1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

208 MOT tests in 2024. 54.8% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time54.8%
Failed or needed repairs45.2%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 208 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.5%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.3%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.3%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.3%
    30 marked dangerous
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.3%
  7. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting4.3%
  8. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.8%
  9. Stop lamp: not working3.4%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension31.7%
  2. Brakes24.5%
  3. Body & chassis21.2%
  4. Lights & electrics17.3%
  5. Tyres7.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.8%
  8. Emissions & leaks3.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.1%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.7%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 54.8% of 1999 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 208 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 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; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1999 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).