Skip to main content
GB
MOT
Checkup

Ford Fiesta Common Problems, Faults & Repair Costs (2026)

Based on official DVSA MOT test data. View the most common MOT failure categories, pass rates, and estimated repair costs for the Ford Fiesta (2002–2023).

MOT Pass Rate

79.2%2.8% below national avg (82%)

Reliability rating: Good — based on approx. 185,000 tests

Dangerous Defects

1.80%

Moderate risk

Retest Rate

14.2%

of failed tests need a retest

Top MOT Failure Categories

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Est. repair: £40–£200

18.5%
2

Suspension

Est. repair: £120–£450

15.2%
3

Brakes

Est. repair: £100–£350

12.8%
4

Tyres

Est. repair: £50–£120 per tyre

10.4%
5

Exhaust, fuel and emissions

Est. repair: £40–£200

9.1%

Where Faults Occur

32.0%

Front

28.0%

Rear

20.0%

Offside

Mileage Benchmarks

At 3 years

22,000 mi

At 5 years

38,000 mi

At 10 years

72,000 mi

Significantly higher or lower mileage than these benchmarks may indicate unusual usage patterns. Check the full MOT history for mileage consistency.

Is a Ford Fiesta a Good Buy?

The Ford Fiesta shows average reliability in MOT data. With a 79.2% pass rate, it sits 2.8% below the national average of 82%.

Budget for potential repairs in lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment and suspension. An independent pre-purchase inspection is recommended, especially for older examples. Always check the full MOT history for recurring issues.

Ford Fiesta MOT Check & History

View detailed MOT pass rates by year, mileage benchmarks, and full test history data for the Ford Fiesta.

View Ford Fiesta MOT Data

Check a Specific Ford Fiesta

Enter a registration number to view the full MOT history for any Ford Fiesta.

GB

Other Ford Models

Ford Focus

77.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Mondeo

74.5%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Ka

73.1%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Galaxy

72.8%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Kuga

82.1%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

Ford Puma

85.3%

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment →

View all Ford models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common MOT faults on a Ford Fiesta?
The top MOT failure on the Ford Fiesta is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for approximately 18.5% of all failures. Other common issues include suspension and brakes.
What is the Ford Fiesta MOT pass rate?
The Ford Fiesta has an estimated MOT pass rate of 79.2%, which is 2.8% below the national average of 82%. This rates the Ford Fiesta as "Good" for MOT reliability.
Is the Ford Fiesta reliable?
Based on DVSA MOT data, the Ford Fiesta has a good reliability record with a 79.2% pass rate. It has a dangerous defect rate of 1.80% and a retest rate of 14.2%.
How much does it cost to fix common Ford Fiesta MOT failures?
Typical repair costs for Ford Fiesta MOT failures range from £30–£200 for lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues to £120–£450 for suspension problems. Prices are estimates based on typical UK independent garage rates.
What mileage should a Ford Fiesta have?
Based on MOT test data, the average Ford Fiesta covers approximately 22,000 mi by 3 years, 38,000 mi by 5 years, and 72,000 mi by 10 years. Significantly higher or lower mileage may warrant closer inspection.
Should I buy a used Ford Fiesta?
The Ford Fiesta is generally a solid choice based on MOT data. Check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before purchasing, paying particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues and mileage consistency.
Ford Fiesta MOT DataAll Ford ModelsAll Makes