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A8 MUO

1996 Land Rover Defender

Grey Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires15 Sep 2026
Tests34 (18 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate52.9%

Mileage

172,064 mi
Last recorded172,064 miles
Recorded on16 Sep 2025
Typical for 1996 Land Rover Defender122,435 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationA8 MUO
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1996
ColourGrey
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,495cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

18 pass 16 fail
Pass 16 Sep 2025 172,064 miles

Nearside Rear Inner Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing and outer sidewalls (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 8 Sep 2025 172,054 miles

Brake performance unable to be tested front prop joint excessively worn (1.2.1 (g))

Front Prop shaft joint so worn it is likely to fail rear joint (6.1.7 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Inner Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Outer Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing sidewall (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Inner Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing and outer sidewalls (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 16 Aug 2024 171,643 miles

Front Oil leak, but not excessive axle (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front nearside and offside disc brake back plates insecure but not likely to fall off

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened nearside and offside (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Fail 13 Aug 2024 171,641 miles

Nearside Front Integral body structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced bulkhead/floor above body mount (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

Front Oil leak, but not excessive axle (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front nearside and offside disc brake back plates insecure but not likely to fall off

Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened nearside and offside (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

Pass 11 Aug 2023 170,817 miles

Nearside Front Service brake grabbing slightly (1.2.1 (c))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive gearbox and front and rear axles (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 11 Aug 2023 170,817 miles

Nearside Front Service brake grabbing slightly (1.2.1 (c))

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive gearbox and front and rear axles (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear fog lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements (4.5.3 (a))

Pass 1 Aug 2022 170,021 miles

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated torque arm on axle (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Fail 28 Jul 2022 170,021 miles

Offside Headlamp aim too far to the right unable to adjust (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Side repeater not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Rear fog lamp tell-tale not working (4.9.1 (a) (ii))

Sound deadening material likely to become detached under bonnet matrerial touching exhaust (8.1.1 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated torque arm on axle (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Offside Seat belt slightly damaged (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Pass 15 Jun 2021 169,230 miles
Fail 9 Dec 2020 169,219 miles

Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering All over needs new (6.1.1 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 4 Nov 2019 166,713 miles
Pass 9 Nov 2018 163,463 miles

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 2 Nov 2018 163,463 miles

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 18 Jan 2018 161,667 miles

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.6.C.3)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush lower bush (2.7.4)

Oil leak ()

both front swivel joints leaking grease

Fail 10 Jan 2018 161,667 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Driver's door does not latch securely closed (6.2.B.1a)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.6.C.3)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush lower bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush top bush (2.7.4)

Oil leak ()

both front swivel joints leaking grease

Pass 18 Jan 2017 155,150 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Fail 14 Dec 2016 155,099 miles

Central Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Headlamp switch faulty (1.7.1)

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.2.C.1h)

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Front strut top mounting corroded

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front brake disc appears to have oil contamination but pulls up straight on road test

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

corrosion next to gearbox mounting

tractor ball seals leaking

Pass 26 Nov 2015 151,881 miles

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

adv front hub seals leaking

child seat fitted nsf

rear diff imput seal leaking

Fail 14 Nov 2015 151,727 miles

Front Dipswitch operation does not extinguish all main beam headlamps leaving at least one pair of dipped beam headlamps (1.7.4b)

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

adv front hub seals leaking

child seat fitted nsf

rear diff imput seal leaking

Pass 3 Dec 2014 147,355 miles
Pass 4 Nov 2013 131,331 miles

Centre Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front Upper Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Outer Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Inner Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Fail 1 Nov 2013 131,309 miles

Offside Inner Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Offside Outer Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Centre Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Front Upper Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Outer Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Inner Front Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Lower Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Pass 2 Nov 2012 125,327 miles

Nearside Front Upper Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

under side of vehicle wax oiled

Fail 2 Nov 2012 125,319 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Front Upper Coil spring mounting corroded and seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Nearside Front Upper Coil spring mounting corroded but not seriously weakened (2.4.C.3c)

Offside Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

under side of vehicle wax oiled

Pass 2 Aug 2011 115,912 miles
Pass 20 Aug 2010 107,120 miles
Fail 17 Aug 2010 107,111 miles

Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

Offside Rear All position lamps not working (1.1.A.3b)

Steering pivot point has excessive play (2.2.B.1g)

Pass 6 Apr 2009 104,380 miles
Pass 12 Mar 2008 97,379 miles
Fail 10 Mar 2008 97,378 miles

Centre Mechanical brake component securing device loose (3.5.1i)

Nearside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Seat belt has a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

Offside Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Headlamp aim too far to the right (1.8)

Offside Inner Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Fail 13 Feb 2008 97,186 miles

Intermediate drop arm insecure (2.2.B.1a)

Nearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front suspension has a loose unit in the upper support bearing assembly (2.5.B.3b)

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

Offside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear brake disc excessively scored (3.5.1h)

Power steering component(s) leaking (2.3.3b)

Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the offside (3.7.C.2)

Fail 13 Sep 2006 84,585 miles

Centre Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Pass 13 Sep 2006 84,585 miles

Centre Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Fail 21 Jun 2006 84,575 miles

Centre Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Power steering component(s) leaking (2.3.3b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

How Reliable is the Land Rover Defender?

Based on 2,960,045 MOT tests across 181,953 vehicles.

72.3%
Pass Rate
3,550
Miles/Year
43
Year Lifespan
181,953
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush 77,499
Brake pipe excessively corroded 77,229
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 57,749
position lamp(s) not working 53,914
Stop lamp not working 52,341
Full Land Rover Defender reliability report

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A8 MUO is a 1996 Land Rover Defender in Grey with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 52.9%.

Across all 1996 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 69.0% with a typical mileage of 122,435 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Land Rover Defender fails its MOT is shock absorber has an excessively worn bush, accounting for 77,499 recorded failures. If you're considering buying A8 MUO, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Land Rover Defender typically stays on UK roads for around 43 years. At 30 years old, this Land Rover Defender is well into its expected lifespan but still has years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of A8 MUO?

You can check the full history of A8 MUO by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was A8 MUO registered?

A8 MUO is a 1996 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 1 August 1996.

Is A8 MUO safe to buy?

The MOT history for A8 MUO shows 34 tests with a 52.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does A8 MUO have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on A8 MUO. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.