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S397 WAH

1999 Land Rover Defender

Red Diesel 2492cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires1 Jul 2027
Tests37 (21 pass, 16 fail)
Pass rate56.8%

Mileage

157,132 mi
Last recorded157,132 miles
Recorded on2 Jul 2026
Typical for 1999 Land Rover Defender106,873 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationS397 WAH
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1999
ColourRed
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,492cc

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

21 pass 16 fail
Pass 2 Jul 2026 157,132 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Rear our rigger corroded

Offside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Offside Rear out rigger corroded

Pass 25 Jun 2025 155,950 miles

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Fail 24 Jun 2025 155,950 miles

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.1.6 (i) (i))

Pass 26 Jun 2024 154,935 miles

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

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

Fail 22 Jun 2024 154,935 miles

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

Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

Pass 26 Apr 2023 153,576 miles
Fail 25 Apr 2023 153,576 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 11 Apr 2022 151,621 miles
Fail 11 Apr 2022 151,621 miles

Offside Rear Tyre has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 14 Apr 2021 150,516 miles

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

Fail 14 Apr 2021 150,516 miles

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength BY AXLE TIE BAR MOUNT (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Fluid leaking continuously posing a serious risk to road safety FUEL FILTER LEAKING DIESEL (8.4.1 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 31 Jan 2020 148,690 miles
Fail 31 Jan 2020 148,690 miles

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

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

Pass 22 Jan 2019 147,545 miles

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

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front swivel leaking

Nearside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced body outrigger in front of rear wheel (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

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

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

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

both headlamp pattern poor

both rear bump stops missing

fuel cap damaged but seals

Fail 21 Jan 2019 147,545 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Axle swivel pins and bushes swivel pin and/or bush slightly worn (5.1.2 (b) (i))

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

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

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

Nearside Front swivel leaking

Nearside Rear Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))

Offside Drag link end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Drag link end ball joint has slight play drop arm ball joint (2.1.3 (b) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Offside Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced body outrigger in front of rear wheel (6.1.1 (c) (i))

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

Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c))

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

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

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

both headlamp pattern poor

both rear bump stops missing

fuel cap damaged but seals

Pass 23 Jan 2018 146,015 miles

Both rear bump stops missing

Brake fluid level getting low

Brake servo vacuum pipe lightly rubbing (3.6.C.1b)

Engine cover fitted obscuring some testable items

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

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

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

Oil leak

Rear Propshaft universal joint worn rear

Vehicle presented in dirty condition

Fail 11 Jan 2018 146,007 miles

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Both rear bump stops missing

Brake fluid level getting low

Brake servo vacuum pipe lightly rubbing (3.6.C.1b)

Engine cover fitted obscuring some testable items

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

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

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

Oil leak

Rear Propshaft universal joint worn rear

Vehicle presented in dirty condition

Pass 9 Jan 2017 143,844 miles

Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.B.2)

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

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

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

Nearside Front swivel joint has slight mist of oil

Nearside Rear Direction indicator damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

Offside Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

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

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

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

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

Offside Front swivel joint has slight misting of oil

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

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

battery covered

brake pedal anti slip provision slightly worn

drivers seat belt buckle trim broken but does not effect operation of buckle

oil leak

Pass 13 Jan 2016 141,474 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Lower Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.B.2)

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

Nearside Front swivel housing has small oil leak

Nearside Rear Direction indicator damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

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

Offside Front swivel housing has small oil leak

Offside Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

oil leak

steering box has small amount of play

Fail 12 Jan 2016 141,474 miles

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

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

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

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

Brake pipe slightly corroded front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

Lower Driver's door hinge deteriorated but the door can still be readily opened and closed (6.2.B.2)

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

Nearside Front swivel housing has small oil leak

Nearside Rear Direction indicator damaged, but still visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

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

Offside Front swivel housing has small oil leak

Offside Seat belt stitching slightly frayed (5.2.2b)

oil leak

steering box has small amount of play

Fail 13 Jan 2015 139,889 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Slight damage to offside front seatbelt but not affecting operation

Slight play in rear propshaft rear u/j

Pass 13 Jan 2015 139,889 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Slight damage to offside front seatbelt but not affecting operation

Slight play in rear propshaft rear u/j

Pass 15 Jan 2014 137,610 miles

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

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

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

Steering damper bush worn

Vehicle in a dirty condition

Fail 14 Jan 2014 137,610 miles

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

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

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

Steering damper bush worn

Vehicle in a dirty condition

Pass 17 Jan 2013 133,662 miles

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

Pass 13 Jan 2012 130,662 miles

Brake pipes covered in grease

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

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

Nearside wiper spindle worn

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

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

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Fail 12 Jan 2012 130,662 miles

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Brake pipes covered in grease

Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay

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

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

Nearside wiper spindle worn

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

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

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

Park brake warning light intermittantly on/off

Prop-shaft universal joint worn

Steering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)

Pass 10 Jan 2011 127,453 miles

Brake pipes covered in grease at time of test

Engine cover fitted at time of test

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

Slight weep from steering box

Small chip in nearside windscreen outside B zone

Pass 15 Jan 2010 123,766 miles

Engine cover fitted at time of test

Steering damper bushes worn

steel brake pipes covered in grease at time of test

Pass 16 Jan 2009 120,831 miles

Engine cover fitted at time of test

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

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

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

Fail 16 Jan 2009 120,831 miles

Engine cover fitted at time of test

Nearside Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

Nearside outer track rod end joint cover split/missing

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

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

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 17 Jan 2008 115,195 miles
Fail 15 Jan 2008 115,195 miles

Offside Rear Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Steering damper bush worn

Pass 16 Jan 2007 106,118 miles
Fail 15 Jan 2007 106,070 miles

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

Offside Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

Pass 12 Jan 2006 90,919 miles
Fail 11 Jan 2006 90,919 miles

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

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

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

S397 WAH is a 1999 Land Rover Defender in Red with a 2,492cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 37 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 56.8%.

Across all 1999 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 70.6% with a typical mileage of 106,873 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 S397 WAH, 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 27 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 S397 WAH?

You can check the full history of S397 WAH by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was S397 WAH registered?

S397 WAH is a 1999 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 15 January 1999.

Is S397 WAH safe to buy?

The MOT history for S397 WAH shows 37 tests with a 56.8% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does S397 WAH 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 S397 WAH. 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.