1994 · 30 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1994 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

330 MOT tests in 2024. 75.8% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time75.8%
Failed or needed repairs24.2%
Typical mileage at test58,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 330 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.9%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.7%
  3. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated2.7%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.4%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.1%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.1%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.1%
  8. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.8%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes15.8%
  2. Lights & electrics14.5%
  3. Emissions & leaks13.9%
  4. Suspension13.6%
  5. Body & chassis9.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.8%
  7. Tyres4.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine5.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.2%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.9%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened3.6%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1993 EscortAll Escort years1995 Escort →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1994 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 75.8% of 1994 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 330 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Ford Escort?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; wheel bearings: rough when rotated. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1994 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).