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YG51 VJU

2001 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires24 May 2027
Tests36 (21 pass, 15 fail)
Pass rate58.3%

Mileage

126,641 mi
Last recorded126,641 miles
Recorded on13 May 2026
Typical for 2001 Land Rover Defender94,644 mi

Above average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Land Rover
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Finance
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationYG51 VJU
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2001
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

21 pass 15 fail
Pass 13 May 2026 126,641 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

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

steering damper bush worn

Fail 11 May 2026 126,632 miles

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

Exhaust emissions test not completed because smoke levels are significantly in excess of the specified limit values (8.2.2.2 (f))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has negligible damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Steering box has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering box fitted) (2.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Offside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

steering damper bush worn

Pass 9 May 2025 124,459 miles

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

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

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

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

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Steering damper bush worn

Fail 8 May 2025 124,459 miles

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

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

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

Nearside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Offside Front Shock absorbers has a reduced damping effect (5.3.2 (d))

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

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

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

Steering box slight play between sector shaft and the drop arm (2.1.3 (a) (ii))

Steering damper bush worn

Pass 24 May 2024 122,363 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

Fail 22 May 2024 122,360 miles

Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt rear control arm (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))

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

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

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

Pass 6 May 2023 120,096 miles
Fail 5 May 2023 120,094 miles

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

Driver's door likely to open inadvertently or not remain closed (6.2.3 (b) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 25 May 2022 117,498 miles
Fail 25 May 2022 117,497 miles

Nearside Seat belt not functioning as intended (7.1.2 (c))

Fail 9 Mar 2022 117,411 miles

Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))

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

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

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

Rear Prop shaft flexible coupling excessively deteriorated (6.1.7 (d) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

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

Trailer electrical socket wiring insulation damaged or deteriorated (4.10 (b) (i))

Pass 24 Mar 2021 114,705 miles

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Trailer electrical socket wiring insulation damaged or deteriorated (4.10 (b) (i))

Fail 23 Mar 2021 114,704 miles

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

Nearside Rear 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 (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Offside 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))

Hydraulic leak, but not excessive steering box (8.4.1 (a) (i))

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

Trailer electrical socket wiring insulation damaged or deteriorated (4.10 (b) (i))

Pass 10 Mar 2020 112,645 miles
Pass 20 Mar 2019 109,737 miles

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

Pass 15 Mar 2018 106,365 miles

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

Oil leak ()

Fail 13 Mar 2018 106,365 miles

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

Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded chassis area steering box mount area (2.2.C.1h)

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

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

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Windscreen wiper control missing (8.2.1a)

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

Oil leak ()

Pass 17 Mar 2017 102,992 miles

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Oil leak engine ()

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

Fail 14 Mar 2017 102,992 miles

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

Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering (2.5.A.3a)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

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

Nearside Front coil spring corroded (2.4.C.1b)

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

Oil leak engine ()

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

Pass 17 Mar 2016 99,694 miles

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

oil leak

Fail 17 Mar 2016 99,694 miles

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

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

oil leak

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

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

Pass 13 Mar 2015 95,859 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 11 Mar 2015 95,859 miles

Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.B.1b)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.4.A.2e)

Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour (1.4.A.2f)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.C.1b) DANGEROUS

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

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

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

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

Pass 13 Mar 2014 92,008 miles
Fail 13 Mar 2014 92,008 miles

Nearside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)

Pass 18 Mar 2013 87,504 miles
Pass 21 Mar 2012 82,386 miles

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

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

Fail 20 Mar 2012 82,386 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 10 Mar 2011 75,987 miles
Pass 10 Mar 2010 65,396 miles
Fail 10 Mar 2010 65,395 miles

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

Nearside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

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

Offside Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

Pass 6 Mar 2009 54,443 miles

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

Pass 12 Mar 2008 45,348 miles
Fail 11 Mar 2008 45,342 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Nearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only (3.1.2)

Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) DANGEROUS

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

Pass 29 Mar 2007 38,830 miles
Pass 21 Mar 2006 31,644 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
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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YG51 VJU is a 2001 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 36 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 58.3%.

Across all 2001 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 71.0% with a typical mileage of 94,644 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 YG51 VJU, 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 25 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 YG51 VJU?

You can check the full history of YG51 VJU by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was YG51 VJU registered?

YG51 VJU is a 2001 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 27 September 2001.

Is YG51 VJU safe to buy?

The MOT history for YG51 VJU shows 36 tests with a 58.3% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does YG51 VJU 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 YG51 VJU. 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.