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K981 HPU

1993 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires21 Oct 2026
Tests35 (19 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate54.3%

Mileage

184,259 mi
Last recorded184,259 miles
Recorded on22 Oct 2025
Typical for 1993 Land Rover Defender118,574 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationK981 HPU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1993
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 16 fail
Pass 22 Oct 2025 184,259 miles
Fail 15 Oct 2025 184,257 miles

Brake lever has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve travel (1.1.2 (a))

Brake performance unable to be tested (1.2.1 (g))

Front Exhaust silencer insecure (8.1.1 (b) (i))

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

Brake fluid not visible (1.1.10 (d) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Brake master cylinder leaking (1.1.10 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Front Fluid leaking continuously posing a serious risk to road safety fuel leak injector spill pipe (8.4.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 27 Sep 2024 184,257 miles

Rear Bump stops missing

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

Fail 24 Sep 2024 184,257 miles

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake fluid warning lamp illuminated (1.1.10 (f))

Rear Bump stops missing

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

Pass 20 Oct 2023 184,257 miles

Central Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing A frame shocker cover separated (5.3.2 (b))

Front both tractor seals weep off grease

Rear axle pinon has a lot off movement

Rear both bump stops missing

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

Fail 6 Oct 2023 184,257 miles

Brake performance unable to be tested due to fuel leaks (1.2.1 (g))

Emissions unable to be completed due to fuel leak (8.2.2.2 (e))

Nearside Front Brake disc contaminated grease (1.1.14 (b))

Nearside Front Headlamp has a product on the lens so that the light output is severely reduced (4.1.4 (b))

Nearside Front Headlamp reflector seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Front passenger door hinge insecure and Sharpe edges (6.2.3 (c) (ii))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn D bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn tie bar (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Rear Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn tie bar (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Fuel tank leaking excessively or a risk of fire (6.1.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Central Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing A frame shocker cover separated (5.3.2 (b))

Front both tractor seals weep off grease

Rear axle pinon has a lot off movement

Rear both bump stops missing

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

Pass 17 Oct 2022 184,245 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D-bushes (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Pass 28 Jul 2021 183,900 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Fail 28 Jul 2021 183,900 miles

Nearside 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))

Nearside Drag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

Steering linkage deformed Track rod (2.1.3 (c) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Pass 17 Aug 2020 183,491 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 Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt rear (2.1.3 (g) (i))

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Service brake binding but not excessively (1.2.1 (f))

Pass 6 Sep 2019 182,223 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D bush damaged (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

oil leak

vehicle underside covered in mud

Fail 2 Sep 2019 182,220 miles

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

Front Prop shaft joint so worn it is likely to fail (6.1.7 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Steering box sector shaft worn to the extent that functionality is affected excessive play at steering box to drop arm (2.1.1 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Brake fluid close to minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement D bush damaged (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

oil leak

vehicle underside covered in mud

Pass 11 Sep 2018 179,785 miles

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

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

Fail 22 Aug 2018 179,781 miles

Brake performance not tested (1.2.1 (g))

Front Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt at steering box (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorbers insecurely attached bush excessive play (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn at axle mounting (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Lower Suspension component insecurely attached roll bar linkage bolt loose (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers insecurely attached bush excessive play (5.3.2 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension rod pin or bush excessively worn at axle mounting (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Lower Suspension component insecurely attached roll bar linkage bolt loose (5.3.3 (a) (i))

Rear Prop shaft joint excessively worn rear (6.1.7 (c) (i))

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

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

Pass 4 Sep 2017 178,419 miles

Both rear bump stops missing

Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement BOTH - bushes (2.4.G.2)

Rear diff. leaking

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

Fail 4 Sep 2017 178,415 miles

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

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

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

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

Both rear bump stops missing

Front Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement BOTH - bushes (2.4.G.2)

Rear diff. leaking

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

Pass 1 Sep 2016 176,493 miles

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

front radius arm bushes worn/deteriorated

nsf tyre perished/deteriorated

nsr tyre perished/deteriorated

rear number plate deteriorated

Pass 26 Aug 2015 175,552 miles

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

Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber mounting deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

Pass 12 Sep 2014 174,561 miles

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

Fail 9 Sep 2014 174,553 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1a)

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

Pass 29 Aug 2013 173,571 miles
Fail 22 Aug 2013 173,568 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

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

rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)

Pass 8 Sep 2012 172,623 miles

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

Fail 5 Sep 2012 172,623 miles

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

Offside Front Tyre(s) incorrect because different size tyres are fitted on the same axle. (4.1.A.1a)

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

Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

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

Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (5.2.6)

nearside front tyre in poor condition

Pass 12 Sep 2011 171,975 miles

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Fail 9 Sep 2011 171,972 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear Passenger's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2)

Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

middle and nearside rear seats fixings worn

rear suspension bump stops missing

Pass 14 Sep 2010 171,252 miles

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

both front swivel hub seals leaking

cuts to front tyres

play in wiper linkage

play to nearside front swivel hub bearings

Fail 13 Sep 2010 171,236 miles

Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement (3.3.A.5)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

both front swivel hub seals leaking

cuts to front tyres

play in wiper linkage

play to nearside front swivel hub bearings

signs of dampness to offside rear brake back plate

Fail 23 Aug 2010 171,227 miles

An item not tested (Manual)

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

Nearside Front Windscreen wiper not operating over a large enough area to give an adequate view (8.2.1c)

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

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

Offside Rear Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Passenger's seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.A.2)

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

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' (8.3.1e)

cant open nearside rear door

cant see all front rear metal brake pipe

nearside front beam pattern poor

Fail 23 Mar 2010 171,217 miles

Brake pedal spongy (3.3.B.1b)

Nearside Front Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating over a large enough area to give an adequate view (8.2.1c)

Offside Front Radius arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

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

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

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

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

osr bump stop missing

Pass 26 Mar 2008 168,866 miles

both rear tyres cracked

Fail 19 Mar 2008 168,866 miles

Front registration plate letter/figure incomplete (6.3.1c)

Outer Rear passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. (6.2.3)

both rear tyres cracked

Pass 13 Sep 2007 168,352 miles

all tyres perishing

Pass 17 Nov 2006 167,950 miles
Fail 16 Nov 2006 167,950 miles

Nearside Rear position lamp(s) excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.1.A.3d)

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

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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K981 HPU is a 1993 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 35 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 54.3%.

Across all 1993 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 67.8% with a typical mileage of 118,574 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 K981 HPU, 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 33 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 K981 HPU?

You can check the full history of K981 HPU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was K981 HPU registered?

K981 HPU is a 1993 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 18 June 1993.

Is K981 HPU safe to buy?

The MOT history for K981 HPU shows 35 tests with a 54.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does K981 HPU 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 K981 HPU. 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.