2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Ford Focus ST MOT pass rate and common faults

1,703 MOT tests in 2024. 86.2% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time86.2%
Failed or needed repairs13.8%
Typical mileage at test28,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,703 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.8%
    97 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.8%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.3%
    52 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    41 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    22 marked dangerous
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    26 marked dangerous
  7. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.5%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.2%
  2. Brakes3.0%
  3. Lights & electrics2.1%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  6. Suspension0.6%
  7. Wheels0.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick13.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.0%
  5. Road Wheels - condition: badly distorted2.9%

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: tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. 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 2020 Ford Focus ST?

In 2024, 86.2% of 2020 Ford Focus ST cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,703 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Ford Focus ST?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Ford Focus ST reliable at MOT time?

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