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V989 HKU

1999 Land Rover Defender

Black Diesel 2500cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires23 Nov 2026
Tests33 (20 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate60.6%

Mileage

210,837 mi
Last recorded210,837 miles
Recorded on24 Nov 2025
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

RegistrationV989 HKU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year1999
ColourBlack
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

20 pass 13 fail
Pass 24 Nov 2025 210,837 miles

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

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

Fail 27 Oct 2025 210,837 miles

Nearside Front Seat belt buckle damaged (7.1.2 (d))

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

Offside Front Seat belt buckle damaged (7.1.2 (d))

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

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

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

Steering linkage ball joint ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated 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 Rear Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Inner Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected (2.1.2 (e) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

Pass 21 Oct 2024 201,210 miles

Front Wheel bearing has slight play offside and nearside (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

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

under body under seal

Pass 15 Jun 2024 201,171 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

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

under body corrosion

Fail 14 Jun 2024 201,170 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

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

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

under body corrosion

Pass 11 Jan 2024 200,838 miles

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

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced CROSS MEMBER (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Fail 9 Jan 2024 200,838 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Oil leaking excessively from engine (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Rear Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced CROSS MEMBER (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 16 Dec 2022 199,415 miles

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

Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Pass 24 Dec 2021 197,792 miles

Rear Chassis and suspension components corroded

Pass 17 Jul 2019 187,417 miles

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

Fail 15 Jul 2019 187,414 miles

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

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))

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

Offside Headlamp reflector seriously defective (4.1.1 (b) (ii))

Rear Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush (5.3.2 (c))

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

Windscreen damaged and affecting the driver's view of the road (3.2 (a) (ii))

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

Pass 31 Jul 2018 177,911 miles

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

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

Pass 28 Jul 2017 164,889 miles

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

exhaust slightly deteriorated

Pass 3 Aug 2016 151,100 miles

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

Fail 3 Aug 2016 151,100 miles

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

Hazard warning lamps inoperative (1.4.B.1b)

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Offside Front Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

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

Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Pass 5 Aug 2015 138,506 miles

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

tow bar prescribed area excessively corroded but towbar not fitted at time of test

Fail 28 Jul 2015 138,506 miles

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

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

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

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

Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.5.A.2)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage has slight play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

tow bar prescribed area excessively corroded but towbar not fitted at time of test

Pass 26 Jun 2014 132,954 miles
Fail 26 Apr 2013 124,267 miles

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

oil leak at n/s/f swivel housin

oversize tyres fitted

steering damper bush slightly worn

Pass 26 Apr 2013 124,267 miles

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

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

Nearside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

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

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

Offside Rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)

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

oil leak at n/s/f swivel housin

oversize tyres fitted

steering damper bush slightly worn

Pass 11 May 2012 120,600 miles

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

Pass 10 May 2011 115,278 miles

Oil leak

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

Pass 4 Jun 2010 103,319 miles
Fail 1 Jun 2010 103,306 miles

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

Nearside Front Axle swivel joint has excessive movement between a swivel joint and its housing (2.5.A.1b) DANGEROUS

Fail 4 May 2010 102,827 miles

Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play (2.5.A.3c)

Nearside Rear Radius arm rubber mounting deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

Nearside Rear Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1)

Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Offside Rear Statutory seat belt missing (5.1.1)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on (8.2.1b)

Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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

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

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

nearside rear and offside rear seat mounting brackets insecure

Pass 9 Nov 2009 100,177 miles

Non obligatory mirror damaged

Oil leak

both front hub oil seals leaking

Fail 7 Nov 2009 100,176 miles

Nearside Rear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Non obligatory mirror damaged

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

Oil leak

both front hub oil seals leaking

Pass 13 Nov 2008 95,212 miles

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

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

nearside door mirror cracked

nearside front hub leaking slightly

oil level on min

shallow cuts nearside rear tyre sidewall

Fail 13 Nov 2008 95,212 miles

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

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

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

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

nearside door mirror cracked

nearside front hub leaking slightly

oil level on min

shallow cuts nearside rear tyre sidewall

Pass 2 Nov 2007 92,828 miles
Fail 31 Oct 2007 92,827 miles

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

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

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

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Pass 25 Oct 2006 88,530 miles
Fail 25 Oct 2006 88,530 miles

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

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

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear fog lamp missing (1.3.2a)

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

V989 HKU is a 1999 Land Rover Defender in Black with a 2,500cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 33 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 60.6%.

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 V989 HKU, 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 V989 HKU?

You can check the full history of V989 HKU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was V989 HKU registered?

V989 HKU is a 1999 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 31 December 1999.

Is V989 HKU safe to buy?

The MOT history for V989 HKU shows 33 tests with a 60.6% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does V989 HKU 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 V989 HKU. 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.