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DVSA Statistics

1997 Land Rover Discovery
MOT Pass Rate & Pre-MOT Checklist

Used 1997 Land Rover Discoverys usually pass their MOT, but around 1 in 5 still fail, most often for body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users and a wheel bearing with excessive play. Based on 1,442 MOT tests from DVSA data, this page shows how this model performs and what to check before your test.

78.8%

Pass Rate

Based on 1,442 DVSA anonymised MOT tests · About this data

Pass Rate

78.8%

About average

Top Failure Reasons

Common MOT failures for this model

  1. 1

    Body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point

    6.7%
  2. 2

    Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users

    6.1%
  3. 3

    A wheel bearing with excessive play

    5%
  4. 4

    Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced

    4.8%
  5. 5

    A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn

    4.3%

Based on DVSA statistics from 1,442 recorded tests.

Pre-MOT Checklist for 1997 Land Rover Discovery

Based on common failure points for this model, check these items before your MOT:

  • 1

    Listen for knocks or clunks when driving over bumps - bounce each corner

    Suspension – Common fail on this model

Personal Check

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GB

Enter the reg exactly as it appears on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 1997 Land Rover Discovery likely to fail its MOT?

Based on DVSA statistics, the 1997 Land Rover Discovery has a 78.8% MOT pass rate. This is above average, indicating good reliability for a vehicle of this age.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Land Rover Discovery?

The most common MOT failure reasons for a 1997 Land Rover Discovery are: body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, a wheel bearing with excessive play. Many of these can be checked and fixed before your test to improve your chances of passing.

How can I reduce the chance my 1997 Land Rover Discovery fails its MOT?

To improve your chances of passing, check the items that commonly fail on this model: body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, a wheel bearing with excessive play. Use our pre-MOT checklist above to identify potential issues before your test. Many common failures are easy DIY fixes.

How many 1997 Land Rover Discoverys fail their MOT?

Around 21% of 1997 Land Rover Discoverys fail their MOT test, meaning roughly 1 in 5 don't pass first time. The most common reasons are body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point and fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users. Pre-checking these items can significantly improve your chances.

What should I check before my 1997 Land Rover Discovery MOT?

Before your 1997 Land Rover Discovery MOT, check these commonly-failed items: body, cab or chassis excessively corroded at a mounting point, fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, a wheel bearing with excessive play. Most are visual checks you can do at home – look for worn tyres, test all lights work, and check for obvious damage or leaks.

Is the 1997 Land Rover Discovery reliable for MOT?

With a 78.8% MOT pass rate, the 1997 Land Rover Discovery performs above average compared to typical vehicles. This suggests good overall condition for a vehicle of this age.