1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common faults

321 MOT tests in 2024. 60.8% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time60.8%
Failed or needed repairs39.2%
Typical mileage at test62,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 321 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.7%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.2%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  4. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive4.7%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working2.8%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.5%
  8. Battery(ies): insecure and likely to fall from carrier2.2%
  9. Stop lamp: not working2.2%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics30.5%
  2. Brakes22.4%
  3. Suspension20.2%
  4. Body & chassis17.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks10.9%
  7. Steering4.4%
  8. Tyres2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.8%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.5%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.7%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.8%

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.

All Transit years1991 Transit →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Ford Transit?

In 2024, 60.8% of 1990 Ford Transit cars passed their MOT first time, across 321 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Ford Transit?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Ford Transit reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).