FORD MONDEO (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 7,419 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Total Tests (2024)
7,419
Avg Mileage
121,520 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2004 FORD MONDEO reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 20 years old, 69% of FORD MONDEOs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 7,419 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 121,520 miles.
How does the 2004 FORD MONDEO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 FORD MONDEO has 121,520 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Best year to buy a FORD MONDEO?
The most reliable year is the 2022 model with a 94% MOT pass rate, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
How much does a 2004 FORD MONDEO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
FORD MONDEO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 94% | 80 | 54,644 mi |
| 2021 | 89% | 1,710 | 39,889 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 3,652 | 50,239 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 7,466 | 61,857 mi |
| 2018 | 90% | 11,913 | 73,505 mi |
| 2017 | 88% | 18,073 | 84,027 mi |
| 2016 | 87% | 26,925 | 92,893 mi |
| 2015 | 86% | 29,704 | 100,819 mi |
| 2014 | 80% | 20,850 | 117,891 mi |
| 2013 | 78% | 22,767 | 125,216 mi |
| 2012 | 78% | 29,196 | 125,913 mi |
| 2011 | 77% | 24,537 | 131,601 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 29,714 | 132,388 mi |
| 2009 | 74% | 29,480 | 135,619 mi |
| 2008 | 72% | 28,655 | 139,585 mi |
| 2007 | 71% | 22,117 | 133,332 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 13,543 | 124,230 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 11,436 | 124,025 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 7,419 | 121,520 mi |
| 2003 | 68% | 4,276 | 116,650 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 3,281 | 115,320 mi |
| 2001 | 69% | 2,982 | 115,470 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 1,210 | 105,568 mi |
| 1999 | 71% | 1,232 | 100,805 mi |
| 1998 | 72% | 794 | 104,643 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 552 | 100,239 mi |
| 1996 | 73% | 574 | 95,491 mi |
| 1995 | 69% | 426 | 96,846 mi |
| 1994 | 76% | 255 | 97,557 mi |
| 1993 | 83% | 217 | 97,667 mi |
Checking a specific FORD MONDEO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2004 FORD MONDEO
The 2004 FORD MONDEO is a family car with a 2000cc petrol engine. 7,419 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 121,520 miles at 20 years old, FORD MONDEO owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2004 FORD MONDEO Fuel Costs
The 2000cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2004 FORD MONDEO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
FORD MONDEO Reliability Trend
Newer FORD MONDEOs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 12 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2004 FORD MONDEO
At 20 years old, the FORD MONDEO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2022 model has the highest pass rate at 94%. With 7,419 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2004 FORD MONDEO
If reliability is your priority, there are 3 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2006) 73% pass rate (+4%) from 56,257 tests
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (+2%) from 45,707 tests
- BMW 3 SERIES (2006) 80% pass rate (+11%) from 40,353 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2006) 68% pass rate (-1%) from 31,061 tests