1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Ford Puma MOT pass rate and common faults

141 MOT tests in 2024. 55.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time55.3%
Failed or needed repairs44.7%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 141 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.3%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle8.5%
  3. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements7.8%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.1%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.4%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced5.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.0%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.5%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    12 marked dangerous
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.8%
    8 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes47.5%
  2. Suspension27.0%
  3. Lights & electrics15.6%
  4. Body & chassis14.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks14.9%
  6. Tyres9.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags6.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.6%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.2%

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.

All Puma years1999 Puma →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Ford Puma?

In 2024, 55.3% of 1998 Ford Puma cars passed their MOT first time, across 141 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Ford Puma reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).