1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Ford Escort MOT pass rate and common faults

570 MOT tests in 2024. 69.5% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time69.5%
Failed or needed repairs30.5%
Typical mileage at test57,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 570 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.8%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
  4. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.5%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.3%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content at idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.3%
  10. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes22.1%
  2. Suspension15.6%
  3. Lights & electrics14.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.7%
  5. Body & chassis11.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.7%
  8. Tyres2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.7%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.7%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.3%

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 1996 Ford Escort?

In 2024, 69.5% of 1996 Ford Escort cars passed their MOT first time, across 570 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 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; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1996 Ford Escort reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).