1996 · 28 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1996 Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common faults

709 MOT tests in 2024. 62.8% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

95Below average
Passed first time62.8%
Failed or needed repairs37.2%
Typical mileage at test97,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 709 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength11.0%
  2. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.9%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.2%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.5%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.2%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.1%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.8%
  9. Battery(ies): insecure and likely to fall from carrier2.5%
  10. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics34.0%
  2. Body & chassis22.7%
  3. Suspension22.3%
  4. Brakes19.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.4%
  7. Tyres4.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.5%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.7%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.0%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.6%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.2%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Ford Transit?

In 2024, 62.8% of 1996 Ford Transit cars passed their MOT first time, across 709 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

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

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Ford Transit reliable at MOT time?

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