1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Ford Transit MOT pass rate and common faults

727 MOT tests in 2024. 60.3% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time60.3%
Failed or needed repairs39.8%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 727 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.7%
  2. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.4%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.7%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.6%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.8%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%
  8. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.5%
  10. Chassis condition: or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting2.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics28.3%
  2. Body & chassis23.4%
  3. Suspension22.8%
  4. Brakes19.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.5%
  7. Tyres5.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.8%
  2. Wheel bearings: has excessive play10.9%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded10.6%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.5%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.4%

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 1997 Ford Transit?

In 2024, 60.3% of 1997 Ford Transit cars passed their MOT first time, across 727 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Ford Transit?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Ford Transit reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).