Ford Escort MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 11,034 MOT tests on the Ford Escort carried out in 2023. 25% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Escorts passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1969 to 2002. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1977 models did best (97% passed, +19.5 points against the average for 46-year-old cars), while 1997 models fared worst (59%, −5.4 points). Tested cars had covered 56,921 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 10.7% of tests (roughly in line with the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 11,034
- First-time pass rate
- 75%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +4.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 56,921
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Escort?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Escort MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 362 | 62% | 58% | +4.4 points | 106,374 |
| 2001 | 464 | 63% | 59% | +4.1 points | 104,919 |
| 2000 | 528 | 56% | 61% | −4.5 points | 84,072 |
| 1999 | 252 | 59% | 62% | −3.8 points | 55,298 |
| 1998 | 500 | 60% | 64% | −3.5 points | 56,669 |
| 1997 | 635 | 59% | 64% | −5.4 points | 56,835 |
| 1996 | 650 | 66% | 65% | +0.6 points | 54,978 |
| 1995 | 472 | 74% | 66% | +7.9 points | 52,836 |
| 1994 | 368 | 71% | 66% | +4.5 points | 55,504 |
| 1993 | 357 | 79% | 67% | +12.2 points | 53,747 |
| 1992 | 296 | 82% | 68% | +14.1 points | 52,814 |
| 1991 | 274 | 77% | 70% | +6.8 points | 54,602 |
| 1990 | 921 | 77% | 71% | +5.7 points | 52,506 |
| 1989 | 910 | 78% | 72% | +6.5 points | 51,164 |
| 1988 | 564 | 77% | 71% | +6.0 points | 49,924 |
| 1987 | 336 | 79% | 72% | +7.1 points | 48,895 |
| 1986 | 269 | 80% | 71% | +8.9 points | 52,479 |
| 1985 | 440 | 83% | 72% | +11.0 points | 52,905 |
| 1984 | 151 | 77% | 73% | +4.8 points | 54,753 |
| 1983 | 225 | 85% | 75% | +9.9 points | 52,101 |
| 1982 | 67 | 90% | 76% | +13.9 points | 52,880 |
| 1981 | 64 | 86% | 76% | +9.5 points | 45,868 |
| 1980 | 347 | 95% | 78% | +17.2 points | 42,684 |
| 1979 | 269 | 93% | 79% | +14.3 points | 41,986 |
| 1978 | 216 | 91% | 80% | +10.6 points | 37,593 |
| 1977 | 118 | 97% | 77% | +19.5 points | 36,656 |
| 1976 | 146 | 94% | 80% | +13.4 points | 34,826 |
| 1975 | 112 | 98% | 81% | +17.5 points | 40,459 |
| 1974 | 142 | 89% | 82% | +7.4 points | 35,919 |
| 1973 | 98 | 96% | 81% | +15.1 points | 38,606 |
| 1972 | 142 | 89% | 79% | +10.0 points | 34,654 |
| 1971 | 77 | 91% | 80% | +11.3 points | 37,944 |
| 1969 | 52 | 92% | 83% | +9.6 points | 54,029 |
Why the Ford Escort fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Escort | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 10.7% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 8.8% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 8.1% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 7.6% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.0% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 4.6% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.7% | 1.0% |
| Tyres | 2.3% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 1.7% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.5%
- 2prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.3%
- 3across an axle2.6%
- 4constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.6%
- 5efficiency below requirements2.4%
- 6prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.0%
- 7corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced1.8%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.5%
- 10excessively binding1.5%
Common Escort MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Escort, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 9.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.1% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 5.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.0% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 4.3% |
| prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 4.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 3.6% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 3.6% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 2.9% |
Tips to help your Escort pass
Based on where Escorts most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 10.7% of Escort tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 8.1% of Escort tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 7.6% of Escort tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Escort ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Escort ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 11,034 first MOT tests of the Ford Escort carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 11,034 first MOT tests of the Ford Escort.
What is the Ford Escort MOT failure rate?
In our data, 25% of 11,034 first MOT attempts on the Ford Escort ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Escort fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (10.7% of tests), suspension (8.8% of tests), brakes (8.1% of tests).
Which Escort year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1977 cars performed best: 97% passed first time, +19.5 points against the average for 46-year-old cars. The weakest was 1997, at 59% (−5.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Escort covered at its MOT?
The average was 56,921 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2002 cars averaged 106,374 miles and 1969 cars 54,029.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Escort?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 9.1% of tests, in the brakes area. 8.1% of Escorts failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Escort's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 11,034 Escorts in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 56% to 98% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any Escort's MOT history
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