1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

259 MOT tests in 2024. 80.7% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time80.7%
Failed or needed repairs19.3%
Typical mileage at test58,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 259 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.5%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.7%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.3%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.5%
  8. Washers: not working1.5%
  9. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive1.5%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes13.9%
  2. Lights & electrics12.0%
  3. Body & chassis8.1%
  4. Suspension6.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags3.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks2.7%
  8. Tyres2.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.6%

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: service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. 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 1991 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 80.7% of 1991 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 259 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Ford Escort?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; service brake imbalance: across an axle; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1991 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).