Ford Puma MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 29,923 MOT tests on the Ford Puma carried out in 2023. 10% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Pumas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2019 models did best (95% passed, +8.8 points against the average for 4-year-old cars), while 1998 models fared worst (54%, −9.5 points). Tested cars had covered 25,515 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 2.7% of tests (well below the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "too high", on 1.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 29,923
- First-time pass rate
- 90%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +18.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 25,515
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Puma?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Puma 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 | 1,547 | 95% | 91% | +3.7 points | 18,966 |
| 2020 | 25,683 | 93% | 88% | +5.0 points | 20,690 |
| 2019 | 181 | 95% | 86% | +8.8 points | 24,637 |
| 2002 | 558 | 55% | 58% | −2.1 points | 80,483 |
| 2001 | 729 | 61% | 59% | +2.0 points | 80,235 |
| 2000 | 682 | 62% | 61% | +1.9 points | 82,521 |
| 1999 | 343 | 58% | 62% | −4.2 points | 81,036 |
| 1998 | 160 | 54% | 64% | −9.5 points | 60,155 |
Why the Ford Puma fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Puma | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 2.7% | 11.3% |
| Tyres | 2.5% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 2.3% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 2.0% | 8.9% |
| Visibility | 1.8% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.1% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.9% | 3.1% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.1% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1too high1.0%
- 2prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength0.9%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
- 4provides insufficient washer liquid0.8%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
- 6not working0.7%
- 7has ply or cords exposed0.5%
- 8prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced0.5%
- 9does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
- 10too low0.4%
Common Puma MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Puma, 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 | 7.1% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 6.6% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 3.1% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.9% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 1.8% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 1.6% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 1.3% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 1.3% |
Tips to help your Puma pass
Based on where Pumas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 2.7% of Puma 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 · 2.3% of Puma 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 Puma ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Puma ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 29,923 first MOT tests of the Ford Puma 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 29,923 first MOT tests of the Ford Puma.
What is the Ford Puma MOT failure rate?
In our data, 10% of 29,923 first MOT attempts on the Ford Puma ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Puma fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (2.7% of tests), tyres (2.5% of tests), brakes (2.3% of tests).
Which Puma year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2019 cars performed best: 95% passed first time, +8.8 points against the average for 4-year-old cars. The weakest was 1998, at 54% (−9.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Puma covered at its MOT?
The average was 25,515 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 18,966 miles and 1998 cars 60,155.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Puma?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 7.1% of tests, in the tyres area. 2.5% of Pumas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Puma's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 29,923 Pumas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 54% to 95% 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 · 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 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 Puma's MOT history
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