1990 Land Rover Discovery diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Land Rover Discovery first registered in 1990 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 213 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 213 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 1990 Land Rover Discovery diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1990 Land Rover Discovery diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Lights and electrics26% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks26% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Suspension23% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes18% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Rust and bodywork15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
- Steering11% of testsRough price £100–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1990 Land Rover Discovery diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Land Rover Discovery?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Land Rover Discovery compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 243 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 6,738 | Tyres 23% |
| 2021 | 19,307 | Tyres 22% |
| 2020 | 18,465 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 23,542 | Tyres 21% |
| 2018 | 25,246 | Tyres 21% |
| 2017 | 29,265 | Brakes 23% |
| 2016 | 29,060 | Brakes 25% |
| 2015 | 27,463 | Brakes 27% |
| 2014 | 22,206 | Brakes 30% |
| 2013 | 18,952 | Brakes 32% |
| 2012 | 20,291 | Brakes 33% |
| 2011 | 17,972 | Brakes 35% |
| 2010 | 18,998 | Brakes 34% |
| 2009 | 15,380 | Brakes 37% |
| 2008 | 14,624 | Suspension 40% |
| 2007 | 19,711 | Suspension 42% |
| 2006 | 22,865 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 23,157 | Suspension 45% |
| 2004 | 19,033 | Suspension 45% |
| 2003 | 16,818 | Suspension 44% |
| 2002 | 13,569 | Suspension 45% |
| 2001 | 10,667 | Suspension 45% |
| 2000 | 6,850 | Suspension 45% |
| 1999 | 6,089 | Suspension 42% |
| 1998 | 3,454 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 1997 | 3,182 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1996 | 2,746 | Lights and electrics 37% |
| 1995 | 2,413 | Lights and electrics 38% |
| 1994 | 1,867 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 1993 | 1,024 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 1992 | 432 | Lights and electrics 35% |
| 1991 | 309 | Lights and electrics 35% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Land Rover Discovery cars first registered in 1990. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score