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L257 XAM

1994 Land Rover Defender

Green Diesel 2495cc

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MOT Status

Valid

Expires14 Sep 2027

Tests38 (22 pass, 16 fail)

Pass rate57.9%

Mileage

141,849 mi

Last recorded141,849 miles

Recorded on15 Sep 2026

Typical for 1994 Land Rover Defender120,267 mi

Above average mileage for this year

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationL257 XAM

MakeLand Rover

ModelDefender

Year1994

ColourGreen

Fuel typeDiesel

Engine2,495cc

View full Land Rover Defender reliability data Browse other 1994 Land Rover Defender registrations

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

22 pass 16 fail

Pass 15 Sep 2026 141,849 miles

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

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing All tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 9 Sep 2026 141,823 miles

Nearside Front Suspension component attachment bracket/mounting corroded and seriously weakened Axle corroded near pan-hard rod bush (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside 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 Seat belt webbing significantly weakened cut greater than 4mm (7.1.2 (b))

Offside 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))

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing All tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 9 Sep 2025 140,295 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing All tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Fail 9 Sep 2025 140,295 miles

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing All tyres (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Pass 8 Aug 2024 138,322 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Pass 8 Aug 2023 136,835 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Fail 28 Jul 2023 136,778 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting multiple holes (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting multiple holes (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Pass 27 Jul 2022 135,106 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Fail 27 Jul 2022 135,106 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a))

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))

Pass 22 Jul 2021 133,459 miles

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

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

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Fail 20 Jul 2021 133,434 miles

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

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

Nearside Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Axle corroded near suspension arm mount (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii)) DANGEROUS

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

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

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Rear axle slightly corroded

Pass 17 Jul 2020 131,539 miles

Both rear bump stops missing

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Horn not working properly (7.7 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 15 Jul 2020 131,514 miles

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced 2 holes (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced 2 holes (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

Both rear bump stops missing

Brake pedal wearing smooth (1.1.2 (c))

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Horn not working properly (7.7 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Jul 2019 129,269 miles

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Offside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Fail 16 Jul 2019 129,326 miles

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

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

Nearside Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting Inner and outer chassis and cross member (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced Inner and outer chassis and cross member (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Offside Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting Inner and outer chassis and cross member (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

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

Central Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Offside Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))

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

Pass 23 Jul 2018 126,868 miles

Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material front to rear brake pipe (1.1.11 (c))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 24 Jul 2017 124,086 miles

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

Steering drop arm ball joint has slight play

Pass 26 Jul 2016 121,226 miles

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

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

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

Fail 25 Jul 2016 121,199 miles

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

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

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

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

All tyres have age related cracking

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

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

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

Pass 14 Jul 2015 118,603 miles

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

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

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

both rear tyres have age related cracking

Fail 13 Jul 2015 118,596 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Rear Suspension arm has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

both rear tyres have age related cracking

Pass 17 Jul 2014 115,194 miles

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

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

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

both rear bump stops missing

both rear tyres perished

Fail 16 Jul 2014 115,194 miles

Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly (1.4.B.1e)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

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

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

both rear bump stops missing

both rear tyres perished

Pass 18 Jul 2013 112,871 miles

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

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

both rear tyres perished

Fail 15 Jul 2013 112,862 miles

Nearside Front Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

both rear tyres perished

Pass 12 Jul 2012 109,636 miles

Fail 9 Jul 2012 109,636 miles

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

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

Pass 18 Jul 2011 108,232 miles

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

Pass 27 Jul 2010 103,600 miles

Fail 26 Jul 2010 103,600 miles

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Fail 28 Jul 2009 101,080 miles

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

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

Propshaft component defective

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 28 Jul 2009 101,080 miles

Propshaft component defective

Pass 21 Jul 2008 98,640 miles

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

Pass 30 Jul 2007 96,135 miles

Fail 30 Jul 2007 96,135 miles

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

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

Pass 24 Jul 2006 93,255 miles

Fail 24 Jul 2006 93,255 miles

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

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

Pass 27 Jul 2005 89,677 miles

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

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

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L257 XAM is a 1994 Land Rover Defender in Green with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 38 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.9%.

Across all 1994 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 68.3% with a typical mileage of 120,267 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 L257 XAM, 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 32 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 L257 XAM?

You can check the full history of L257 XAM by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was L257 XAM registered?

L257 XAM is a 1994 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 14 March 1994.

Is L257 XAM safe to buy?

The MOT history for L257 XAM shows 38 tests with a 57.9% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does L257 XAM 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 L257 XAM. 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.