2004 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · VF04 HXJ
2004 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 22 Jul 2004. Recorded mileage 142,389 miles. MOT expired on 28 Oct 2026. Currently declared SORN.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2004 · Worcester
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 28 Oct 2026
- Road Tax
- SORN
- Recorded Mileage
- 142,389 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.
VF04 HXJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT failed on 23/10/2026
- 142,389 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 3 historical MOT failures
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
VF04 HXJ 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 2004 Land Rover Defender (VF04 HXJ) between October 2024 and October 2026.
The record contains 2 passes and 3 failures.
The most recent test on 23 October 2026 was a fail; the vehicle has not passed its last recorded MOT.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Suspension (6 issues), Brakes (4 issues), Bodywork (2 issues), Steering (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 20 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 Front Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))”; “Brake performance unable to be tested due to condition (1.2.1 (g))”; “Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced left and right ”.
VF04 HXJ Mileage History
- 11/10/2024139,041 mi
- 15/10/2024139,046 mi+5 mi
- 13/10/2025141,759 mi+2,713 mi
- 21/10/2025141,787 mi+28 mi
- 23/10/2026142,389 mi+602 mi
Average of roughly 1,648 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: 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 2004 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.
- TD5 Injector Harness Oil MigrationSerious
Oil seeps along the injector wiring harness into the ECU red plug, causing rough running, misfires, and potential ECU damage.
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