1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

259 MOT tests in 2024. 83.4% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time83.4%
Failed or needed repairs16.6%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 259 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
  2. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.5%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.5%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.2%
  5. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.2%
  6. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements1.2%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.2%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.2%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working1.2%
  10. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive1.2%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics10.4%
  2. Body & chassis7.7%
  3. Brakes6.9%
  4. Suspension6.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks4.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  7. Tyres1.2%
  8. Steering1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.4%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.2%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 83.4% of 1992 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 259 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Ford Escort?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; emissions not tested: unable to be completed; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1992 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).