Ford Common MOT Problems (2026)
Ford models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 8,100,066 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Ford MOT pass rate: 85%
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85%
Avg pass rate
15%
Avg fail rate
281
Models tested
Ford Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Freda | 33% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues | |
| 2 | Ford Focus C-Max | 30% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 3 | Ford Cougar | 29% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 4 | Ford Fusion | 25% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 5 | Ford Puma | 25% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration |
Most Reliable Ford Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
All Ford Models by Fail Rate
Every Ford model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ka | 1999 | 62% | 37% | |
| Ka | 2008 | 63% | 35% | |
| Ka | 2006 | 64% | 35% | |
| Galaxy | 2004 | 64% | 35% | |
| Ka | 2002 | 63% | 35% | |
| Ka | 2001 | 64% | 35% | |
| Ka | 2007 | 64% | 34% | |
| Ka | 2005 | 64% | 34% | |
| Focus | 1999 | 65% | 34% | |
| Ka | 2004 | 64% | 34% | |
| Galaxy | 2005 | 65% | 34% | |
| Fiesta | 1997 | 66% | 34% | |
| Focus | 1998 | 66% | 34% | |
| Focus C-Max | 2004 | 65% | 33% | |
| Fiesta | 1998 | 65% | 33% | |
| Ka | 2003 | 66% | 33% | |
| Galaxy | 2003 | 65% | 33% | |
| Galaxy | 2001 | 66% | 33% | |
| Fiesta | 1999 | 67% | 32% | |
| Focus | 2000 | 67% | 32% | |
| Fiesta | 2000 | 67% | 32% | |
| Puma | 1998 | 68% | 32% | |
| Focus | 2003 | 68% | 31% | |
| Focus C-Max | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Fiesta | 2001 | 68% | 31% | |
| Galaxy | 2006 | 68% | 31% | |
| C-Max | 2006 | 68% | 31% | |
| Mondeo | 1995 | 69% | 31% | |
| Focus | 2004 | 69% | 30% | |
| Focus | 2002 | 69% | 30% | |
| Mondeo | 2005 | 69% | 30% | |
| Focus | 2001 | 68% | 30% | |
| Focus C-Max | 2006 | 70% | 30% | |
| Mondeo | 2004 | 69% | 30% | |
| Ranger | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| Mondeo | 2003 | 68% | 30% | |
| Mondeo | 2002 | 68% | 30% | |
| S-Max | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| Mondeo | 2000 | 70% | 30% | |
| Ranger | 2001 | 69% | 30% | |
| Galaxy | 2002 | 69% | 30% | |
| Ka | 2000 | 69% | 30% | |
| Fiesta | 2006 | 70% | 29% | |
| Fiesta | 2005 | 70% | 29% | |
| Fiesta | 2004 | 71% | 29% | |
| C-Max | 2008 | 70% | 29% | |
| Fiesta | 2002 | 70% | 29% | |
| Mondeo | 2006 | 71% | 29% | |
| C-Max | 2007 | 70% | 29% | |
| S-Max | 2007 | 70% | 29% |
Showing top 50 of 467 model/year combinations. View all Ford models
Ford MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Ford cars?
The most common MOT problems on Ford cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Ford diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Ford models with at least 1,000 tests, the Ford Freda has the highest average fail rate at 33%.
Which Ford model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Ford Kuga Titanium Frst Ed PHEV CVT has the best MOT record of the Ford models with at least 1,000 tests: 97% of its 1,285 MOT tests ended in a pass and 3% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Ford?
The average MOT pass rate for Ford is 85%, based on 8,100,066 MOT tests across 281 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 15% of MOT tests on Ford cars ended in a fail.
Ford Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Ford model
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