2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate and common faults

92,000 MOT tests in 2024. 84.1% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time84.1%
Failed or needed repairs15.9%
Typical mileage at test38,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 92,000 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    3,272 marked dangerous
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
    2,354 marked dangerous
  3. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.4%
  4. Headlamp aim: too low1.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.7%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    865 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    614 marked dangerous
  9. Position lamp: not working0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.6%
  2. Lights & electrics6.2%
  3. Brakes3.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags1.0%
  7. Suspension0.5%
  8. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick10.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.8%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2018 Ford Fiesta?

In 2024, 84.1% of 2018 Ford Fiesta cars passed their MOT first time, across 92,000 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Ford Fiesta?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Ford Fiesta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).