2003 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · WR53 VHH
2003 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 26 Nov 2003. Recorded mileage 113,669 miles. MOT valid until 15 Jun 2027.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Bristol
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 15 Jun 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 113,669 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.
WR53 VHH Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/06/2026
- 113,669 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (4 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
WR53 VHH 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 2003 Land Rover Defender (WR53 VHH) between June 2024 and June 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 03 June 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: Tyres (4 issues), Windscreen (3 issues), Suspension (3 issues), Brakes (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 10 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 Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn tie rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))”; “Front Prop shaft joint excessively worn (6.1.7 (c) (i))”; “Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))”.
WR53 VHH Mileage History
- 17/06/2024112,103 mi
- 17/06/2024112,103 mi
- 03/06/2025112,688 mi+585 mi
- 12/06/2025112,706 mi+18 mi
- 03/06/2026113,669 mi+963 mi
Average of roughly 799 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 2003 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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