1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

161 MOT tests in 2024. 80.1% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time80.1%
Failed or needed repairs19.9%
Typical mileage at test50,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 161 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.0%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  3. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive3.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    6 marked dangerous
  5. Service brake performance: effort inadequate at a wheel1.9%
  6. Side repeaters: not working1.9%
  7. Battery(ies): insecure and likely to cause a short circuit1.9%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.9%
  9. Individual direction indicators: not working1.9%
  10. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics16.8%
  2. Brakes14.9%
  3. Body & chassis9.3%
  4. Suspension8.1%
  5. Emissions & leaks5.0%
  6. Tyres3.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.2%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.2%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.0%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.3%

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.

All Fiesta years1991 Fiesta →

Questions

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

In 2024, 80.1% of 1990 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 161 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

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

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 Fiesta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).