2001 · 23 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2001 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

377 MOT tests in 2024. 60.7% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time60.7%
Failed or needed repairs39.3%
Typical mileage at test100,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 377 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.4%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.8%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.4%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.4%
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.2%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.7%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes28.1%
  2. Suspension22.3%
  3. Body & chassis21.5%
  4. Lights & electrics20.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks7.4%
  7. Tyres6.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.3%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.3%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 60.7% of 2001 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 377 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Ford Escort?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2001 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).