1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

348 MOT tests in 2024. 75.9% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time75.9%
Failed or needed repairs24.1%
Typical mileage at test57,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 348 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.0%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.7%
  6. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits1.7%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.4%
  8. Position lamp: not working1.4%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.4%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working1.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.1%
  2. Emissions & leaks14.4%
  3. Brakes10.6%
  4. Body & chassis8.9%
  5. Suspension8.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.2%
  7. Steering2.0%
  8. Tyres2.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.7%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.4%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1993 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 75.9% of 1993 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 348 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 Ford Escort?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1993 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).