1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

883 MOT tests in 2024. 81.3% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time81.3%
Failed or needed repairs18.7%
Typical mileage at test53,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 883 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.4%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.3%
  3. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive2.2%
  4. Stop lamp: not working1.9%
  5. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements1.5%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases1.5%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  8. Position lamp: not working1.4%
  9. Non catalyst emissions: emissions hydrocarbon content excessive1.2%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics17.2%
  2. Brakes9.2%
  3. Body & chassis7.8%
  4. Suspension6.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks5.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.5%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.4%
  8. Steering1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded8.4%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play6.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. 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 Escort years1991 Escort →

Questions

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

In 2024, 81.3% of 1990 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 883 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).