1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

167 MOT tests in 2024. 72.5% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time72.5%
Failed or needed repairs27.5%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 167 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.2%
  3. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive3.6%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.0%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.4%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.8%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.8%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.8%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements1.8%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks14.4%
  2. Lights & electrics13.8%
  3. Brakes12.6%
  4. Suspension12.0%
  5. Body & chassis10.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.0%
  7. Tyres2.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.4%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.8%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded6.6%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%

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: service brake imbalance: across an axle. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1991 FiestaAll Fiesta years1993 Fiesta →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Ford Fiesta?

In 2024, 72.5% of 1992 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 167 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Ford Fiesta?

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

Is the 1992 Ford Fiesta reliable at MOT time?

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