2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Ford Mustang MOT pass rate and common faults

211 MOT tests in 2024. 84.4% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

148Well above average
Passed first time84.4%
Failed or needed repairs15.6%
Typical mileage at test46,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 211 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.3%
  2. Position lamp: not working1.4%
  3. Rear fog lamp: not working1.4%
  4. Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements1.4%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.4%
  6. Horn: not working0.9%
  7. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.9%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.9%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.9%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9%
    14 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.9%
  2. Suspension6.2%
  3. Brakes6.2%
  4. Number plates & VIN1.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  7. Tyres1.9%
  8. Body & chassis1.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm6.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.2%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.7%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.3%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)3.8%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. 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 2008 Ford Mustang?

In 2024, 84.4% of 2008 Ford Mustang cars passed their MOT first time, across 211 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Ford Mustang?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; position lamp: not working; rear fog lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Ford Mustang reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 148, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).