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Land Rover Defender

Blue · Diesel · 1999 · 2,500 cc

T438 MECMOT history

T438 MEC is a blue diesel Land Rover Defender first used on 1 Mar 1999. Its MOT is valid until 28 Jul 2027 and it has passed 17 of 25 MOT tests, with 181,647 miles recorded at the latest.

From DVSA MOT records, updated 29 Jul 2026.

MOT
Valid
Until 28 Jul 2027
Mileage
181,647 mi
At MOT on 29 Jul 2026
MOT tests
25
17 passed · 8 failed
Per year
4,838 mi
Average between MOTs
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Vehicle details

Registration
T438 MEC
Registration format
Prefix (1983 to 2001)
Make
Land Rover
Model
Defender
Colour
Blue
Fuel type
Diesel
Engine size
2,500 cc
Year of manufacture
1999
First used
1 Mar 1999
MOT status
MOT valid until 28 Jul 2027
Latest MOT test
29 Jul 2026 (Pass)

Mileage history

T438 MEC was last recorded at 181,647 miles on 29 Jul 2026, 1,624 miles more than at the previous MOT on 13 Dec 2021.

Odometer reading at each MOT testPassFail
Previous MOT
180,023 miles · 13 Dec 2021
Between the last two tests
1,624 miles
Average per year
4,838 miles

Recorded mileage by year

  • 2026 – 181,647 miles
  • 2021 – 180,023 miles
  • 2020 – 176,237 miles
  • 2019 – 170,381 miles
  • 2018 – 161,463 miles
  • 2016 – 159,754 miles
  • 2015 – 135,324 miles
  • 2014 – 132,628 miles
  • 2013 – 128,798 miles
  • 2012 – 123,367 miles
  • 2011 – 117,394 miles
  • 2010 – 112,984 miles
  • 2009 – 107,299 miles
  • 2008 – 100,536 miles
  • 2007 – 94,397 miles
  • 2006 – 88,620 miles
  • 2005 – 80,472 miles

What the latest MOT found

Pass181,647 miles
  • AdvisoryRear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

What MOT advisories mean

Recurring issues

Items recorded at more than one earlier MOT but not at the latest one. Repeat advisories can show maintenance that was put off.

  • Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush

    Failure3 MOTs, 2007–2011

  • Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush

    Failure3 MOTs, 2007–2011

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

    Failure2 MOTs, 2013–2016

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

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2014–2015

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

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2010

  • Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2010

Full MOT history

25 tests since 30 Aug 2005, newest first. Select a test to see every defect and advisory.

  1. Pass181,647 miles (+1,624)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    28 Jul 2027
    Odometer
    181,647 miles
    Test number
    242679291145
    • AdvisoryRear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both (1.1.14 (a) (ii))

  2. Pass180,023 miles (+3,786)
    MOT expiry
    13 Dec 2022
    Odometer
    180,023 miles
    Test number
    655987065249

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  3. Pass176,237 miles (+5,856)
    MOT expiry
    13 Dec 2021
    Odometer
    176,237 miles
    Test number
    404921794093

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  4. Pass170,381 miles (+8,918)
    MOT expiry
    10 Dec 2020
    Odometer
    170,381 miles
    Test number
    343185334042

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  5. Pass161,463 miles (+1,709)
    MOT expiry
    10 Jun 2019
    Odometer
    161,463 miles
    Test number
    492368114400

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  6. Pass159,754 miles (+10)
    MOT expiry
    7 Sept 2017
    Odometer
    159,754 miles
    Test number
    575362690571

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  7. Fail159,744 miles (+24,420)8 failures
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    159,744 miles
    Test number
    935109853373
    • FailureExhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)
    • FailureNearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)
    • FailureNearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)
    • FailureNearside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
    • FailureNearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)
    • FailureOffside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)
    • FailureOffside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)
    • FailureParking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)

  8. Pass135,324 miles (+2,696)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    7 Sept 2016
    Odometer
    135,324 miles
    Test number
    464163250577
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
    • AdvisoryRear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  9. Pass132,628 miles (+3,830)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    5 Sept 2015
    Odometer
    132,628 miles
    Test number
    428248644279
    • AdvisoryRear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  10. Pass128,798 miles1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    5 Sept 2014
    Odometer
    128,798 miles
    Test number
    376788743210
    • AdvisoryLower Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

  11. Fail128,798 miles (+5,431)2 failures1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    128,798 miles
    Test number
    159958643253
    • FailureExhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a turbo charged engine (7.4.B.3b)
    • FailureRear Upper Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)
    • AdvisoryLower Power steering component(s) has slight seepage from a component (2.3.3b)

  12. Fail123,367 miles3 repaired2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    123,367 miles
    Test number
    698570952223
    • Repaired at testNearside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)
    • Repaired at testOffside Headlamp aim too high (1.8)
    • Repaired at testWindscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  13. Pass123,367 miles (+5,973)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    5 Sept 2013
    Odometer
    123,367 miles
    Test number
    876190752249
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  14. Pass117,394 miles
    MOT expiry
    5 Sept 2012
    Odometer
    117,394 miles
    Test number
    335019741449

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  15. Fail117,394 miles (+4,410)7 failures
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    117,394 miles
    Test number
    628489541238
    • FailureFuel system component leaking (7.2.3)
    • FailureNearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
    • FailureNearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureOffside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
    • FailureOffside Headlamp aim too low and too far to the right. (1.8)
    • FailureOffside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureWindscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

  16. Pass112,984 miles (+1)2 advisories3 notes
    MOT expiry
    2 Sept 2011
    Odometer
    112,984 miles
    Test number
    544816040244
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)
    • NoteCentre rear suspension arm ball joint slight play/wear
    • NoteCorrosion on brake pipes not all pipes visible at test
    • NoteFront suspension turrets corroded not holed at test

  17. Fail112,983 miles (+5,684)4 failures2 advisories3 notes
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    112,983 miles
    Test number
    464325240273
    • FailureNearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is fractured (5.2.6)
    • FailureNearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)
    • FailureOffside Front Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
    • FailureRear registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.2.B.1f)
    • NoteCentre rear suspension arm ball joint slight play/wear
    • NoteCorrosion on brake pipes not all pipes visible at test
    • NoteFront suspension turrets corroded not holed at test

  18. Pass107,299 miles
    MOT expiry
    1 Sept 2010
    Odometer
    107,299 miles
    Test number
    594405949265

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  19. Fail107,299 miles (+6,763)7 failures
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    107,299 miles
    Test number
    893260449269
    • FailureFront registration plate deteriorated (6.3.1d)
    • FailureNearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureNearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureOffside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureRear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureWindscreen has damage to the swept area in excess of a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

  20. Pass100,536 miles1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    29 Aug 2009
    Odometer
    100,536 miles
    Test number
    512260748263
    • AdvisoryCentre Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  21. Fail100,536 miles (+6,139)2 failures1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    100,536 miles
    Test number
    703880748250
    • FailureOffside Stop lamp excessively damaged so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance (1.2.1d)
    • FailureOffside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
    • AdvisoryCentre Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

  22. Pass94,397 miles (+74)
    MOT expiry
    29 Aug 2008
    Odometer
    94,397 miles
    Test number
    361882447452

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  23. Fail94,323 miles (+5,703)7 failures
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    94,323 miles
    Test number
    143871347220
    • FailureNearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
    • FailureNearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureNearside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)
    • FailureNearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)
    • FailureOffside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)
    • FailureOffside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureOffside Stop lamp not working (1.2.1b)

  24. Pass88,620 miles (+8,148)
    MOT expiry
    29 Aug 2007
    Odometer
    88,620 miles
    Test number
    603445636256

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  25. Pass80,472 miles
    MOT expiry
    29 Aug 2006
    Odometer
    80,472 miles
    Test number
    921042545297

    No defects or advisories recorded.

Questions about T438 MEC

Does T438 MEC currently have a valid MOT?
Yes. DVSA records show the MOT on T438 MEC is valid until 28 Jul 2027.
When is the MOT due on T438 MEC?
The MOT on T438 MEC is valid until 28 Jul 2027. It can be tested up to a month (minus a day) before then and keep the same renewal date.
What mileage has T438 MEC done?
T438 MEC was recorded at 181,647 miles at its MOT on 29 Jul 2026, an average of 4,838 miles a year.
Has T438 MEC ever failed its MOT?
Yes. T438 MEC has failed 8 of its 25 MOT tests, most recently on 1 Sept 2016.
Has the mileage on T438 MEC ever gone down?
No. The odometer reading went up or stayed the same at every MOT test on record. Service records are still worth checking.
What did the latest MOT on T438 MEC find?
T438 MEC passed its latest MOT on 29 Jul 2026 with 1 advisory: rear brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened both.

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Contains DVSA MOT history data, public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Driver Codes is not affiliated with DVSA or DVLA.