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Land Rover Defender

Green · Diesel · 1999 · 2,500 cc

T538 KWJMOT history

T538 KWJ is a green diesel Land Rover Defender first used on 30 Jul 1999. Its MOT is valid until 5 Nov 2026 and it has passed 18 of 28 MOT tests, with 166,378 miles recorded at the latest.

From DVSA MOT records, updated 6 Nov 2025.

MOT
Valid
Until 5 Nov 2026
Mileage
166,378 mi
At MOT on 6 Nov 2025
MOT tests
28
18 passed · 10 failed
Per year
5,710 mi
Average between MOTs
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Vehicle details

Registration
T538 KWJ
Registration format
Prefix (1983 to 2001)
Make
Land Rover
Model
Defender
Colour
Green
Fuel type
Diesel
Engine size
2,500 cc
Year of manufacture
1999
First used
30 Jul 1999
MOT status
MOT valid until 5 Nov 2026
Latest MOT test
6 Nov 2025 (Pass)

Mileage history

T538 KWJ was last recorded at 166,378 miles on 6 Nov 2025, 1,433 miles more than at the previous MOT on 30 Jan 2024.

Odometer reading at each MOT testPassFail
Previous MOT
164,945 miles · 30 Jan 2024
Between the last two tests
1,433 miles
Average per year
5,710 miles

Recorded mileage by year

  • 2025 – 166,378 miles
  • 2024 – 164,945 miles
  • 2022 – 158,677 miles
  • 2021 – 151,038 miles
  • 2020 – 147,024 miles
  • 2017 – 141,616 miles
  • 2016 – 131,376 miles
  • 2015 – 120,999 miles
  • 2014 – 117,598 miles
  • 2013 – 115,362 miles
  • 2012 – 112,221 miles
  • 2011 – 108,685 miles
  • 2009 – 104,446 miles
  • 2008 – 99,727 miles
  • 2007 – 87,359 miles
  • 2006 – 70,028 miles
  • 2005 – 51,893 miles

What the latest MOT found

Pass166,378 miles
  • AdvisoryCentral Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play A frame (5.3.4 (a) (i))
  • AdvisoryCentral Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis (6.1.1 (c) (i))
  • AdvisoryFront Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))Recorded at 3 MOTs since 2022
  • AdvisoryFront Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed both sides of vehicle (7.1.2 (b))
  • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
  • AdvisoryNearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))Recorded at 2 MOTs since 2024
  • AdvisoryOffside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

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.

  • Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play

    Dangerous3 MOTs, 2012–2014

  • Service brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)

    Dangerous3 MOTs, 2007–2014

  • Coolant low

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2016–2017

  • Brake pedal rubber splitting

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2016

  • Front Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flexible all sooty

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2016

  • Items removed from driver's view prior to test

    Advisory2 MOTs, 2016

Full MOT history

28 tests since 19 Oct 2005, newest first. Select a test to see every defect and advisory.

  1. Pass166,378 miles (+1,433)7 advisories
    MOT expiry
    5 Nov 2026
    Odometer
    166,378 miles
    Test number
    174168765593
    • AdvisoryCentral Rear Suspension arm ball joint has slight play A frame (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryCentral Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis (6.1.1 (c) (i))
    • AdvisoryFront Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed both sides of vehicle (7.1.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Direction indicator slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))

  2. Pass164,945 miles (+6,268)8 advisories
    MOT expiry
    29 Jan 2025
    Odometer
    164,945 miles
    Test number
    992446012201
    • AdvisoryDirection indicator slightly discoloured All 4 (4.4.3 (a))
    • AdvisoryFront Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed both sides of vehicle (7.1.2 (b) (ii))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Outer Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement panard rod bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Lower Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
    • AdvisoryOil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

  3. Pass158,677 miles (+7,639)1 minor6 advisories
    MOT expiry
    27 Aug 2023
    Odometer
    158,677 miles
    Test number
    986384478469
    • MinorNearside Front Position lamp light intensity obviously reduced flickers (4.2.3 (a) (i))
    • AdvisoryFront Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt slightly damaged both sides webbing (7.1.2 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Track rod end ball joint has slight play (2.1.3 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Shock absorbers has light misting of oil (5.3.2 (b))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front wiper arm reduced movement
    • AdvisoryRear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (1.1.13 (a) (ii))

  4. Pass151,038 miles (+4,014)1 minor7 advisories
    MOT expiry
    27 Aug 2022
    Odometer
    151,038 miles
    Test number
    735676645199
    • MinorOffside Drag link end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (i))
    • AdvisoryBoth front brake disc dirt shields
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt webbing slightly damaged or frayed both sides (7.1.2 (b) (ii))
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Lower Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush (5.3.2 (c))
    • AdvisorySteering damper mounting bush slight play
    • AdvisoryLower steering colume u/j slight play

  5. Pass147,024 miles1 minor2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    16 Jul 2021
    Odometer
    147,024 miles
    Test number
    807475390795
    • MinorOffside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt slightly damaged both sides (7.1.2 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryLower Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play (2.2.2 (c))

  6. Fail147,024 miles (+5,408)1 repaired1 minor2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    147,024 miles
    Test number
    455987687067
    • Repaired at testFront Headlamp aim too low both sides (4.1.2 (a))
    • MinorOffside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective (3.4 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt slightly damaged both sides (7.1.2 (b) (i))
    • AdvisoryLower Steering column universal joint has slight wear or play (2.2.2 (c))

  7. Pass141,616 miles15 advisories
    MOT expiry
    7 Dec 2018
    Odometer
    141,616 miles
    Test number
    498201233859
    • AdvisoryBrake and clutch pedal rubbers wearing
    • AdvisoryCoolant low
    • AdvisoryFront Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flexible (7.1.2)
    • AdvisoryFront Lower Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened All 3 (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryFront Steering damper damaged but serviceable rubbers worn (2.2.C.1d)
    • AdvisoryFront both sides shocker upper mounting towers corroding
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Brake hose slightly damaged mounting twisted (3.6.B.4d)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint reservoir area (2.3.3b)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt flexible stalk damaged but not likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front wiper has reduced travel
    • AdvisoryRear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush both sides upper and lower (2.7.4)
    • AdvisoryRear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

  8. Fail141,616 miles (+10,240)4 failures15 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    141,616 miles
    Test number
    592286630964
    • FailureNearside Front Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
    • FailureOffside Front Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced very dim (1.7.5a)
    • FailureParking brake efficiency below requirements (3.7.E.1)
    • FailureParking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
    • AdvisoryBrake and clutch pedal rubbers wearing
    • AdvisoryCoolant low
    • AdvisoryFront Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flexible (7.1.2)
    • AdvisoryFront Lower Steering column universal joint has slight play (2.1.5)
    • AdvisoryFront Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened All 3 (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryFront Steering damper damaged but serviceable rubbers worn (2.2.C.1d)
    • AdvisoryFront both sides shocker upper mounting towers corroding
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
    • AdvisoryNearside Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Brake hose slightly damaged mounting twisted (3.6.B.4d)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) has slight seepage from a joint reservoir area (2.3.3b)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt flexible stalk damaged but not likely to lead to failure under load (5.2.4a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front wiper has reduced travel
    • AdvisoryRear Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush both sides upper and lower (2.7.4)
    • AdvisoryRear Vehicle structure slightly corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting (6.6.6)

  9. Pass131,376 miles (+19)9 advisories
    MOT expiry
    1 Dec 2017
    Odometer
    131,376 miles
    Test number
    658157780357
    • AdvisoryBrake pedal rubber splitting
    • AdvisoryFront Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flexible all sooty (7.1.2)
    • AdvisoryItems removed from driver's view prior to test
    • AdvisoryNearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.6.C.3)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryRear diff oil leak
    • AdvisorySteering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)
    • AdvisoryWindscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

  10. Fail131,357 miles (+10,358)2 dangerous5 failures11 advisories
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    131,357 miles
    Test number
    284056082029
    • DangerousOffside Front Braking system leaking load valve (3.6.A.1)
    • DangerousOffside Front Track rod end ball pin shank loose (2.2.B.1c)
    • FailureFront Steering damper damaged and unserviceable bushes worn (2.2.C.1d)
    • FailureNearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
    • FailureNearside Front Steering system fouling (2.2.D.2a)
    • FailureOffside Front Lower Ball joint has excessive play steering box drop arm (2.2.B.1f)
    • FailureRear Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush both sides (2.7.4)
    • AdvisoryBrake pedal rubber splitting
    • AdvisoryCoolant low
    • AdvisoryEngine oil low
    • AdvisoryFront Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases flexible all sooty (7.1.2)
    • AdvisoryItems removed from driver's view prior to test
    • AdvisoryNearside Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is corroded but not considered excessive (3.6.C.3)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryRear diff oil leak
    • AdvisorySteering box has a slight oil leak (2.2.D.2e)
    • AdvisoryWindscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)

  11. Pass120,999 miles (+3,401)
    MOT expiry
    25 Nov 2016
    Odometer
    120,999 miles
    Test number
    227146268213

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  12. Pass117,598 miles1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    23 Nov 2015
    Odometer
    117,598 miles
    Test number
    495138124441
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

  13. Fail117,598 miles (+2,236)2 dangerous3 failures1 advisory1 note
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    117,598 miles
    Test number
    668682224369
    • DangerousOffside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)
    • DangerousService brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
    • FailureOffside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)
    • FailureOffside rear brake application uneven (3.7.B.2)
    • FailureWindscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone 'A' (8.3.1b)
    • AdvisoryOffside Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)
    • NoteRear diff has serious fluid leak

  14. Pass115,362 miles1 note
    MOT expiry
    3 Jan 2015
    Odometer
    115,362 miles
    Test number
    217399433302
    • NoteRear differential leaking oil

  15. Fail115,362 miles (+3,141)4 dangerous1 failure1 note
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    115,362 miles
    Test number
    905737333323
    • DangerousNearside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)
    • DangerousOffside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)
    • DangerousOffside rear brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.5a)
    • DangerousService brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
    • FailureBrake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • NoteRear differential leaking oil

  16. Pass112,221 miles
    MOT expiry
    3 Jan 2014
    Odometer
    112,221 miles
    Test number
    416966252490

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  17. Fail112,221 miles (+3,536)7 failures1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    112,221 miles
    Test number
    177145052378
    • FailureBall joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.2.C.1c)
    • FailureNearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureNearside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play (2.6.2)
    • FailureRear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)
    • AdvisoryService brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

  18. Pass108,685 miles3 advisories1 note
    MOT expiry
    3 Jan 2013
    Odometer
    108,685 miles
    Test number
    315183151323
    • AdvisoryCentre Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
    • NoteO/s/f seat belt buckek couling missing

  19. Fail108,685 miles (+2,418)2 failures5 advisories1 note
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    108,685 miles
    Test number
    299463251300
    • FailureOffside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)
    • FailureWindscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
    • AdvisoryBrakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)
    • AdvisoryCentre Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryRear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)
    • NoteO/s/f seat belt buckek couling missing

  20. Pass106,267 miles (+1,821)1 advisory
    MOT expiry
    3 Jan 2012
    Odometer
    106,267 miles
    Test number
    186064601057
    • AdvisoryNearside Headlamp deteriorated but light output not reduced (1.7.5a)

  21. Pass104,446 miles
    MOT expiry
    18 Dec 2010
    Odometer
    104,446 miles
    Test number
    192501859387

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  22. FailMileage not read2 failures1 advisory2 notes
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    Not read
    Test number
    990719949319
    • FailureFront Ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)
    • FailureRear Shock absorber insecure (2.7.2b)
    • AdvisoryRear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)
    • NoteOil leak
    • NoteBoth front door stays loose

  23. Pass99,727 miles (+12,368)2 advisories
    MOT expiry
    18 Dec 2009
    Odometer
    99,727 miles
    Test number
    524582058368
    • AdvisoryNearside Front Seat belt damaged but not affecting the operation of the belt (5.2.2a)
    • AdvisoryOffside Front Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)

  24. Pass87,359 miles (+5)
    MOT expiry
    18 Dec 2008
    Odometer
    87,359 miles
    Test number
    320203657354

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  25. Fail87,354 miles (+17,326)11 failures
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    87,354 miles
    Test number
    802091057338
    • FailureDrag link end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)
    • FailureFront Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureNearside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Front Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)
    • FailureOffside Front Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view (8.1.2a)
    • FailureOffside Rear Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)
    • FailureOffside Rear brake disc excessively pitted (3.5.1h)
    • FailureOffside Steering damper excessively corroded and unserviceable (2.2.C.1d)
    • FailureService brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
    • FailureShock absorber has an excessively worn bush (2.7.4)
    • FailureWindscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)

  26. Pass70,028 miles
    MOT expiry
    17 Dec 2007
    Odometer
    70,028 miles
    Test number
    740872756327

    No defects or advisories recorded.

  27. Fail70,028 miles (+18,135)1 failure
    MOT expiry
    No new certificate
    Odometer
    70,028 miles
    Test number
    203692656399
    • FailureNearside Front Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (3.5.1g)

  28. Pass51,893 miles
    MOT expiry
    18 Oct 2006
    Odometer
    51,893 miles
    Test number
    384052795298

    No defects or advisories recorded.

Questions about T538 KWJ

Does T538 KWJ currently have a valid MOT?
Yes. DVSA records show the MOT on T538 KWJ is valid until 5 Nov 2026.
When is the MOT due on T538 KWJ?
The MOT on T538 KWJ is valid until 5 Nov 2026. It can be tested up to a month (minus a day) before then and keep the same renewal date.
What mileage has T538 KWJ done?
T538 KWJ was recorded at 166,378 miles at its MOT on 6 Nov 2025, an average of 5,710 miles a year.
Has T538 KWJ ever failed its MOT?
Yes. T538 KWJ has failed 10 of its 28 MOT tests, most recently on 17 Jul 2020.
Has the mileage on T538 KWJ 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 T538 KWJ find?
T538 KWJ passed its latest MOT on 6 Nov 2025 with 7 advisories: central rear suspension arm ball joint has slight play a frame; central vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced chassis; front brake pad(s) wearing thin, and 4 more.

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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.