2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Ford Focus MOT pass rate and common faults

10,868 MOT tests in 2024. 52.5% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time52.5%
Failed or needed repairs47.5%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 10,868 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.5%
  2. Stop lamp: not working5.4%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play4.8%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.2%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working3.9%
  6. Position lamp: not working3.6%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.1%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.1%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    506 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics35.6%
  2. Suspension31.3%
  3. Brakes19.5%
  4. Body & chassis11.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.4%
  6. Tyres9.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.5%
  8. Steering6.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.5%
  3. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened16.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.8%

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 2003 Ford Focus?

In 2024, 52.5% of 2003 Ford Focus cars passed their MOT first time, across 10,868 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Ford Focus?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; stop lamp: not working; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Ford Focus reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).