CarVerify

Free Car Check

F496 DKH

1989 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2494cc
Search another vehicle

MOT Status

Expired
Expires23 Sep 2025
Tests30 (17 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate56.7%

Mileage

211,569 mi
Last recorded211,569 miles
Recorded on20 Oct 2025
Typical for 1989 Land Rover Defender127,912 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
Stolen
Finance
Write-off
Keepers
Unlock full report — £4.99
Instant £30k guarantee
or single check £14.99

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

RegistrationF496 DKH
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1989
ColourGreen
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,494cc

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

17 pass 13 fail
Fail 20 Oct 2025 211,569 miles

Central Rear Cab or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a cab mounting rear cross member (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Suspension component attachment bracket/mounting corroded and seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension component fractured top coil spring mount (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Steering box has relative movement to chassis/bodywork crack in chassis where box is bolted (2.1.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Pass 24 Sep 2024 208,058 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 24 Sep 2024 208,044 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 21 May 2024 207,981 miles

Central Rear Upper Sub-frame ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (5.3.4 (b) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorbers insecurely attached (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength TOP OF CHASSIS NEAR SHOCK MOUNTING. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Rear Fluid leak harmful to the environment or a risk to other road users FUEL LEAK FUEL TANK AREA. (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Outer Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting REAR CROSS MEMBER. (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Central Front Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (0.1 (b))

Nearside Front Inner Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Upper Cab or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security INNER BULK HEAD CORROSION (WATER INGRESS TO CAB). INNER WING PANNELL VERY RUSTY. (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Nearside Rear Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive COIL SPRING MOUNTING CORRODED. (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Offside Front Outer Steering component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive INNER & OUTER CHASSIS CORROSION. (2.1.2 (e) (i))

Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing BOTH REAR SHOCK OUTER CASEING`S. (5.3.2 (b))

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing BOTH FRONT TYRES PERISHED IN TREAD`S. (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 6 Dec 2022 201,353 miles

heavy underbody corrosion

Pass 30 Nov 2021 196,754 miles

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

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

Offside Front Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords heavily cut inner sidewall/perished/cracked in tread (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated above axle (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

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

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

Fail 16 Nov 2021 196,686 miles

Bumper damaged and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted (6.1.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Front Body pillar so insecure that load stability or security is likely to be seriously impaired door pillar (6.2.1 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Front passenger door likely to open inadvertently or not remain closed (6.2.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Offside Front Tyre has a cut but not deep enough to reach the ply or cords heavily cut inner sidewall/perished/cracked in tread (5.2.3 (d) (i))

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated above axle (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

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

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

Pass 11 Nov 2020 192,301 miles

Chassis has been heavily welded and is covered in thick under seal

Door pillar is heavily corroded

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

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

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

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

Pass 19 Nov 2019 188,085 miles

Chassis has been extensively welded

Driver's door pillar deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.3 (c) (i))

Front Both front hub seals lightly seeping

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

Front Bumper corroded

Front Coil spring corroded Both n/s and o/s (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens but not seriously reducing light output Image poor (4.1.4 (b))

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

Rear Exhaust mounting defective (6.1.2 (a))

Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing Both rear cracked/perished in tread (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Underside generally corroded

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

Pass 19 Nov 2018 182,987 miles

Chassis has been excessively welded

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

Seat belt slightly damaged N/S and O/S Seat belts are both starting to fray (7.1.2 (b) (i))

Underside is generally corroded

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

Pass 22 Nov 2017 177,612 miles

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion underside show signs of light corrosion (6.1.A.1)

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Pass 14 Jun 2016 172,389 miles
Fail 14 Jun 2016 172,389 miles

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Pass 12 Jun 2015 167,358 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 12 Jun 2015 167,358 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Pass 28 May 2014 161,810 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Fail 28 May 2014 161,810 miles

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Pass 7 Jan 2013 156,003 miles

Centre Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

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

rear exhaust corroded

Pass 2 Dec 2011 150,593 miles

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Fail 17 Nov 2011 150,460 miles

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

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

Offside Front Ball joint excessively corroded and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)

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

Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)

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

advise both rear bump stops missing

Pass 10 Nov 2010 146,022 miles

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Nearside Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

n/s door difficult to secure closed

n/s/f track rod end gaitor split

o/s/f swivel joint slight corrosion

Fail 1 Nov 2010 146,022 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (1.7.5a)

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.2.B.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Battery insecure

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

Front registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread (6.3.1d)

Nearside Front Shock absorber has slight corrosion to the casing (2.7.2a)

Nearside Front Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Rear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

n/s door difficult to secure closed

n/s/f track rod end gaitor split

o/s/f swivel joint slight corrosion

Pass 14 Oct 2009 141,354 miles
Fail 30 Sep 2009 141,335 miles

Front Body or chassis 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)

Offside Front 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)

Offside Upper Front suspension has excessive play in a upper suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)

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

wipers dont park automatically

Pass 13 Aug 2008 136,648 miles

floor rusting

Fail 11 Aug 2008 136,648 miles

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

Offside Front Front suspension has a loose unit in the upper support bearing assembly (2.5.B.3b)

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

floor rusting

Pass 14 Aug 2007 131,934 miles

advisory's as issued before with failure certificate number 682952827201

Fail 10 Aug 2007 131,925 miles

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

Exhaust system not adequately supported (7.1.1)

Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play (2.1.5)

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Nearside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Offside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Offside Rear coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

both rear bump stops missing

front number plate broken

nearside rear chassis corroded and holed not in a prescribed area

Pass 15 Aug 2006 126,377 miles
Fail 15 Aug 2006 126,376 miles

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b) DANGEROUS

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b) DANGEROUS

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

Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

Nearside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

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

Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (2.4.A.3)

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

Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

battery clamp hanging down through floor

battery compartment corroded and holed

front number plate broken

nearside front floor corroded and holed near body mounting point

rear bump stops missing

slight movement in steering box drop arm

slight movement in steering column lower coupling

slight oil leak on rear axle

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

F496 DKH is a 1989 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,494cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 30 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.7%.

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 F496 DKH, 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 F496 DKH?

You can check the full history of F496 DKH by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was F496 DKH registered?

F496 DKH is a 1989 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 20 January 1989.

Is F496 DKH safe to buy?

The MOT history for F496 DKH shows 30 tests with a 56.7% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does F496 DKH 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 F496 DKH. 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.