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BL52 VDV

2003 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires29 Aug 2026
Tests33 (20 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate60.6%

Mileage

200,735 mi
Last recorded200,735 miles
Recorded on19 Aug 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Defender86,068 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationBL52 VDV
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2003
ColourGreen
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

20 pass 13 fail
Pass 19 Aug 2025 200,735 miles

Front Lower Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

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

Rear Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush both (5.3.2 (c))

Steering arm deformed but serviceable steering shock bush worn (2.1.3 (c) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced surface rust (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 1 Aug 2024 197,451 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material all (1.1.11 (c))

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

Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view crack (3.2 (a) (i))

Rear Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Pass 25 Aug 2023 192,144 miles

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material axle pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material axle pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Fail 18 Aug 2023 192,143 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Front Registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d))

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material axle pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material axle pipes (1.1.11 (c))

Pass 30 Aug 2022 188,122 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material along axle (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

chip in screen

clutch pedal rubber missing

Fail 5 Aug 2022 188,120 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush lower bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush lower bush (5.3.2 (c))

Towbar attachment insecure socket (6.1.6 (c) (i))

Vehicle structure has excessive damage seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened (7.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material along axle (1.1.11 (c))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section

chip in screen

clutch pedal rubber missing

Pass 6 Aug 2021 182,028 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material along axle (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt

Offside Front slight leak from steering box/arm

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section

chip in screen

Fail 26 Jul 2021 182,026 miles

Nearside Rear Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material along axle (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt

Offside Front slight leak from steering box/arm

Offside Rear Integral body structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section

chip in screen

Pass 7 Aug 2020 175,818 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed

Nearside Rear hub seal slight leak but not contaminating rear brake

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt

Offside Front slight leak from steering box/arm

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section

chip in screen

Fail 6 Aug 2020 175,818 miles

Fuel system component leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working sidelight (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Rear Registration plate lamp inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed

Nearside Rear hub seal slight leak but not contaminating rear brake

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt

Offside Front slight leak from steering box/arm

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section

chip in screen

Pass 12 Jul 2019 169,247 miles

Front Prop Rear UJ slightly worn

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front side light lens damaged

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Fail 8 Jul 2019 169,247 miles

Fuel tank insecure (6.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Steering box has excessive movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Prop Rear UJ slightly worn

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front side light lens damaged

Nearside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Front Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed (7.1.2 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

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

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Trailer electrical socket insecure (4.10 (a) (i))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear chassis section (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))

Pass 27 Jul 2018 163,954 miles

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

steering arm idler weeping

Fail 10 Jul 2018 163,954 miles

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt front (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Rear Macpherson strut pin or bush excessively worn shock absorber (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Macpherson strut pin or bush excessively worn shock absorber (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened (7.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Seat belt webbing significantly weakened (7.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt rear (2.1.3 (g) (i))

steering arm idler weeping

Pass 6 Jul 2017 155,615 miles
Fail 5 Jul 2017 155,615 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt stitching badly frayed (5.2.2b)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 12 Jul 2016 144,755 miles

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

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

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

Fail 6 Jul 2016 144,755 miles

Front Body insecure and dangerous to other road users bonnet (6.1.B.1b)

Nearside Front Seat belt stitching badly frayed (5.2.2b)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Seat belt stitching badly frayed (5.2.2b)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

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

Pass 20 Jun 2015 133,003 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

mud under vehicle

oil leak

slight roughness to n/s/r wheel bearing

small fuel leak

Fail 17 Jun 2015 133,003 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to significantly weakened the webbing (5.2.2a)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

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

Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (2.7.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Front Seat belt flexible stalk damaged but not likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1a)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion (6.1.A.1)

mud under vehicle

oil leak

small fuel leak

Pass 19 Jun 2014 121,187 miles

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

Fail 16 Jun 2014 121,187 miles

Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Fuel cap/sealing device missing (7.2.4a)

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Front Lower Axle swivel joint has excessive play in a swivel pin (2.5.A.3b)

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

Nearside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Nearside Steering system has a tyre fouling a part of the vehicle (2.2.D.2a)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red (1.3.2e)

Offside Steering system has a road wheel fouling a part of the vehicle (2.2.D.2a)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)

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

Direction indicators not working (1.4.A.2c)

Nearside Front Front passenger door does not latch securely closed (6.2.B.1a)

Nearside Front Seat belt flexible stalk damaged but not likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)

Pass 17 Jun 2013 108,388 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Fail 17 Jun 2013 108,388 miles

Nearside Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a light misting of oil (2.7.3)

Pass 18 Jun 2012 96,940 miles

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

Pass 17 Jun 2011 87,330 miles

clutch pedal rubber missing

Fail 16 Jun 2011 87,330 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (3.3.A.1b)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

clutch pedal rubber missing

Pass 14 Jun 2010 78,851 miles
Pass 22 Apr 2009 69,902 miles
Pass 16 Apr 2008 66,181 miles

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

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

Fail 16 Apr 2008 66,181 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 18 Apr 2007 65,102 miles
Pass 21 Apr 2006 63,247 miles

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

Don't risk it. Know before you buy.

Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

£30k guarantee Instant results Cancel anytime

BL52 VDV is a 2003 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60.6%.

Across all 2003 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.7% with a typical mileage of 86,068 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 BL52 VDV, 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 23 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 BL52 VDV?

You can check the full history of BL52 VDV by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was BL52 VDV registered?

BL52 VDV is a 2003 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 January 2003.

Is BL52 VDV safe to buy?

The MOT history for BL52 VDV shows 33 tests with a 60.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does BL52 VDV 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 BL52 VDV. 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.