2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

23,676 MOT tests in 2024. 86.6% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time86.6%
Failed or needed repairs13.4%
Typical mileage at test19,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 23,676 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: too low5.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    465 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  4. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.6%
    199 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    162 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
    144 marked dangerous
  8. Washers: not working0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.5%
  2. Tyres4.4%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.8%
  4. Brakes1.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  7. Suspension0.3%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords4.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.8%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.2%

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: headlamp aim: too low. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 FiestaAll Fiesta years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Ford Fiesta?

In 2024, 86.6% of 2021 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 23,676 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Ford Fiesta?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: too low; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2021 Ford Fiesta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).