DVSA Statistics
1983 Land Rover Series 3
MOT Pass Rate & Pre-MOT Checklist
Used 1983 Land Rover Series 3s usually pass their MOT, but around 1 in 3 still fail, most often for fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen and significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake. Based on 53 MOT tests from DVSA data, this page shows how this model performs and what to check before your test.
Pass Rate
Based on 53 DVSA anonymised MOT tests · About this data
Pass Rate
69.8%
About average
Top Failure Reasons
Common MOT failures for this model
Quick DIY Fix
Windscreen wipers are easy to replace yourself.
Based on DVSA statistics from 53 recorded tests.
Pre-MOT Checklist for 1983 Land Rover Series 3
Based on common failure points for this model, check these items before your MOT:
- 1
Check windscreen for chips or cracks in the driver view zone (Zone A)
Visibility – Common fail on this model
- 2
Test brakes for effectiveness, pull, and unusual noises when driving
Brakes – Common fail on this model
- 3
Listen for knocks or clunks when driving over bumps - bounce each corner
Suspension – Common fail on this model
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 1983 Land Rover Series 3 likely to fail its MOT?
Based on DVSA statistics, the 1983 Land Rover Series 3 has a 69.8% MOT pass rate. This is about average for vehicles of this age.
What are the most common MOT failures on a 1983 Land Rover Series 3?
The most common MOT failure reasons for a 1983 Land Rover Series 3 are: fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake. Many of these can be checked and fixed before your test to improve your chances of passing.
How can I reduce the chance my 1983 Land Rover Series 3 fails its MOT?
To improve your chances of passing, check the items that commonly fail on this model: fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake. Use our pre-MOT checklist above to identify potential issues before your test. Many common failures are easy DIY fixes.
How many 1983 Land Rover Series 3s fail their MOT?
Around 30% of 1983 Land Rover Series 3s fail their MOT test, meaning roughly 1 in 3 don't pass first time. The most common reasons are fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users and windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen. Pre-checking these items can significantly improve your chances.
What should I check before my 1983 Land Rover Series 3 MOT?
Before your 1983 Land Rover Series 3 MOT, check these commonly-failed items: fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake. 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 1983 Land Rover Series 3 reliable for MOT?
With a 69.8% MOT pass rate, the 1983 Land Rover Series 3 performs about average compared to typical vehicles. This is typical performance for vehicles in this age bracket.