2002 Land Rover Defender 2.5L Diesel · YV51 HRU
2002 Land Rover Defender (2.5L, diesel). First registered 25 Jan 2002. Recorded mileage 171,532 miles. MOT expired on 04 Aug 2026.
- Make & Model
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER
- Year / Origin
- 2002 · Beverley / Hull
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 04 Aug 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 171,532 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.
YV51 HRU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 06/08/2025
- 171,532 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 6 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (8 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
YV51 HRU 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 2002 Land Rover Defender (YV51 HRU) between July 2023 and August 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 06 August 2025 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 (8 issues), Steering (7 issues), Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 28 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 Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering middle (6.1.1 (c) (ii))”; “Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering middle (6.1.1 (c) (ii))”; “Offside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ”.
YV51 HRU Mileage History
- 04/07/2023166,002 mi
- 04/08/2023166,054 mi+52 mi
- 09/07/2024168,237 mi+2,183 mi
- 24/07/2025171,459 mi+3,222 mi
- 06/08/2025171,532 mi+73 mi
Average of roughly 2,643 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 2002 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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