CarVerify

Free Car Check

CV53 VRL

2003 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Valid
Expires25 Nov 2026
Tests28 (19 pass, 9 fail)
Pass rate67.9%

Mileage

96,893 mi
Last recorded96,893 miles
Recorded on16 Nov 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Defender86,068 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £9.99

Not all car check providers offer a guarantee. Don't risk buying from services that can't back their data. CarVerify reports include a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

Vehicle Details

RegistrationCV53 VRL
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2003
ColourBlue
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

19 pass 9 fail
Pass 16 Nov 2025 96,893 miles

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

Nearside Front Upper Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear upper [chassis] (5.3.6 (a) (i))

whole of chassis corroded but not weakened

Pass 9 Nov 2024 89,422 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear (5.3.6 (a) (i))

lower steering uj corroded

whole of chassis corroded but not weakaened

Fail 9 Nov 2024 89,422 miles

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (4.4.1 (e))

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

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

Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive both rear (5.3.6 (a) (i))

lower steering uj corroded

whole of chassis corroded but not weakaened

Pass 16 Nov 2023 82,557 miles

Coil spring corroded both rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive upper and lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive upper and lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive upper and lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

lower steering uj corroded

whole of chassis corroded but not weakened.

Fail 16 Nov 2023 82,557 miles

Coil spring corroded both rear (5.3.1 (b) (i))

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength chassis (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive upper and lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive upper and lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive upper and lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

lower steering uj corroded

whole of chassis corroded but not weakened.

Pass 17 Nov 2022 74,089 miles

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

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

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

Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive Both rear lower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Pass 24 Nov 2021 68,430 miles

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

Pass 26 Nov 2020 66,710 miles
Pass 14 May 2019 64,351 miles
Pass 30 Apr 2018 61,947 miles

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt upper a frame (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

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

Pass 9 May 2017 60,053 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded FRONT TO REAR (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

Offside Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Fail 5 May 2017 60,052 miles

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

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' WIPERS NOT PARKING (8.3.1e)

Brake pipe slightly corroded FRONT TO REAR (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

Offside Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Pass 12 May 2016 58,150 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 3 May 2016 58,148 miles

Offside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings (2.2.B.1h)

Power steering component(s) leaking from a failed seal UNIT (2.3.3b)

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

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

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

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

Pass 6 May 2015 53,996 miles

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

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Inner Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

Fail 5 May 2015 53,996 miles

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

Offside Windscreen wiper blade insecure (8.2.2)

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

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

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Offside Inner Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

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

Pass 9 May 2014 48,360 miles

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

Offside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Pass 22 May 2013 41,942 miles

Front Panhard rod has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

Fail 22 Nov 2011 34,678 miles

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

Pass 22 Nov 2011 34,678 miles
Pass 16 Nov 2010 31,370 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

Pass 20 Nov 2009 25,984 miles

Nearside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Fail 20 Nov 2009 25,983 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Pass 28 Nov 2008 20,400 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside inner track rod end joint cover split/missing

Fail 28 Nov 2008 20,400 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside inner track rod end joint cover split/missing

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 29 Nov 2007 17,718 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Offside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

Pass 27 Oct 2006 13,381 miles

Nearside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Nearside inner track rod end joint cover split/missing

Offside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Fail 27 Oct 2006 13,381 miles

Nearside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

Nearside inner track rod end joint cover split/missing

Offside Rear Direction indicator incomplete (1.5.A1b)

Offside Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)

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

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

CV53 VRL is a 2003 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 28 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 67.9%.

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 CV53 VRL, 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 CV53 VRL?

You can check the full history of CV53 VRL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was CV53 VRL registered?

CV53 VRL is a 2003 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 27 November 2003.

Is CV53 VRL safe to buy?

The MOT history for CV53 VRL shows 28 tests with a 67.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does CV53 VRL 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 CV53 VRL. 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.