At a Glance
Land Rover has 208 identified common problems across 9 models, with the Defender being the most affected model and bodywork the most common problem category. Based on 13.2M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Land Rover common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 13.2M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Land Rover models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Land Rover Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Discovery
Most common: Brakes
Freelander
Most common: Brakes
Defender
Most common: Suspension
Range Rover
Most common: Brakes
Range Rover Sport
Most common: Brakes
Range Rover Evoque
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Discovery Sport
Most common: Brakes
Series
Most common: Suspension
Range Rover Velar
Most common: Brakes
Most Common Land Rover MOT Failures
Every reason Land Rover vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.21% |
| 2 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 6.72% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 5.96% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.94% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.46% |
| 6 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 4.94% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 4.65% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.46% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 4.11% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 3.49% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.20% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.80% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.65% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.43% |
| 15 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 2.16% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 2.04% |
| 17 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.43% |
| 18 | Driveshaft fault | 1.33% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.32% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.29% |
| 21 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.22% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 1.16% |
| 23 | Indicator fault | 1.16% |
| 24 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.15% |
| 25 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.08% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.06% |
| 27 | Chassis condition | 1.04% |
| 28 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.90% |
| 29 | Seat belt condition | 0.86% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.82% |
| 31 | Front suspension fault | 0.77% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.76% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.63% |
| 34 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.62% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.59% |
| 36 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.57% |
| 37 | Airbag warning light on | 0.56% |
| 38 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.54% |
| 39 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.52% |
| 40 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.52% |
| 41 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.40% |
| 42 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.40% |
| 43 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.40% |
| 44 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 45 | Rear suspension fault | 0.35% |
| 46 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.35% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.35% |
| 48 | Drag link end worn | 0.29% |
| 49 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.29% |
| 50 | Brake pedal fault | 0.27% |
| 51 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.24% |
| 52 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.23% |
| 53 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.19% |
| 54 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.19% |
| 55 | Brake fluid leak | 0.18% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.17% |
| 57 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.16% |
| 58 | Electrical switch fault | 0.14% |
| 59 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.14% |
| 60 | Steering rack fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 62 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 63 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 64 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 65 | Brake caliper fault | 0.11% |
| 66 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.10% |
| 67 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.09% |
| 68 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 69 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.09% |
| 70 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.08% |
| 72 | Steering box fault | 0.08% |
| 73 | Power steering pump fault | 0.08% |
| 74 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 75 | Propshaft fault | 0.08% |
| 76 | Steering arm worn | 0.08% |
| 77 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 78 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.08% |
| 79 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 80 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 81 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 82 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.06% |
| 83 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 84 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.05% |
| 86 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 87 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 89 | Towbar fault | 0.05% |
| 90 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.05% |
| 91 | Exhaust leak | 0.04% |
| 92 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.04% |
| 93 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Steering coupling worn | 0.04% |
| 95 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.04% |
| 97 | Transmission oil leak | 0.04% |
| 98 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 99 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 102 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.03% |
| 105 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 106 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 107 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 108 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 109 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.03% |
| 110 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 111 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 112 | Universal joint worn | 0.02% |
| 113 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.02% |
| 115 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.02% |
| 118 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 119 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 120 | Steering damper fault | 0.02% |
| 121 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 122 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 123 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Spare wheel fault | 0.01% |
| 125 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 126 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 129 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 130 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 131 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | 0.01% |
| 132 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 133 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.01% |
| 134 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 135 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 136 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 141 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 142 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 143 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 146 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 148 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 150 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 153 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 157 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 160 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 165 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 170 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 172 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 176 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 178 | CV joint worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 180 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 183 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 185 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 190 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 193 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 196 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 197 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 198 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 199 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 200 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 202 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 204 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 205 | Footrest damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 206 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 207 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 207 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Land Rover MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Land Rover, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Land Rover problems?
Based on analysis of 13.2M Land Rover MOT tests from DVSA data, Land Rover has 208 identified common problems across 9 models. The Land Rover Defender has the most recorded problems. Bodywork issues are the most common category.
Which Land Rover model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Land Rover Defender has the highest count with 130 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Land Rover models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Land Rover?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Land Rover owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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