1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

535 MOT tests in 2024. 56.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time56.8%
Failed or needed repairs43.2%
Typical mileage at test57,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 535 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.2%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.5%
  3. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.4%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle5.4%
  5. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements5.0%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.7%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.4%
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.8%
  10. Stop lamp: not working2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension31.4%
  2. Brakes30.8%
  3. Body & chassis17.4%
  4. Lights & electrics16.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags7.1%
  7. Tyres5.8%
  8. Emissions & leaks5.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.8%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.1%

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: 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 1997 Ford Fiesta?

In 2024, 56.8% of 1997 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 535 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

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

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; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1997 Ford Fiesta 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).