1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

527 MOT tests in 2024. 61.9% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time61.9%
Failed or needed repairs38.1%
Typical mileage at test59,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 527 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits6.1%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.3%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.9%
  4. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.9%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.8%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.8%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.8%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.7%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes26.9%
  2. Lights & electrics25.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks22.2%
  4. Suspension18.0%
  5. Body & chassis15.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%
  7. Tyres5.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.1%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.0%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1997 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 61.9% of 1997 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 527 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Ford Escort?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; service brake imbalance: across an axle; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1997 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).