Ford Fusion MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 58,497 MOT tests on the Ford Fusion carried out in 2023. 40% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Fusions passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2002 to 2012. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2011 models did best (70% passed, +6.8 points against the average for 12-year-old cars), while 2002 models fared worst (55%, −2.6 points). Tested cars had covered 84,701 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 23.3% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 14.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 58,497
- First-time pass rate
- 60%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −11.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 84,701
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Fusion?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Fusion 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 829 | 71% | 66% | +5.7 points | 56,909 |
| 2011 | 2,598 | 70% | 63% | +6.8 points | 65,964 |
| 2010 | 5,996 | 64% | 60% | +3.2 points | 71,237 |
| 2009 | 8,996 | 64% | 59% | +4.7 points | 77,354 |
| 2008 | 8,705 | 61% | 57% | +4.0 points | 82,393 |
| 2007 | 8,167 | 58% | 57% | +1.3 points | 86,452 |
| 2006 | 7,562 | 54% | 56% | −2.0 points | 90,477 |
| 2005 | 5,378 | 57% | 56% | +0.7 points | 94,114 |
| 2004 | 4,960 | 55% | 56% | −0.7 points | 97,445 |
| 2003 | 4,612 | 55% | 57% | −2.0 points | 97,606 |
| 2002 | 641 | 55% | 58% | −2.6 points | 97,637 |
Why the Ford Fusion fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Fusion | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 23.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 12.0% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 11.1% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 6.5% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 6.0% | 3.5% |
| Tyres | 5.9% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.0% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 2.8% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working14.2%
- 2excessively corroded4.9%
- 3ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively3.8%
- 5projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.4%
- 8constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
- 9incorrect colour2.1%
- 10has a serious fluid leak2.0%
Common Fusion MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Fusion, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 22.1% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 13.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 9.2% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 8.4% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.0% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 4.9% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 3.9% |
| incorrect colour | Lights and electrics | 3.8% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 3.8% |
Tips to help your Fusion pass
Based on where Fusions most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 23.3% of Fusion 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 · 11.1% of Fusion 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.
Visibility · 6.5% of Fusion tests
Clear the view
Replace wiper blades that smear, fill the washer bottle and get chips in the windscreen repaired early, especially in the area directly in front of the driver.
Compare with other models
Is the Fusion ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Fusion ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 58,497 first MOT tests of the Ford Fusion 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 58,497 first MOT tests of the Ford Fusion.
What is the Ford Fusion MOT failure rate?
In our data, 40% of 58,497 first MOT attempts on the Ford Fusion ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Fusion fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (23.3% of tests), suspension (12.0% of tests), brakes (11.1% of tests).
Which Fusion year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2011 cars performed best: 70% passed first time, +6.8 points against the average for 12-year-old cars. The weakest was 2002, at 55% (−2.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Fusion covered at its MOT?
The average was 84,701 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2012 cars averaged 56,909 miles and 2002 cars 97,637.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Fusion?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 22.1% of tests, in the brakes area. 11.1% of Fusions failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Fusion's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 58,497 Fusions in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 71% 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 Fusion's MOT history
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