2025186,810 mi
- 17/02/2025186,810 mi
- 10/03/2026192,842 mi+6,032 mi
- 14/05/2026192,845 mi+3 mi
- 13/07/2026192,918 mi+73 mi
Average of roughly 4,363 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: 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.
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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 1994 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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