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YT53 ZFL

2003 Land Rover Defender

Blue Diesel 2495cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires4 Nov 2026
Tests32 (20 pass, 12 fail)
Pass rate62.5%

Mileage

163,692 mi
Last recorded163,692 miles
Recorded on5 Nov 2025
Typical for 2003 Land Rover Defender86,068 mi

Significantly above average — investigate

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Vehicle Details

RegistrationYT53 ZFL
MakeLand Rover
ModelDefender
Year2003
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

20 pass 12 fail
Pass 5 Nov 2025 163,692 miles

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

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

Nearside Front slight play in king pin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 5 Nov 2025 163,692 miles

Brake fluid significantly below minimum mark (1.1.10 (d) (ii))

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

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

Nearside Front slight play in king pin

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 23 Oct 2024 161,839 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fail 23 Oct 2024 161,839 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))

Pass 16 Oct 2023 157,874 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 20 Oct 2022 153,896 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 14 Sep 2022 153,892 miles

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

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

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

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

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

Pass 17 Sep 2021 145,811 miles

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

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

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

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

Fail 15 Sep 2021 145,811 miles

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

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

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

Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

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

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

Offside Rear Nail in tyre ()

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

Pass 15 Sep 2020 139,221 miles

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

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

Fail 15 Sep 2020 139,221 miles

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

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

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Pass 2 Sep 2019 133,297 miles

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

Fail 29 Aug 2019 133,297 miles

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

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

Pass 5 Sep 2018 124,833 miles

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

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

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

Pass 18 Sep 2017 117,228 miles

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

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

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

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

Fail 18 Sep 2017 117,228 miles

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

Headlamp switch faulty (1.7.1)

Horn not working (1.6.2a)

Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)

Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone 'A' (8.3.1e)

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

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

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

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

Pass 9 Sep 2016 107,917 miles

Drivers seat worn

Offside Front swivel joint leaking

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

Fail 9 Sep 2016 107,917 miles

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

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

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

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

Nearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

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

Offside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)

Drivers seat worn

Offside Front swivel joint leaking

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

Pass 18 Sep 2015 99,696 miles
Pass 27 Aug 2014 88,598 miles

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

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

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

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

Pass 18 Sep 2013 82,962 miles

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

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Pass 19 Sep 2012 76,861 miles

Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)

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

Pass 9 Sep 2011 69,432 miles

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

front to rear metal brake pipe corroded

offside front metal brake pipe corroded

Fail 9 Sep 2011 69,432 miles

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

Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.C.1a)

front to rear metal brake pipe corroded

offside front metal brake pipe corroded

Pass 7 Sep 2010 58,351 miles
Pass 22 Sep 2009 49,950 miles
Fail 21 Sep 2009 49,949 miles

Nearside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

Offside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)

Offside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

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)

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

spair tyre below 1.6mm

Fail 16 Sep 2008 40,627 miles

Nail in nearside front tyre

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

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

Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped (3.6.B.1)

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

Pass 16 Sep 2008 40,627 miles

Nail in nearside front tyre

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

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

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

Fail 20 Sep 2007 31,667 miles

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

Rear Brake pipe inadequately supported (3.6.B.1)

Pass 20 Sep 2007 31,667 miles

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

Pass 22 Sep 2006 23,324 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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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

YT53 ZFL is a 2003 Land Rover Defender in Blue with a 2,495cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 32 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 62.5%.

Across all 2003 Land Rover Defender models, the average MOT pass rate is 73.7% with a typical mileage of 86,068 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 YT53 ZFL, 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 23 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 YT53 ZFL?

You can check the full history of YT53 ZFL by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was YT53 ZFL registered?

YT53 ZFL is a 2003 Land Rover Defender, first registered on 23 September 2003.

Is YT53 ZFL safe to buy?

The MOT history for YT53 ZFL shows 32 tests with a 62.5% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does YT53 ZFL 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 YT53 ZFL. 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.