Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common problems
73.9% of 2,049,443 Ford Fiesta MOT tests pass.
At 73.9%, the Fiesta passes slightly less often than the average across all Ford models (76.4%).
The Ford Fiesta passes 73.9% of the time, noticeably below the figure for the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Ford Fiesta?
This is the average across every Ford Fiesta 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 drops sharply with age: the Ford Fiesta tested at 0–3 years pass 94.1% of the time, compared with just 63.1% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 94.1% | 32,529 | 20,356 miles |
| 3–6 years | 90.5% | 300,125 | 33,656 miles |
| 6–10 years | 78.7% | 624,111 | 56,945 miles |
| 10–15 years | 67.9% | 694,076 | 84,027 miles |
| 15+ years | 63.1% | 398,602 | 93,781 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Fiesta
The most common reason the Ford Fiesta fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 58.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 58.9% | Not working |
| Suspension | 43.4% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Tyres | 24.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 21.5% | Excessively corroded |
| Visibility | 13.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.6% | Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits |
| Body, chassis, structure | 10.1% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 9.8% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.1% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Road Wheels | 1.3% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Ford Fiesta: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Fiesta’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 Fiesta comes between 3–6 years and 6–10 years old, from 90.5% to 78.7%. 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: 81.2% down to 69.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 58.9% of failed Ford Fiesta MOTs. 32.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 8.5% 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. Suspension
Recorded in 43.4% of failed Ford Fiesta MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 24.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Tyres
Recorded in 24.5% of failed Ford Fiesta MOTs. 9.7% of tests at 10–15 years failed on tyres, against 3.2% at 0–3 years.
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. Brakes
Recorded in 21.5% of failed Ford Fiesta MOTs. 18.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.0% 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 13.6% of failed Ford Fiesta MOTs. 8.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 1.3% 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.
For engine and gearbox faults, recalls and which versions to look for, read the used Ford Fiesta buying guide.
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 Focus — 76.3% pass rate
- Ford Transit — 70.8% pass rate
- Ford Kuga — 85.6% pass rate
- Ford Mondeo — 73.4% pass rate
- Ford Ka — 72.6% pass rate
- Ford Transit Connect — 74.0% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Fiesta?
- 73.9% of Ford Fiesta MOT tests pass, based on 2,049,443 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Fiesta?
- The most common reason the Ford Fiesta fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 58.9% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Fiesta?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Fiesta are lights and electrics; suspension; tyres. 32.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 8.5% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Fiesta?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; tyres; brakes; windscreen and wipers. 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 Fiesta'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.