Ford Mondeo (2012)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 29,196 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£1,944
£162/month
MOT Pass Rate
78%
Average
Road Tax
£170
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 12-25
1560cc Diesel
Check Carefully
78% pass rate, £1,944/year to run. Close to the average across all models.
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Annual Running Costs
~55 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.
78% of MOT tests on Ford Mondeos from 2012 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 12 years old. That's based on 29,196 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 125,913 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
125,913
Average miles
88,800
Expected for age
The average 2012 Ford Mondeo had 125,913 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2002 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2012 scores 78%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2012 Ford Mondeo
The 2012 Ford Mondeo is a small family car. Our records list a 1560cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 29,196 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 125,913 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Mondeo owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2012 Ford Mondeo Fuel Costs
The 1560cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 55 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,219 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2012 Ford Mondeo?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,944 (£162/month), broken down as £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Ford Mondeo Reliability Trend
Newer Ford Mondeos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2012 Ford Mondeo
At 14 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 2018 model has the highest pass rate at 90%. With 29,196 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
What the 2012 Ford Mondeo Fails Its MOT On
Share of the 5,237 MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Mondeo that failed at the first attempt in 2025, next to all cars and vans of the same age.
- Lights and electrics40%
Same age: 43%
- Suspension32%
Same age: 39%
- Tyres26%
Same age: 19% (fails on this more often)
- Brakes22%
Same age: 22%
DVSA anonymised MOT data for 2025; a test that failed on two areas counts in both. How we count it · Ford Mondeo reliability, common problems and years to avoid
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Rust and Corrosion
Watch outAt 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.
Suspension Bushings
Watch outRubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.
Clutch Wear
Watch outWith an average of 126k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.
Brake Discs and Pads
Medium riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2012 Ford Mondeo stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mondeo(2012) | 78% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,944 |
| Ford Fiesta(2013) | 77% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 8-20 | £1,944same |
| Volkswagen Golf(2014) | 87% | £1,219 | £170 | Grp 12-25 | £1,794-£150 |
| Vauxhall Astra(2013) | 79% | £1,397 | £275 | Grp 18-32 | £2,227+£283 |
| Volkswagen Polo(2014) | 80% | £1,219 | £20 | Grp 5-15 | £1,644-£300 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2012 Ford Mondeo
Is the 2012 Ford Mondeo reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2012 Ford Mondeos ended in a pass, from 29,196 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2012 Ford Mondeo cost to run?
Our estimate is £1,944 a year (£162 a month): £1,219 fuel, £170 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Ford Mondeo?
78% of 29,196 MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Mondeo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 421st of 650 models first registered in 2012 (bottom half).
Which year Ford Mondeo has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2018 Ford Mondeo has the highest MOT pass rate at 90% and the 2002 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2012 Ford Mondeo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2012 Ford Mondeo is 125,913 miles, which is above the expected 88,800 miles for a 12-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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