1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

283 MOT tests in 2024. 78.8% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time78.8%
Failed or needed repairs21.2%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 283 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.8%
  3. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive2.1%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.8%
  5. Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength1.4%
  6. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.4%
  7. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting1.4%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.4%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes13.8%
  2. Lights & electrics13.8%
  3. Suspension7.1%
  4. Emissions & leaks4.6%
  5. Body & chassis4.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.1%
  8. Tyres1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.9%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.1%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play4.6%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.2%

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: service brake imbalance: across an axle. 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 1991 Ford Fiesta?

In 2024, 78.8% of 1991 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 283 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Ford Fiesta?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1991 Ford Fiesta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).