What Is the Ford Fiesta MOT Pass Rate?
on 23 April 2026
The Ford Fiesta has been a staple in UK households for decades, but how does it fare when it comes to passing its annual Ministry of Transport (MOT) test? According to the latest DVSA anonymised data from 2024, the Ford Fiesta achieves a pass rate of 76.6% based on over one million tests conducted. This means that out of every 100 MOT tests for the Ford Fiesta, only 76 vehicles pass without requiring any further work or repairs. The remaining 23.4% of tests result in a fail, necessitating some form of maintenance or repair before the car can be deemed roadworthy.
To put this into context, the national average MOT pass rate across all vehicle models is slightly higher at 79.6%. This indicates that while the Ford Fiesta performs reasonably well overall, there are still areas where it may not meet the stringent safety and environmental standards set by the MOT test compared to other car models on the road.
According to the DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024), ford fiesta has a 76.6% pass rate from 1,409,274 tests
Common Ford Fiesta MOT Failures
The MOT test for a Ford Fiesta is thorough and covers numerous aspects of vehicle safety and compliance. One area that often causes issues for Fiesta owners is braking performance, which accounts for nearly 15% of all failures. This can be due to worn brake pads or discs, brake fluid contamination, or even air in the system affecting its effectiveness.
Another common failure point relates to lighting, particularly headlights and rear lights. Issues here might stem from burnt-out bulbs, damaged lenses, or improper alignment which could impact visibility for both the driver and other road users. Lighting defects account for around 12% of MOT failures for the Ford Fiesta model.
Suspension problems also frequently contribute to a failed MOT result, making up about 8% of all failures. This includes issues such as worn shock absorbers or ball joints that can affect driving stability and safety.
Lastly, exhaust system faults are another major reason why many Fiestas fail their MOT tests. Approximately 5% of the total MOT failures for this model relate to damaged or leaking exhaust components, which not only hinder performance but also contribute to higher emissions levels.
To help mitigate these risks, Ford Fiesta owners should conduct a few pre-MOT checks before taking their vehicle in for testing. Checking all lights and bulbs is straightforward; simply switch them on and inspect each one from the outside of the car while someone operates the controls inside. For brakes, try pressing firmly to feel if there's any unusual softness or vibration that might indicate wear.
It's also wise to visually inspect the suspension components under the vehicle for signs of damage or excessive play in joints. And finally, ensure that there are no visible cracks or leaks along the length of the exhaust pipe, and check that the catalytic converter is securely attached without any obvious issues.
Ford Fiesta Mileage and Reliability
The average mileage at which a Ford Fiesta undergoes its first MOT test based on DVSA data is 72,204 miles. This figure provides valuable insights into typical ownership patterns for this model, suggesting that most owners keep their Fiestas for an extended period before trading them in or moving onto another vehicle.
However, the relatively low pass rate at this stage hints at potential reliability concerns over time. While the Ford Fiesta is generally known for its durability and affordability, specific issues such as wear on braking systems, suspension components, and exhaust parts tend to become more pronounced after prolonged use. This highlights the importance of regular maintenance beyond just meeting the legal requirement of passing an MOT test every year.
This could provide additional support and compensation for those experiencing ongoing reliability problems with their Fiestas.
To sum up, while the Ford Fiesta remains a popular choice among UK motorists due to its practicality and affordability, owners need to be aware of common MOT failure points and take proactive measures to maintain their vehicle's roadworthiness. By staying ahead of these issues through regular checks and timely repairs, drivers can help ensure that their beloved Fiestas continue to meet the stringent requirements set by annual MOT tests.
Sources
- DVSA Anonymised MOT Testing Data (2022-2024)
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