Ford Focus MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 986,030 MOT tests on the Ford Focus carried out in 2023. 32% failed at the first attempt, which is slightly above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Focuses passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (82% passed, +3.1 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 1998 models fared worst (46%, −17.5 points). Tested cars had covered 78,258 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 15.0% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 7.4% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 986,030
- First-time pass rate
- 68%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −3.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 78,258
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Focus?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Focus 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,451 | 90% | 91% | −0.9 points | 22,133 |
| 2020 | 39,348 | 88% | 88% | +0.7 points | 25,470 |
| 2019 | 56,187 | 86% | 86% | −0.6 points | 33,064 |
| 2018 | 48,005 | 85% | 84% | +0.9 points | 39,451 |
| 2017 | 64,214 | 84% | 82% | +2.3 points | 49,294 |
| 2016 | 64,394 | 82% | 79% | +3.1 points | 58,586 |
| 2015 | 76,062 | 79% | 75% | +3.1 points | 67,155 |
| 2014 | 76,161 | 69% | 72% | −2.3 points | 75,203 |
| 2013 | 75,601 | 64% | 68% | −4.2 points | 83,284 |
| 2012 | 70,613 | 64% | 66% | −2.0 points | 89,709 |
| 2011 | 66,874 | 60% | 63% | −3.0 points | 95,942 |
| 2010 | 58,654 | 58% | 60% | −2.2 points | 98,451 |
| 2009 | 62,206 | 57% | 59% | −1.6 points | 100,619 |
| 2008 | 54,607 | 56% | 57% | −1.2 points | 105,014 |
| 2007 | 48,903 | 58% | 57% | +0.6 points | 105,284 |
| 2006 | 35,950 | 57% | 56% | +1.1 points | 106,153 |
| 2005 | 27,657 | 53% | 56% | −2.7 points | 105,602 |
| 2004 | 19,747 | 52% | 56% | −4.0 points | 102,997 |
| 2003 | 15,060 | 52% | 57% | −4.4 points | 97,423 |
| 2002 | 12,093 | 52% | 58% | −5.3 points | 101,122 |
| 2001 | 7,037 | 52% | 59% | −6.3 points | 102,959 |
| 2000 | 3,333 | 52% | 61% | −8.4 points | 103,988 |
| 1999 | 1,736 | 51% | 62% | −11.5 points | 108,212 |
| 1998 | 110 | 46% | 64% | −17.5 points | 105,140 |
Why the Ford Focus fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Focus | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 15.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.9% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 7.6% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 5.4% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 4.5% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.5% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 3.2% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 1.2% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working7.4%
- 2fractured or broken3.9%
- 3tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
- 4projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.9%
- 5pin or bush excessively worn2.0%
- 6ball joint excessively worn1.9%
- 7has ply or cords exposed1.9%
- 8not working on dipped beam1.8%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
- 10less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
Common Focus MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Focus, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 18.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.7% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.4% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.4% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.2% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.0% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.6% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 3.1% |
Tips to help your Focus pass
Based on where Focuses most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 15.0% of Focus 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 · 5.4% of Focus 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Focus ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Focus ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 986,030 first MOT tests of the Ford Focus 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 986,030 first MOT tests of the Ford Focus.
What is the Ford Focus MOT failure rate?
In our data, 32% of 986,030 first MOT attempts on the Ford Focus ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Focus fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (15.0% of tests), suspension (10.9% of tests), tyres (7.6% of tests).
Which Focus year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 82% passed first time, +3.1 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 1998, at 46% (−17.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Focus covered at its MOT?
The average was 78,258 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 22,133 miles and 1998 cars 105,140.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Focus?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.8% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.6% of Focuses failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Focus's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 986,030 Focuses in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 46% to 90% 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any Focus's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.