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C46 HBA

1986 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2496cc

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MOT Status

Valid

Expires18 Nov 2026

Tests24 (15 pass, 9 fail)

Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

81,632 mi

Last recorded81,632 miles

Recorded on7 Nov 2025

Typical for 1986 Land Rover Defender124,952 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

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Finance Outstanding finance owed?

Write-off Insurance write-off history?

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationC46 HBA

MakeLand Rover

ModelDefender

Year1986

ColourGreen

Fuel typeDiesel

Engine2,496cc

View full Land Rover Defender reliability data Browse other 1986 Land Rover Defender registrations

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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

15 pass 9 fail

Pass 7 Nov 2025 81,632 miles

Coil spring corroded all springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fluid leak, but not excessive (steering box)

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

Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil both sides (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front fluid leak but not excessive (swivel)

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

Oil leak, but not excessive gearbox/transfer box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing both tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Upper Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play (2.2.2 (c))

Pass 15 Nov 2024 80,921 miles

Coil spring corroded all springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fluid leak, but not excessive steering box

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

Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil both sides (5.3.2 (b))

Nearside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Oil leak, but not excessive Gearbox/Transferbox (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Upper Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play

Pass 8 Nov 2023 79,911 miles

Coil spring corroded all 4 springs (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Fluid leak, but not excessive steering box

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel

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

Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material both sides (1.1.11 (c))

Upper Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play

Pass 16 Nov 2022 78,927 miles

Fluid leak, but not excessive steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Hazard warning tell-tale inoperative (4.9.1 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Nearside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Offside Rear Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

Upper Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play (2.2.2 (c))

Pass 22 Oct 2021 77,899 miles

Fluid leak, but not excessive Steering box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fluid leak, but not excessive Transfer box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Coil spring corroded Both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Hole in drivers foot well

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Long (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Mirror arm loose on hinge

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

Rear Coil spring corroded Both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Slight play in top steering column UJ

Fail 20 Oct 2021 77,898 miles

Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing (1.1.2 (c))

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Headlamp aim not tested (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp insecure (4.1.1 (c))

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

Clutch pedal rubber missing

Fluid leak, but not excessive Steering box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fluid leak, but not excessive Transfer box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Front Coil spring corroded Both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Both sides (3.4 (b) (i))

Hole in drivers foot well

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

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material Long (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Fluid leak, but not excessive Swivel (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

Offside Mirror arm loose on hinge

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

Rear Coil spring corroded Both sides (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Slight play in top steering column UJ

Pass 19 Nov 2020 77,041 miles

Nearside Front play in swivel

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Floor holed

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

Offside Front play in swivel

Offside Front swivel leaking

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

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 18 Nov 2020 77,032 miles

Nearside Front Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt drag link end (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Front Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Front play in swivel

Nearside Rear Hub seal leaking onto wheel

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Floor holed

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

Offside Front play in swivel

Offside Front swivel leaking

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

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

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

Prop shaft joint worn, but not excessively rear propshaft rear uj (6.1.7 (c) (i))

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

spare tyre badly split and perished

Pass 28 Oct 2019 76,291 miles

Hazard warning tell-tale is not a flashing light (4.9.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated Perished (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Floor corroded

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear major oil leak from hub seal

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated Perished (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Holed and corroded

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

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

Offside Front swivel seal leaking

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

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 23 Oct 2019 76,288 miles

Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Center pipe (6.1.2 (a))

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

Hazard warning tell-tale is not a flashing light (4.9.2 (a))

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated Perished (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Floor corroded

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear major oil leak from hub seal

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated Perished (1.1.12 (b) (ii))

Offside Front Holed and corroded

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

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

Offside Front swivel seal leaking

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

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 11 Oct 2018 75,562 miles

Offside Front swivel housing leaking

Front Drop arm ball joint gaiter perished

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Oil leak, but not excessive Transfer box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 11 Oct 2018 75,562 miles

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

Offside Rear Rear reflector missing (4.8.2 (a) (ii))

Front Drop arm ball joint gaiter perished

Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

Offside Front swivel housing leaking

Oil leak, but not excessive Transfer box area (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Steering box leaking oil (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 3 Oct 2017 74,904 miles

Nearside Front tyre has several cuts on tread

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Oil leak transfer box area ()

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

hand brake only just met minimum requirements

Fail 3 Oct 2017 74,904 miles

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Nearside Front tyre has several cuts on tread

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Front Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

Oil leak transfer box area ()

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

hand brake only just met minimum requirements

Pass 22 Aug 2016 74,015 miles

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

all wheel studs look short

rear cross member corroded at chassis leg joints on both offside and nearside

rear prop shaft rear U/J has play in it

Fail 15 Aug 2016 74,015 miles

Battery insecure (1.9.1)

Fuel system component leaking injection pump (7.2.3)

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

Nearside Rear fog lamp does not emit a steady red light (1.3.2e)

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Offside Axle swivel joint has slight play (2.5.A.3b)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

all wheel studs look short

rear cross member corroded at chassis leg joints on both offside and nearside

rear prop shaft rear U/J has play in it

Pass 1 Sep 2015 72,882 miles

Pass 22 Jul 2014 72,006 miles

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

Nearside Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Pass 8 Jul 2013 69,017 miles

Fail 1 Jul 2013 68,974 miles

Brake fluid warning lamp inoperative (3.6.G.2)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (3.6.C.3)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Pass 18 Jun 2012 66,641 miles

Fail 12 Jun 2012 66,569 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Pass 16 Jun 2011 62,145 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

Fail 14 Jun 2011 62,141 miles

Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b)

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Oil leak

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

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

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C46 HBA is a 1986 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,496cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 24 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.5%.

Across all 1986 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.7% with a typical mileage of 124,952 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 C46 HBA, 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 40 years old, this Land Rover Defender is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of C46 HBA?

You can check the full history of C46 HBA by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was C46 HBA registered?

C46 HBA is a 1986 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1986.

Is C46 HBA safe to buy?

The MOT history for C46 HBA shows 24 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does C46 HBA 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 C46 HBA. 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.