1996 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · N981 ESL
1996 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 22 May 1996. Recorded mileage 175,427 miles. MOT expired on 08 May 2024.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 1996 · Newcastle
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 08 May 2024
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 175,427 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 2.5L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
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N981 ESL Key Findings
- 3 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 29/04/2025
- 175,427 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
N981 ESL MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
3 MOT tests are recorded for this 1996 Land Rover Defender (N981 ESL) between March 2022 and April 2025.
The record contains 2 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 29 April 2025 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
N981 ESL Mileage History
- 11/03/2022172,419 mi
- 09/05/2023173,957 mi+1,538 mi
- 29/04/2025175,427 mi+1,470 mi
Average of roughly 960 miles per year across 3 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 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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