2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

2,579 MOT tests in 2024. 56.6% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time56.6%
Failed or needed repairs43.4%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,579 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.6%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.6%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.0%
  5. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.6%
  6. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.4%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.0%
  8. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.9%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension36.3%
  2. Brakes25.0%
  3. Lights & electrics16.4%
  4. Body & chassis14.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags7.4%
  7. Tyres7.0%
  8. Emissions & leaks5.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.0%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn21.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.1%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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 2001 Ford Fiesta?

In 2024, 56.6% of 2001 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,579 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Ford Fiesta?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2001 Ford Fiesta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 95, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).