Land Rover Defender (2004)
2004 Land Rover Defender
CarHunch analysed 6,028 real MOT records for the 2004 Land Rover Defender. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 Defender falls below the UK average with a 76% first-time pass rate, and nearly half of these vehicles (43.1%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a significant concern for any potential buyer. This is a workhorse that demands proper maintenance; expect an average of 5.45 failures and 31.4 advisories per test, suggesting these cars need regular attention to stay roadworthy.
At 83,000 miles median and 87,500 average, these Defenders have been worked hard over two decades, which explains the high defect rate. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on structural integrity, brakes, and suspension—the sheer number of advisories indicates that small issues compound quickly on this model.
What to check before buying a 2004 Land Rover Defender
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 43.1% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Land Rover Defender
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (100%) | 6,009 | 76% | 5.45 |
| Petrol (0%) | 16 | 79.1% | 3.56 |
| Electric (0%) | 3 | 79.1% | 5 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Land Rover Defender vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2004 Land Rover Defender vehicles fall between 59,606 and 109,768 miles.
2004 Land Rover Defender — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 4,107 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 82% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Land Rover Defender
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
112.2%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
44.2%
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
-
43.4%
Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material
-
41.5%
Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
-
38.2%
Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
-
34.3%
Oil leak
-
25.7%
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush
-
25%
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Land Rover Defender?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.