Ford Ranger MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 99,381 MOT tests on the Ford Ranger carried out in 2023. 29% failed at the first attempt, which is roughly in line with the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 Rangers passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2008 models did best (58% passed, +0.8 points against the average for 15-year-old cars), while 2015 models fared worst (67%, −8.4 points). Tested cars had covered 79,065 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 12.9% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 5.9% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 99,381
- First-time pass rate
- 71%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −0.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 79,065
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Ranger?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Ranger 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 | 487 | 88% | 91% | −3.0 points | 35,342 |
| 2020 | 11,167 | 81% | 88% | −6.5 points | 39,856 |
| 2019 | 14,233 | 81% | 86% | −5.7 points | 50,004 |
| 2018 | 13,932 | 77% | 84% | −7.0 points | 60,284 |
| 2017 | 10,700 | 74% | 82% | −7.8 points | 67,958 |
| 2016 | 10,401 | 74% | 79% | −4.8 points | 75,639 |
| 2015 | 6,345 | 67% | 75% | −8.4 points | 83,485 |
| 2014 | 4,129 | 66% | 72% | −5.2 points | 91,041 |
| 2013 | 3,058 | 66% | 68% | −2.4 points | 98,124 |
| 2012 | 1,989 | 60% | 66% | −5.5 points | 105,171 |
| 2011 | 1,707 | 60% | 63% | −2.9 points | 115,025 |
| 2010 | 1,589 | 56% | 60% | −4.2 points | 118,148 |
| 2009 | 2,654 | 57% | 59% | −2.0 points | 123,063 |
| 2008 | 2,440 | 58% | 57% | +0.8 points | 127,962 |
| 2007 | 3,446 | 56% | 57% | −1.3 points | 135,584 |
| 2006 | 2,899 | 53% | 56% | −3.1 points | 128,681 |
| 2005 | 2,437 | 56% | 56% | −0.6 points | 125,615 |
| 2004 | 2,172 | 53% | 56% | −2.9 points | 127,698 |
| 2003 | 1,244 | 56% | 57% | −0.8 points | 131,473 |
| 2002 | 881 | 57% | 58% | −0.6 points | 134,382 |
| 2001 | 660 | 58% | 59% | −0.5 points | 136,493 |
| 2000 | 543 | 56% | 61% | −4.8 points | 128,728 |
| 1999 | 217 | 59% | 62% | −3.5 points | 128,633 |
Why the Ford Ranger fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Ranger | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 12.9% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.2% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 7.7% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 4.9% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.0% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 3.8% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 3.7% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.0% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working5.9%
- 2fractured or broken5.0%
- 3inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
- 5not working on dipped beam1.7%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
- 7warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.6%
- 8too high1.6%
- 9excessively corroded1.6%
- 10constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
Common Ranger MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Ranger, 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 | 12.6% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 7.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.3% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 4.1% |
| corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced | Body and structure | 3.4% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 2.3% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 2.1% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 1.9% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 1.8% |
Tips to help your Ranger pass
Based on where Rangers most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 12.9% of Ranger 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 · 7.7% of Ranger 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 · 4.9% of Ranger 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 Ranger ULEZ compliant? See the Ford Ranger ULEZ check, or view all Ford models.
Other Ford models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 99,381 first MOT tests of the Ford Ranger 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 99,381 first MOT tests of the Ford Ranger.
What is the Ford Ranger MOT failure rate?
In our data, 29% of 99,381 first MOT attempts on the Ford Ranger ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Ford Ranger fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (12.9% of tests), suspension (10.2% of tests), brakes (7.7% of tests).
Which Ranger year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2008 cars performed best: 58% passed first time, +0.8 points against the average for 15-year-old cars. The weakest was 2015, at 67% (−8.4 points).
How many miles had a typical Ford Ranger covered at its MOT?
The average was 79,065 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 35,342 miles and 1999 cars 128,633.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Ford Ranger?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.6% of tests, in the tyres area. 3.8% of Rangers failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Ranger's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 99,381 Rangers in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 88% 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 Ranger's MOT history
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