1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N115 CYC
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 08 Jan 1996. Recorded mileage 96,620 miles. MOT valid until 26 Oct 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 26 Oct 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,620 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.
N115 CYC Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 28/10/2026
- 96,620 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (7 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N115 CYC 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 1996 Land Rover Defender (N115 CYC) between October 2024 and October 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 28 October 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (7 issues), Lighting (4 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 9 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 Steering box drop arm likely to become detached securing nut loose (2.1.3 (a) (ii))”; “Offside Front Axle with loose fixing bolts (5.1.1 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Front Axle with loose fixing bolts (5.1.1 (b) (i))”.
N115 CYC Mileage History
- 23/10/202491,713 mi
- 23/10/202491,713 mi
- 22/10/202594,028 mi+2,315 mi
- 12/10/202696,589 mi+2,561 mi
- 28/10/202696,620 mi+31 mi
Average of roughly 2,438 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 1996 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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