1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Ford Mondeo MOT pass rate and common faults

234 MOT tests in 2024. 58.1% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time58.1%
Failed or needed repairs41.9%
Typical mileage at test96,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 234 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.7%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
  5. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  7. Washers: not working3.0%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.6%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.6%
  10. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes26.1%
  2. Suspension23.9%
  3. Lights & electrics19.2%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.1%
  5. Body & chassis11.1%
  6. Seat belts & airbags9.8%
  7. Tyres8.5%
  8. Emissions & leaks6.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded28.6%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn20.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.4%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%

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 1998 Ford Mondeo?

In 2024, 58.1% of 1998 Ford Mondeo cars passed their MOT first time, across 234 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Ford Mondeo?

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; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Ford Mondeo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).