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F261 FAW

1989 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires17 Sep 2025
Tests30 (15 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate50%

Mileage

135,280 mi
Last recorded135,280 miles
Recorded on17 Mar 2026
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationF261 FAW
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
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

15 pass 15 fail
Fail 17 Mar 2026 135,280 miles

Exhaust emissions exceed manufacturer's specified limit (8.2.2.2 (a))

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

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))

Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn Trailing arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Chassis corroded and holed behind cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp aim unable to be tested (4.1.2 (b))

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Shock absorber turret/cone corroded and holed (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush excessively worn "A" frame bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Chassis corroded and holed behind cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Power steering malfunctioning (2.1.5 (a))

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

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

Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Radius arm rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Rear Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement "A" frame bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Radius arm rear bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Trailing arm front bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Power steering pipe/hose has slight seepage (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 18 Sep 2024 135,280 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber tower (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive shock absorber tower! (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

rear cross-member corroded!

Fail 8 Mar 2024 135,280 miles

Front Position lamp not working both sides x2 (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Nearside Front Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator light intensity significantly reduced (4.4.3 (a))

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced above axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced above axle (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Windscreen wiper not working (3.4 (a))

Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 235/85/16 (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases pipe (6.1.2 (a))

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

Offside Front hub has movement

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

steering box/arm nut not secure

Pass 17 Feb 2023 135,291 miles

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

Fail 6 Feb 2023 135,280 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

Offside Front Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

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

Pass 15 Jun 2021 134,268 miles

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

Fail 10 Jun 2021 134,229 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 17 Oct 2019 132,780 miles

Battery box corroded

General chassis corrosion

O/S front chassis corroded

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

Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Fail 24 Sep 2019 132,778 miles

Emissions not tested (8.2.2.2 (e))

Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

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

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Out rigger (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front 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 Front Lower Suspension spring mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Out rigger (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (1.1.11 (c))

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

Battery box corroded

General chassis corrosion

O/S front chassis corroded

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

Towbar slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Pass 8 Dec 2016 130,831 miles

Exhaust centre mounting

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component Steering box (2.3.3b)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fail 7 Dec 2016 130,830 miles

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Exhaust centre mounting

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

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

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

Oil leak ()

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component Steering box (2.3.3b)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 18 Dec 2015 128,801 miles

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

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

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.3.3b)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Fail 15 Dec 2015 128,788 miles

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

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

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

Front Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

Hazard warning switch missing (1.4.B.1d)

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

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive play (2.5.A.3b) DANGEROUS

Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint (2.3.3b)

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

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

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component steering box (2.3.3b)

Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Pass 20 Nov 2014 126,697 miles

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

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

Pass 22 Nov 2013 124,789 miles

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

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

Fail 22 Nov 2013 124,789 miles

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

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

Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Fail 29 Aug 2013 130,918 miles

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

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Pass 13 Aug 2012 126,823 miles
Fail 13 Aug 2012 126,823 miles

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

Fail 15 Aug 2011 122,997 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 15 Aug 2011 122,997 miles

Offside Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)

Pass 9 Aug 2010 119,223 miles
Fail 19 Jan 2010 118,180 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is damaged, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

Offside Rear Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Both rear lower shocker rubbers perishing

Diff seal leaking

Drivers wiper blade split

O/S/F track rod end boot split

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

Pass 23 Jan 2009 112,588 miles

corrosion on offside rear chassis not in prescrbeb area but may affect tow bar mounting strength

Fail 14 Jan 2009 112,569 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

corrosion on offside rear chassis not in prescrbeb area but may affect tow bar mounting strength

Pass 21 Dec 2007 109,022 miles
Pass 25 Nov 2006 104,540 miles
Fail 18 Nov 2006 104,422 miles

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

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

Pass 14 Dec 2005 102,213 miles
Fail 10 Dec 2005 102,213 miles

Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour of any colour (7.4.B.4)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.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

F261 FAW is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 50%.

Across all 1989 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.8% with a typical mileage of 127,912 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 F261 FAW, 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 37 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 F261 FAW?

You can check the full history of F261 FAW by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F261 FAW registered?

F261 FAW is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 10 May 1989.

Is F261 FAW safe to buy?

The MOT history for F261 FAW shows 30 tests with a 50% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F261 FAW 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 F261 FAW. 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.