2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Ford Focus MOT pass rate and common faults

8,656 MOT tests in 2024. 53.1% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time53.1%
Failed or needed repairs46.9%
Typical mileage at test98,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 8,656 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.0%
  2. Stop lamp: not working4.6%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.0%
  4. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.8%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.4%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    450 marked dangerous
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working3.1%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.9%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics32.7%
  2. Suspension30.2%
  3. Brakes20.2%
  4. Body & chassis10.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.4%
  6. Tyres8.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.1%
  8. Steering6.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.0%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened18.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.2%

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 2002 Ford Focus?

In 2024, 53.1% of 2002 Ford Focus cars passed their MOT first time, across 8,656 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Ford Focus?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; stop lamp: not working; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Ford Focus reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).