2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Ford Focus MOT pass rate and common faults

20,243 MOT tests in 2024. 88.3% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time88.3%
Failed or needed repairs11.7%
Typical mileage at test24,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 20,243 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    627 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    373 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9%
    332 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too low0.8%
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    119 marked dangerous
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
  10. Seat belts - condition: buckle not functioning as intended0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.2%
  2. Lights & electrics3.4%
  3. Brakes1.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  7. Suspension0.3%
  8. Body & chassis0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.5%
  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.

← 2020 FocusAll Focus years

Questions

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

In 2024, 88.3% of 2021 Ford Focus cars passed their MOT first time, across 20,243 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

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

The most common failure reasons were 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; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 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).