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F397 EWR

1989 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires9 Aug 2026
Tests34 (18 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate52.9%

Mileage

171,411 mi
Last recorded171,411 miles
Recorded on5 Aug 2025
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationF397 EWR
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

18 pass 16 fail
Pass 5 Aug 2025 171,411 miles

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

Offside Steering damper bush missing

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

Pass 7 Aug 2024 170,290 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 1 Aug 2024 170,280 miles

Horn not working (7.7 (a))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 10 Aug 2023 168,293 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Fail 7 Aug 2023 168,270 miles

Nearside Front 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))

Offside Front Stub axle has excessive vertical movement between stub axle and axle beam bolts loose holding stub axle to axle (5.1.2 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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))

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

Steering box has seepage (2.1.1 (e) (i))

Pass 26 Apr 2022 166,472 miles
Fail 10 Dec 2021 166,470 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 15 Dec 2020 165,848 miles
Fail 15 Dec 2020 165,838 miles

Exhaust emissions exceed level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (8.2.2.2 (b))

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

Offside Front Driver's door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Fail 30 Sep 2020 165,758 miles

Central Rear Upper Suspension component ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced (7.1.1 (a) (i))

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

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

Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases box (6.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Valve stem seriously damaged (5.2.3 (j)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 17 Apr 2019 162,205 miles

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

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

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

nearside front hub seal weeping

Fail 16 Apr 2019 162,205 miles

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

Nearside Intermediate drop arm insecure to the extent there is excessive movement at the mountings steering damper bush (2.1.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Upper Axle swivel joint so worn or insecure in a stub axle that directional stability is impaired (5.1.2 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake hydraulic reservoir close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (i))

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

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

nearside front hub seal weeping

Pass 9 Feb 2018 157,764 miles

Oil leak ()

Fail 9 Feb 2018 157,764 miles

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

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

Oil leak ()

Pass 8 Feb 2017 152,121 miles

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

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

Oil leak ()

Rear bump stops missing

both front hub swivel seals leaking

Fail 12 Jan 2017 152,121 miles

Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Radius arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Steering locking device missing track rod end (2.2.C.1g)

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

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

Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped along chassis (3.6.B.1)

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

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

Offside Front Intermediate drop arm insecure (2.2.B.1a) DANGEROUS

Complete vehicle chassis badly corroded

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Nearside Front swivel housing leaking grease

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

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

rear bump stops missing

Pass 12 Jan 2016 147,315 miles

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

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

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

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

Fail 7 Jan 2016 147,315 miles

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

Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level (3.6.G.1b)

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

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

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

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

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Nearside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.2.1f)

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded x2 (2.2.C.1h)

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

Offside Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.2.1f)

Offside Front Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

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

Pass 19 Dec 2014 145,807 miles

Offside Front Radius arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Fail 16 Dec 2014 145,806 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Radius arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

Offside Front Radius arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Pass 22 Nov 2013 143,658 miles

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

Fail 22 Nov 2013 143,658 miles

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

Offside Seat belt insecurely fixed to the seat (5.2.1a)

Pass 22 Nov 2012 140,226 miles

Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

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

Fail 21 Nov 2012 140,209 miles

Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

Nearside Front Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

Offside Front Tyre has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)

Pass 24 Nov 2011 137,732 miles

Nearside Front Trailing arm has slight play in a pin/bush (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 23 Nov 2010 135,663 miles
Fail 19 Nov 2010 135,658 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

Offside Headlamp not working on main beam (1.7.5a)

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

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

Pass 11 Jun 2009 134,069 miles
Fail 4 Jun 2009 134,058 miles

Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

Nearside Rear Tie bar/rod attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced (2.4.G.1)

Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.C.1)

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

Offside Rear Tie bar/rod attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced (2.4.G.1)

Pass 11 Jun 2008 132,940 miles
Pass 29 May 2007 130,882 miles
Fail 21 May 2007 130,879 miles

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

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

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

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

Steering damper damaged and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

Pass 5 Jun 2006 127,695 miles
Fail 31 May 2006 127,640 miles

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

Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

steering joint dust cover split/missing

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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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.

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F397 EWR is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 34 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 52.9%.

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 F397 EWR, 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 F397 EWR?

You can check the full history of F397 EWR by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F397 EWR registered?

F397 EWR is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 10 May 1989.

Is F397 EWR safe to buy?

The MOT history for F397 EWR 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 F397 EWR 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 F397 EWR. 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.