1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common faults

837 MOT tests in 2024. 63.0% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

97Below average
Passed first time63.0%
Failed or needed repairs37.0%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 837 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.3%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.1%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%
  4. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.3%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.3%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.2%
  8. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.2%
  9. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.0%
  10. Washers: not working2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics27.6%
  2. Body & chassis18.9%
  3. Brakes18.6%
  4. Suspension18.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks4.5%
  7. Tyres3.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.5%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.2%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.3%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.2%

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 1998 Ford Transit?

In 2024, 63.0% of 1998 Ford Transit cars passed their MOT first time, across 837 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Ford Transit?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Ford Transit reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 97, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).