Most Reliable Land Rover Models: Real MOT Data Analysis
We analysed 870,604 real UK MOT tests to reveal which Land Rover models pass most often, which years to buy, and which to avoid entirely.
870,604 MOT tests analysed
Real DVSA data covering every Land Rover model from 2000-2023
Key Findings
Most Reliable Model
Land Rover R ROVER EVOQUE FIRST EDITION A
88.0% pass rate
Best Single Year
RANGE ROVER 2007 Petrol
73.8% pass rate
Land Rover vs National Average
77.0% vs 71.5%
+5.5% above average
Proven Durability Champion
RANGE ROVER SPORT 2010
+16.7% at 13+ years
Land Rover has built its reputation on reliability, but does the data back it up? We analysed 870,604 real MOT tests from the DVSA database to find out exactly which Land Rover models live up to the hype and which ones fall short.
This isn't survey data or owner opinions. These are actual pass/fail results from UK garages, covering every Land Rover model sold in the UK from 2000 to 2023.
How Land Rover Compares to Rivals
Land Rover ranks #26 out of 75 manufacturers with a 77.0% average MOT pass rate. That's above the national average of 71.5%:
| Manufacturer | Pass Rate | Rank | Tests Analysed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche | 87.1% | #14 | 152,600 |
| Bmw | 78.5% | #22 | 1,808,787 |
| Jaguar | 78.2% | #23 | 336,140 |
| Audi | 77.9% | #25 | 1,663,207 |
| Land Rover | 77.0% | #26 | 870,604 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 76.9% | #27 | 1,662,304 |
| Volvo | 73.2% | #35 | 556,785 |
The verdict: Porsche maintains a lead among competitors, while Land Rover sits at #26. However, newer Land Rover models significantly outperform this average.
Best Land Rover Models by MOT Pass Rate
Looking at overall reliability across all years, here's how Land Rover's core models rank against the 71.5% national average:
| Model | Pass Rate | vs National (71.5%) | Tests | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R ROVER EVOQUE FIRST EDITION A | 88.0% | +16.4% | 880 | 2019-2020 |
| R ROVER EVOQUE FIRST ED D A | 87.8% | +16.3% | 2,793 | 2019-2020 |
| R ROVER EVOQUE R-DYN HSE D A | 87.6% | +16.1% | 3,180 | 2019-2020 |
| R ROVER EVOQUE R-DYN S D 4X2 | 84.0% | +12.5% | 1,560 | 2019-2020 |
| RANGE ROVER | 81.2% | +9.7% | 396,206 | 2000-2020 |
| DISCOVERY | 77.2% | +5.6% | 253,059 | 2000-2021 |
| DEFENDER | 70.0% | -1.5% | 71,055 | 2000-2020 |
| FREELANDER | 66.2% | -5.4% | 128,597 | 2000-2014 |
Top performer
The R ROVER EVOQUE FIRST EDITION A dramatically outperforms other Land Rovers with an 88.0% pass rate, putting it among the most reliable cars in the database.
Proven Durability Champions: Which Land Rover Models Age Best?
These Land Rover models have proven their durability with 11+ years of real-world MOT data. They're compared against the national average for cars of the same age:
High-confidence data: Only vehicles with 11+ years of MOT history and 500+ tests are included in this ranking.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANGE ROVER SPORT | 2010 | Diesel | +16.7% | 13+ years | 74.0% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2007 | Petrol | +16.6% | 13+ years | 73.8% |
| RANGE ROVER SPORT | 2012 | Diesel | +16.1% | 11-12 years | 78.9% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2010 | Diesel | +15.9% | 13+ years | 73.2% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2009 | Diesel | +14.9% | 13+ years | 72.2% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2012 | Diesel | +13.5% | 11-12 years | 76.4% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2008 | Diesel | +13.5% | 13+ years | 70.8% |
| RANGE ROVER SPORT | 2005 | Petrol | +13.3% | 13+ years | 70.6% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2002 | Petrol | +13.2% | 13+ years | 70.5% |
| RANGE ROVER SPORT | 2011 | Diesel | +13.2% | 11-12 years | 76.0% |
How to read this: A score of "+15%" means the model passes MOTs 15 percentage points more often than the average car of the same age. These are proven results from vehicles that have genuinely aged well.
Proven durability champion
The RANGE ROVER SPORT 2010 outperforms the average 13+ years-old car by 17 percentage points, with 2,824 MOT tests proving its reliability.
Early Performers: Strong Start, Unproven Durability
These newer Land Rover models (3-6 years old) show strong early results, but haven't yet proven long-term durability:
Important caveat: Durability NOT yet proven - these vehicles have not been tested at older ages. Older versions of the same model may tell a different story at 11+ years.
| Model | Year | Fuel | vs Same-Age Average | Tested At | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANGE ROVER | 2018 | Diesel | +7.0% | 5-6 years | 88.2% |
| RANGE ROVER SPORT | 2017 | Petrol | +5.9% | 5-6 years | 87.1% |
| RANGE ROVER SPORT | 2018 | Diesel | +5.8% | 5-6 years | 87.0% |
| RANGE ROVER | 2019 | Hybrid Electric | +5.6% | 3-4 years | 91.5% |
| RANGE ROVER EVOQUE | 2018 | Diesel | +4.9% | 5-6 years | 86.1% |
| RANGE ROVER EVOQUE | 2017 | Diesel | +4.9% | 5-6 years | 86.1% |
| RANGE ROVER EVOQUE | 2016 | Diesel | +4.8% | 5-6 years | 86.0% |
| DISCOVERY | 2018 | Diesel | +4.3% | 5-6 years | 85.5% |
What this means: These models are performing well in their early years, but we recommend checking the Durability Champions section above to see how older versions of the same model family have fared over time.
Land Rover RANGE ROVER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The RANGE ROVER has 396,206 tests in our database with an overall 81.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.0% | +2.3% | 5,545 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 89.5% | +1.8% | 2,498 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 87.0% | -0.7% | 19,827 |
| 2019 | Hybrid Electric | 90.2% | +3.9% | 3,219 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 88.3% | +2.1% | 7,125 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 86.3% | +0.1% | 33,566 |
| 2018 | Hybrid Electric | 88.4% | +4.2% | 1,563 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 87.8% | +3.6% | 4,744 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 86.9% | +2.6% | 37,861 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 87.3% | +5.7% | 2,939 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 85.3% | +3.6% | 39,512 |
| 2016 | Petrol | 85.2% | +6.6% | 1,447 |
RANGE ROVER verdict:
Land Rover DISCOVERY: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The DISCOVERY has 253,059 tests in our database with an overall 77.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Diesel | 91.5% | +0.7% | 236 |
| 2020 | Hybrid Electric | 87.3% | -0.3% | 308 |
| 2020 | Petrol | 87.3% | -0.4% | 1,476 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 85.3% | -2.3% | 14,453 |
| 2019 | Diesel | 83.9% | -2.3% | 22,584 |
| 2019 | Petrol | 82.9% | -3.3% | 1,636 |
| 2018 | Petrol | 85.2% | +0.9% | 2,087 |
| 2018 | Diesel | 83.8% | -0.4% | 25,540 |
| 2017 | Petrol | 83.3% | +1.6% | 593 |
| 2017 | Diesel | 83.3% | +1.6% | 32,566 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 81.4% | +2.8% | 32,277 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 81.2% | +5.7% | 24,695 |
DISCOVERY verdict: The 2021 diesel model achieves an excellent 91.5% pass rate.
Land Rover FREELANDER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The FREELANDER has 128,597 tests in our database with an overall 66.2% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Diesel | 79.3% | +7.6% | 11,681 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 75.7% | +7.4% | 13,284 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 75.3% | +9.6% | 10,506 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 74.2% | +11.2% | 12,391 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 68.0% | +7.5% | 14,263 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 67.6% | +8.6% | 10,194 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 62.7% | +5.3% | 11,488 |
| 2007 | Petrol | 71.0% | +14.0% | 358 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 61.4% | +4.4% | 14,731 |
| 2006 | Diesel | 52.5% | -3.7% | 7,420 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 51.7% | -4.5% | 882 |
| 2005 | Diesel | 51.4% | -4.8% | 6,289 |
| ... | ||||
| 2006 | Diesel | 52.5% | -3.7% | 7,420 |
| 2005 | Petrol | 51.7% | -4.5% | 882 |
| 2005 | Diesel | 51.4% | -4.8% | 6,289 |
FREELANDER verdict: Avoid the 2006 diesel (52.5%).
Avoid early FREELANDER models
The 2006 diesel FREELANDER has a 52.5% pass rate, failing MOTs more often than passing.
Land Rover DEFENDER: Year-by-Year Breakdown
The DEFENDER has 71,055 tests in our database with an overall 70.0% pass rate:
| Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | vs Same-Year Avg | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Petrol | 90.6% | +2.9% | 457 |
| 2020 | Diesel | 90.5% | +2.8% | 3,214 |
| 2016 | Diesel | 83.3% | +4.6% | 1,756 |
| 2015 | Diesel | 79.1% | +3.6% | 6,534 |
| 2014 | Diesel | 76.5% | +4.8% | 5,745 |
| 2013 | Diesel | 73.0% | +4.7% | 4,293 |
| 2012 | Diesel | 69.9% | +4.2% | 3,815 |
| 2011 | Diesel | 69.0% | +6.1% | 3,894 |
| 2010 | Diesel | 68.1% | +7.6% | 3,952 |
| 2009 | Diesel | 66.0% | +6.9% | 3,465 |
| 2008 | Diesel | 67.3% | +9.9% | 3,688 |
| 2007 | Diesel | 66.8% | +9.8% | 3,925 |
DEFENDER verdict: The 2020 petrol model achieves an excellent 90.6% pass rate.
Land Rover Hybrids vs Petrol vs Diesel
Land Rover's fuel type comparison shows clear differences in reliability:
| Fuel Type | Average Pass Rate | vs National | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Electric | 89.2% | +17.6% | 8,830 |
| Plug-in Hybrid | 82.6% | +11.0% | 258 |
| Petrol | 80.2% | +8.7% | 49,436 |
| Diesel | 76.6% | +5.1% | 800,921 |
The hybrid advantage: Land Rover hybrids pass MOTs 9% more often than petrols and 13% more often than diesels.
Land Rover Models to Avoid
Not all Land Rovers are reliable. These specific model/year combinations have failure rates well above average:
| Model | Year | Fuel | Pass Rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DISCOVERY SPORT R-DYN S D A | 2020 | Diesel | 81.0% | 1,492 |
| RANGE ROVER EVOQUE R-DYN D 4X2 | 2020 | Diesel | 81.9% | 951 |
| FREELANDER | 2001 | Diesel | 53.4% (-6.5% vs same-age) | 1,017 |
| FREELANDER | 2005 | Diesel | 51.4% (-8.4% vs same-age) | 6,289 |
| FREELANDER | 2004 | Petrol | 51.4% (-8.5% vs same-age) | 1,031 |
| FREELANDER | 2005 | Petrol | 51.7% (-8.2% vs same-age) | 882 |
| DISCOVERY SPORT | 2019 | Diesel | 81.7% (-4.8% vs same-age) | 10,768 |
| DISCOVERY SPORT HSE D AUTO | 2019 | Diesel | 81.8% | 512 |
| DISCOVERY SPORT SE D AUTO | 2019 | Diesel | 81.8% | 992 |
| RANGE ROVER EVOQUE D 4X2 | 2020 | Diesel | 83.4% | 831 |
Pattern to avoid
Early 2001-2005 petrol/diesel FREELANDERs are the models that drag down Land Rover's average. These vehicles fail MOTs more often than they pass.
What Goes Wrong on Land Rovers?
When Land Rovers fail MOTs, these are the most common causes:
| Failure Category | Total Failures |
|---|---|
| 1. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 68,258 |
| 2. Brakes | 55,496 |
| 3. Suspension | 52,308 |
| 4. Tyres | 41,346 |
| 5. Visibility | 28,481 |
| 6. Body, chassis, structure | 25,347 |
| 7. Steering | 17,045 |
Pre-MOT checklist for Land Rover owners:
- Check all bulbs (number plate lights are commonly missed)
- Check brake pad thickness and disc condition
- Inspect suspension bushes and anti-roll bar links
- Ensure tyres meet 1.6mm tread requirement
- Clean windscreen and check wiper blade condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Buying Recommendations
Best If Buying Nearly New
2019-2023 models with highest early pass rates
- Limited data for recent models
Note: Long-term durability not yet proven for these newer models
Best If Buying Used (Proven)
11+ years of proven durability data
- RANGE ROVER SPORT 2005-2012: +14% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
- RANGE ROVER 2002-2012: +14% vs same-age (proven at 11+ years)
Land Rover Models to Avoid (Proven Poor)
Proven below average at 11+ years - not just old, genuinely problematic
- FREELANDER 2001-2006: -5% vs same-age (proven poor at 11+ years) (Below average durability at 13+ years)
About This Data
This analysis uses real MOT test results from the DVSA database, covering 870,604 tests on Land Rover vehicles between 2000 and 2023.
Year-Adjusted Scoring (v2.1): In year-by-year breakdowns, each vehicle is compared against the national average for vehicles of the same model year. This removes the natural bias where newer cars pass more often, allowing fair comparisons across eras.
Evidence-Tiered Durability: We separate "proven durability" (vehicles tested at 11+ years old) from "early performers" (3-6 years old). Only vehicles with proven long-term data are used for durability claims. Age-band comparisons use weighted national averages.
Minimum thresholds: 500 tests for proven durability rankings, 1,000 tests for early performer rankings. Pass rates are calculated as first-time passes, excluding retests.
The overall national average MOT pass rate is 71.51% based on 32.3 million tests across all manufacturers. Year-specific averages range from ~59% (2009 vehicles) to ~88% (2020 vehicles).
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