2002 · 22 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2002 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

288 MOT tests in 2024. 59.0% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time59.0%
Failed or needed repairs41.0%
Typical mileage at test105,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 288 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.8%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.9%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.9%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.9%
  5. Stop lamp: not working3.8%
  6. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.1%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.1%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension29.2%
  2. Lights & electrics28.5%
  3. Brakes25.3%
  4. Body & chassis19.8%
  5. Tyres8.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.3%
  7. Seat belts & airbags5.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. 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.

← 2001 EscortAll Escort years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 59.0% of 2002 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 288 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 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 2002 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

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