Ford Mustang MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 11,977 MOT tests on the Ford Mustang carried out in 2023. 17% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Mustangs passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1994 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2003 models did best (87% passed, +29.9 points against the average for 20-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (87%, −1.1 points). Tested cars had covered 34,369 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 5.1% of tests (slightly below the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "does not clear the windscreen effectively", on 2.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 11,977
- First-time pass rate
- 83%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +11.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 34,369
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Mustang?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Mustang 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,049 | 87% | 88% | −1.1 points | 14,495 |
| 2019 | 1,224 | 86% | 86% | −0.5 points | 18,411 |
| 2018 | 2,125 | 84% | 84% | −0.4 points | 24,950 |
| 2017 | 1,929 | 83% | 82% | +1.4 points | 28,344 |
| 2016 | 2,603 | 82% | 79% | +3.3 points | 32,335 |
| 2015 | 361 | 85% | 75% | +9.3 points | 39,299 |
| 2014 | 113 | 79% | 72% | +7.1 points | 50,132 |
| 2013 | 114 | 86% | 68% | +17.7 points | 51,971 |
| 2012 | 103 | 84% | 66% | +17.9 points | 56,853 |
| 2011 | 85 | 78% | 63% | +14.7 points | 65,483 |
| 2010 | 111 | 87% | 60% | +26.9 points | 65,995 |
| 2009 | 97 | 84% | 59% | +24.5 points | 54,173 |
| 2008 | 232 | 85% | 57% | +28.0 points | 51,864 |
| 2007 | 300 | 84% | 57% | +27.4 points | 63,390 |
| 2006 | 285 | 78% | 56% | +22.1 points | 69,123 |
| 2005 | 352 | 78% | 56% | +21.9 points | 68,549 |
| 2004 | 70 | 76% | 56% | +19.7 points | 57,557 |
| 2003 | 52 | 87% | 57% | +29.9 points | 69,398 |
| 2000 | 57 | 70% | 61% | +9.6 points | 74,119 |
| 1996 | 67 | 78% | 65% | +12.4 points | 93,572 |
| 1995 | 75 | 76% | 66% | +9.5 points | 83,719 |
| 1994 | 64 | 77% | 66% | +10.2 points | 85,217 |
Why the Ford Mustang fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Mustang | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 5.1% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 4.8% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.1% | 4.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 2.1% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.5% | 3.1% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.9% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | 3.5% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
- 2efficiency below requirements2.5%
- 3has ply or cords exposed1.8%
- 4not working1.6%
- 5tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
- 6inoperative on one side1.3%
- 7provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%
- 8efficiency less than 50% of the required value1.0%
- 9ball joint excessively worn1.0%
- 10too high0.8%
Common Mustang MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Mustang, 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 | 10.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 4.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 3.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.3% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 1.9% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.6% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 1.3% |
| has excessive play | Suspension | 1.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.3% |
Tips to help your Mustang pass
Based on where Mustangs most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 5.1% of Mustang 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 · 4.1% of Mustang 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.
Lights and electrics · 4.0% of Mustang 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Mustang ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Mustang ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 11,977 first MOT tests of the Ford Mustang 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 11,977 first MOT tests of the Ford Mustang.
What is the Ford Mustang MOT failure rate?
In our data, 17% of 11,977 first MOT attempts on the Ford Mustang ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Mustang fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (5.1% of tests), tyres (4.8% of tests), visibility (4.1% of tests).
Which Mustang year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2003 cars performed best: 87% passed first time, +29.9 points against the average for 20-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 87% (−1.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Mustang covered at its MOT?
The average was 34,369 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 14,495 miles and 1994 cars 85,217.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Mustang?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 10.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 4.8% of Mustangs failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Mustang's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 11,977 Mustangs in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 70% to 87% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- 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
- 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
Check any Mustang's MOT history
Every test, failure, advisory and recorded mileage for a specific car. Free, from official DVSA data.