2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Ford Focus MOT pass rate and common faults

35,432 MOT tests in 2024. 87.8% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time87.8%
Failed or needed repairs12.2%
Typical mileage at test30,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 35,432 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    1,205 marked dangerous
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
    968 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    493 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  8. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.4%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    156 marked dangerous
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.3%
  2. Brakes2.9%
  3. Lights & electrics2.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks2.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  6. Suspension0.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Steering0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.1%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.4%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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?

In 2024, 87.8% of 2020 Ford Focus cars passed their MOT first time, across 35,432 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

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

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Ford Focus reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).