1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Ford Mondeo MOT pass rate and common faults

173 MOT tests in 2024. 63.0% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time63.0%
Failed or needed repairs37.0%
Typical mileage at test89,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 173 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.5%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.2%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  4. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.5%
  5. Washers: not working3.5%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.5%
  7. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested3.5%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds default limits2.9%
  9. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension30.1%
  2. Brakes23.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks18.5%
  4. Lights & electrics14.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)12.1%
  6. Body & chassis6.9%
  7. Tyres4.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.5%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.1%

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 1996 Ford Mondeo?

In 2024, 63.0% of 1996 Ford Mondeo cars passed their MOT first time, across 173 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Ford Mondeo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1996 Ford Mondeo reliable at MOT time?

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