1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Ford Mondeo MOT pass rate and common faults

175 MOT tests in 2024. 60.6% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time60.6%
Failed or needed repairs39.4%
Typical mileage at test93,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 175 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.9%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.0%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.4%
  4. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.9%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.9%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits2.9%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.9%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension26.3%
  2. Brakes22.9%
  3. Lights & electrics15.4%
  4. Body & chassis11.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags9.7%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.6%
  8. Tyres2.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.3%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn17.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.9%

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 1997 Ford Mondeo?

In 2024, 60.6% of 1997 Ford Mondeo cars passed their MOT first time, across 175 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Ford Mondeo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1997 Ford Mondeo reliable at MOT time?

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