Ford Focus MOT pass rate and common problems
76.3% of 1,386,084 Ford Focus MOT tests pass.
The Focus's pass rate of 76.3% is in line with the average across all Ford models, at 76.4%.
At 76.3%, the Ford Focus passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Ford Focus?
This is the average across every Ford Focus 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 Focus tested at 0–3 years pass 91.8% of the time, compared with just 64.4% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 91.8% | 28,856 | 25,959 miles |
| 3–6 years | 88.9% | 211,225 | 39,270 miles |
| 6–10 years | 84.1% | 385,474 | 67,032 miles |
| 10–15 years | 70.9% | 455,136 | 96,584 miles |
| 15+ years | 64.4% | 305,393 | 106,834 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Focus
The most common reason the Ford Focus fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 60.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 60.7% | Not working |
| Suspension | 39.6% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Tyres | 27.4% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 21.7% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Visibility | 13.1% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.1% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 11.0% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Steering | 4.2% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.1% | Prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced |
| Road Wheels | 1.7% | Fixing missing |
Buying a used Ford Focus: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Focus’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 Focus comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 84.1% to 70.9%. 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: 85.9% down to 76.4%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 60.7% of failed Ford Focus MOTs. 29.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.3% 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 39.6% of failed Ford Focus MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 27.7% 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 27.4% of failed Ford Focus 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. Brakes
Recorded in 21.7% of failed Ford Focus MOTs. 12.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 1.6% 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 13.1% of failed Ford Focus MOTs. 7.0% 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 Focus 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 Fiesta — 73.9% 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 Focus?
- 76.3% of Ford Focus MOT tests pass, based on 1,386,084 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Focus?
- The most common reason the Ford Focus fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 60.7% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Focus?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Focus are lights and electrics; suspension; tyres. 29.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.3% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Focus?
- 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 Focus'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.