Ford Ecosport MOT pass rate and common problems
86.0% of 150,890 Ford Ecosport MOT tests pass.
The Ecosport passes its MOT 86.0% of the time — well above the average across all Ford models, which sits at 76.4%.
The Ford Ecosport passes its MOT 86.0% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Ford Ecosport?
This is the average across every Ford Ecosport in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Ford’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 89.3% at 0–3 years to 72.3% at 10–15 years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 89.3% | 7,172 | 18,466 miles |
| 3–6 years | 90.5% | 76,396 | 29,300 miles |
| 6–10 years | 80.7% | 66,289 | 51,228 miles |
| 10–15 years | 72.3% | 1,033 | 70,728 miles |
| 15+ years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Ecosport
The most common reason the Ford Ecosport fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 53.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 53.4% | Not working |
| Brakes | 25.1% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Tyres | 24.1% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 14.4% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.5% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Suspension | 7.6% | Swivel pin and/or bush excessively worn |
| Body, chassis, structure | 6.6% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 4.4% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.5% | Buckle not functioning as intended |
| Identification of the vehicle | 0.7% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Ford Ecosport: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Ecosport’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Ford Ecosport comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 90.5% to 80.7%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 30,000–60,000 mi to 60,000–90,000 mi: 84.0% down to 74.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 53.4% of failed Ford Ecosport MOTs. 18.9% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.2% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Brakes
Recorded in 25.1% of failed Ford Ecosport MOTs. 9.9% of tests at 10–15 years failed on brakes, against 4.2% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
3. Tyres
Recorded in 24.1% of failed Ford Ecosport MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
4. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 14.4% of failed Ford Ecosport MOTs. 6.0% of tests at 10–15 years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 2.1% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
5. Exhaust, emissions and leaks
Recorded in 9.5% of failed Ford Ecosport MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 4.3% of tests at 10–15 years failed on exhaust, emissions and leaks.
Look under the car for fresh oil or coolant, and listen for blows or rattles from the exhaust. Watch for smoke from the tailpipe when the engine starts and when you accelerate.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Ford service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Ford models
- Ford Transit Custom — 85.5% pass rate
- Ford Ranger — 81.3% pass rate
- Ford C-MAX — 75.3% pass rate
- Ford S-MAX — 71.8% pass rate
- Ford Puma — 93.7% pass rate
- Ford Galaxy — 71.3% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Ecosport?
- 86.0% of Ford Ecosport MOT tests pass, based on 150,890 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Ecosport?
- The most common reason the Ford Ecosport fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 53.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Ecosport?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Ecosport are lights and electrics; brakes; tyres. 18.9% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.2% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Ecosport?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers; exhaust, emissions and leaks. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Ford Ecosport's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Ford service history guide for how to check and keep one.