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V388 ABE

1999 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2500cc
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MOT Status

Expired
Expires12 Feb 2025
Tests33 (19 pass, 14 fail)
Pass rate57.6%

Mileage

140,960 mi
Last recorded140,960 miles
Recorded on19 Mar 2025
Typical for 1999 Land Rover Defender106,873 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationV388 ABE
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1999
ColourBlue
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine2,500cc

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 14 fail
Fail 19 Mar 2025 140,960 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too far to the right (4.1.2 (a))

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

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

Offside Front Driver's door does not latch securely closed (6.2.3 (a))

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

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

Position lamp switch insecure (4.2.2 (b))

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

Steering linkage ball joint has excessive play Lower steering arm (2.1.3 (b) (i))

Central Integral body structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced Rear seat support (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Nearside Front Hub seal leaking

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

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

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

Steering box has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.3 (a) (i))

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

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

Pass 5 Feb 2024 134,769 miles

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

Nearside Rear Body support cross member corroded

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure or chassis corroded within 30cm of a mounting, but not seriously affecting overall security (6.2.2 (d) (i))

Offside Front Lower door damaged at hinge

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

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

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component Box (2.1.5 (a))

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

Pass 13 Feb 2023 127,873 miles

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

Nearside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn Tie rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 13 Feb 2023 127,873 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Front Prop shaft securing bolt loose (6.1.7 (a) (i))

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

Nearside Front Suspension component pin or bush slightly worn Tie rod (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 7 Feb 2022 119,088 miles
Fail 9 Dec 2021 119,067 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (1.6 (b))

Power steering component has slight seepage from a component Steering Box (2.1.5 (a))

Pass 5 Dec 2020 114,042 miles
Pass 12 Feb 2020 108,186 miles

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

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outrigger, near radius arm mounting (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated a-frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Fail 10 Feb 2020 108,186 miles

Service brake is causing the vehicle to swerve to the nearside (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt drop arm (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

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

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

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

Offside Front Lower Suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive outrigger, near radius arm mounting (5.3.6 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Rear Suspension arm ball joint dust cover severely deteriorated a-frame (5.3.4 (b) (i))

Pass 27 Feb 2019 106,768 miles

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

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both radius arms (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 13 Feb 2019 106,701 miles

Offside Front Lower Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Towbar excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting rear cross-member (6.1.6 (i) (i))

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

Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement both radius arms (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 22 Feb 2018 105,239 miles

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

Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion cross member both sides (6.1.B.2)

Fail 21 Feb 2018 105,239 miles

Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush both sides (2.7.4)

Offside Drag link end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

Upper Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

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

Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion cross member both sides (6.1.B.2)

Pass 14 Feb 2017 103,489 miles

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

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

Front both sides swivel hub seals leaking

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component output seal on box (2.3.3b)

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion rear cross member on both sides outer ends (6.1.B.2)

Fail 14 Feb 2017 103,489 miles

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

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

Front both sides swivel hub seals leaking

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component output seal on box (2.3.3b)

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

Vehicle structure has slight corrosion rear cross member on both sides outer ends (6.1.B.2)

Pass 24 Feb 2016 101,541 miles

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

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

Nearside Front swivel hub leaking

Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has slight corrosion cross member end inner (6.1.B.2)

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a seal steering box drop arm seal (2.3.3b)

Fail 17 Feb 2016 101,525 miles

Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush BOTH SIDES (2.7.4)

Offside Rear Fuel system component insecure FILTER HOUSING BROKEN OFF (7.2.1)

Power steering component(s) leaking from a failed seal STEERING BOX OUTPUT SEAL (2.3.3b)

Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped AXLE PIPES X2 (3.6.B.1)

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

OIL LEAK FROM TOP REAR OF ENGINE

Offside Rear Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

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

Rear Inner Body has slight corrosion CROSSMEMBER (6.1.B.2)

Pass 18 Feb 2015 99,359 miles

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

N/s/f swivel hub leaking.

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

Nearside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

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

Fail 16 Feb 2015 99,359 miles

Headlamp switch faulty (1.7.1)

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

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

N/s/f swivel hub leaking.

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

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

Nearside Obligatory mirror damaged, but not seriously affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

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

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

Pass 27 Jan 2014 93,847 miles

Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a seal (2.3.3b)

slight corrosion on o/s front bulkhead outrigger

Pass 6 Feb 2013 87,398 miles

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

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Fail 6 Feb 2013 87,398 miles

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

Nearside Drag link end ball joint dust cover deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

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

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

Parking brake lever has little reserve travel (3.1.6b)

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

Pass 27 Jan 2012 83,451 miles

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

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

Pass 11 Feb 2011 83,286 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

steering box leaking [drop arm]

Fail 7 Feb 2011 83,279 miles

Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (3.4.1c)

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oil leak

steering box leaking [drop arm]

Pass 19 Feb 2010 82,855 miles
Fail 12 Feb 2010 82,814 miles

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

Offside Front Power steering component(s) leaking from a failed seal (2.3.3b)

Pass 19 Feb 2009 81,277 miles

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

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

slight leakage from steering box

Pass 19 Feb 2008 78,808 miles
Fail 18 Feb 2008 78,808 miles

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

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

Pass 20 Feb 2007 76,590 miles
Pass 25 Oct 2006 75,649 miles
Fail 23 Oct 2006 75,649 miles

Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced (1.7.5a)

Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

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

V388 ABE is a 1999 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,500cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 57.6%.

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 V388 ABE, 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 V388 ABE?

You can check the full history of V388 ABE by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was V388 ABE registered?

V388 ABE is a 1999 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 17 September 1999.

Is V388 ABE safe to buy?

The MOT history for V388 ABE shows 33 tests with a 57.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does V388 ABE 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 V388 ABE. 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.