Ford Mustang MOT pass rate and common problems
88.3% of 27,167 Ford Mustang MOT tests pass.
The Mustang passes its MOT 88.3% of the time — well above the average across all Ford models, which sits at 76.4%.
The Ford Mustang passes its MOT 88.3% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Ford Mustang?
This is the average across every Ford Mustang 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 93.9% at 0–3 years to 85.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 93.9% | 603 | 15,147 miles |
| 3–6 years | 89.8% | 8,505 | 23,063 miles |
| 6–10 years | 87.9% | 13,285 | 34,731 miles |
| 10–15 years | 87.4% | 1,025 | 63,199 miles |
| 15+ years | 85.5% | 3,749 | 70,386 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Ford Mustang
The most common reason the Ford Mustang fails its MOT is brakes — present in 53.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Efficiency below requirements".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 53.6% | Efficiency below requirements |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 32.5% | Not working |
| Tyres | 27.2% | Has ply or cords exposed |
| Visibility | 21.0% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Suspension | 14.7% | Ball joint excessively worn |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.3% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Identification of the vehicle | 5.2% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Body, chassis, structure | 2.7% | Has a major leak of exhaust gases |
| Steering | 2.5% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 1.8% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
Buying a used Ford Mustang: what to check
These checks follow the Ford Mustang’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 Mustang comes between 0–3 years and 3–6 years old, from 93.9% to 89.8%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 91.9% down to 85.3%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Brakes
Recorded in 53.6% of failed Ford Mustang MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 10.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
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.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 32.5% of failed Ford Mustang MOTs. 14.5% of tests at 10–15 years failed on lights and electrics, against 3.5% 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.
3. Tyres
Recorded in 27.2% of failed Ford Mustang 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 21.0% of failed Ford Mustang MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 3.1% of tests at 10–15 years failed on windscreen and wipers.
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. Suspension
Recorded in 14.7% of failed Ford Mustang MOTs. Rare on young cars, but 5.5% 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.
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 Fusion — 67.9% pass rate
- Ford Grand C-MAX — 74.9% pass rate
- Ford Transit Courier — 80.6% pass rate
- Ford Escort — 81.8% pass rate
- Ford Tourneo Connect — 83.4% pass rate
- Ford Tourneo — 78.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Ford Mustang?
- 88.3% of Ford Mustang MOT tests pass, based on 27,167 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Ford Mustang?
- The most common reason the Ford Mustang fails its MOT is brakes — present in 53.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Efficiency below requirements".
- What are the common problems with the Ford Mustang?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Ford Mustang are brakes; lights and electrics; tyres. Rare on young cars, but 10.5% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes.
- What should I check when buying a used Ford Mustang?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: brakes; lights and electrics; tyres; windscreen and wipers; suspension. 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 Mustang'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.