Diesel Land Rover Discovery: MOT pass rate

76.4% of diesel Land Rover Discoveries pass the MOT first time, measured across 131,378 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 123,753.

Diesel against the other Land Rover Discovery versions

Why the fuel type changes the number

Diesels carry DPFs, EGR valves and stricter smoke limits, so emissions and exhaust faults account for failures petrol cars never see.

On the Land Rover Discovery specifically, petrol is the strongest at 77.2%, and this diesel version sits 0 points above the 76.4% model average.

What it means if you are buying one

There is little to choose between fuel types on this model, so decide on running costs and mileage rather than MOT record. Buying a damaged one? run it through the analyzer, check the exact car, decode the VIN and check the mileage before you bid.

Mileage is part of the answer

The average diesel Land Rover Discovery had covered 123,753 miles at test, against 98,230 for the petrol. That is high mileage, so timing belts, clutches, suspension bushes and corrosion are the items worth budgeting for rather than the MOT itself.

Fuel type and mileage are tangled together: diesels are usually bought by higher-mileage drivers, so some of any gap between fuels is the miles rather than the engine. The per-year figures on the Land Rover Discovery page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a diesel Land Rover Discovery

1. Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, 1.7% of tests (7.41x the national rate for this defect)
2. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 1.7% of tests (4.13x the national rate for this defect)
3. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 3.1% of tests (2.88x the national rate for this defect)
4. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 9.8% of tests (1.95x the national rate for this defect)
5. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 1.6% of tests (1.7x the national rate for this defect)
6. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 1.7% of tests (1.27x the national rate for this defect)
7. A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning, 2.3% of tests
8. A tyre seriously damaged, 2.2% of tests
9. a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm, 2.2% of tests
10. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, 2.2% of tests

From 132,672 DVSA-tracked diesel Land Rover Discovery tests, 2024, split out from the Land Rover Discovery's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 4.2% of these flagged defects as "dangerous", against 5.11% nationally. See which fuel type fails on the most dangerous defects nationally for how that compares across the whole fleet.

Most common MOT advisories on a diesel Land Rover Discovery

Flagged but doesn't fail the car, a different list from the failures above.

1. Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, 2.4% of tests (8.23x the national rate for this defect), also fails
2. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 8.1% of tests (6.53x the national rate for this defect), also fails
3. A brake hose ferrule excessively corroded, 6.2% of tests (4.9x the national rate for this defect)
4. A wheel bearing with excessive play, 2.8% of tests (4.26x the national rate for this defect)
5. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 3.4% of tests (2.55x the national rate for this defect), also fails
6. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 14.7% of tests (2.37x the national rate for this defect), also fails
7. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 28.4% of tests (2.12x the national rate for this defect), also fails
8. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 11.2% of tests (2.01x the national rate for this defect)
9. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 2.2% of tests (1.44x the national rate for this defect), also fails
10. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 23% of tests

From 132,672 DVSA-tracked diesel Land Rover Discovery tests, 2024.

Other Land Rover Discovery fuel types

• Petrol Land Rover Discovery - 77.2%

All Land Rover Discovery MOT data · Every model