At a Glance
Ford has 248 identified common problems across 75 models, with the Transit being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 88.7M MOT tests from DVSA data plus 1 owner-submitted problem.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Ford common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 88.7M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Ford models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Ford Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 75 Ford models.
Fiesta
Most common: Brakes
Focus
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Transit
Most common: Brakes
Mondeo
Most common: Brakes
Ka
Most common: Suspension
Escort
Most common: Brakes
Transit Connect
Most common: Brakes
Galaxy
Most common: Brakes
Kuga
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Most Common Ford MOT Failures
Every reason Ford vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.29% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.98% |
| 3 | Stop lamp not working | 5.95% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.55% |
| 5 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.48% |
| 6 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.14% |
| 7 | Tyre condition | 5.10% |
| 8 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.36% |
| 9 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.20% |
| 10 | Exhaust system fault | 2.94% |
| 11 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.87% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.72% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.61% |
| 14 | Front lamp not working | 2.55% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.08% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 1.90% |
| 17 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.88% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.81% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.80% |
| 20 | Position lamp not working | 1.64% |
| 21 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.30% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.19% |
| 23 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.08% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.07% |
| 25 | Fog lamp not working | 1.04% |
| 26 | Body corrosion or damage | 1.02% |
| 27 | Indicator fault | 1.01% |
| 28 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.97% |
| 29 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.91% |
| 30 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.90% |
| 31 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.87% |
| 32 | Chassis condition | 0.75% |
| 33 | Rear suspension fault | 0.74% |
| 34 | Parking brake condition | 0.62% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.62% |
| 36 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.60% |
| 37 | Seat belt condition | 0.59% |
| 38 | Front suspension fault | 0.46% |
| 39 | Steering rack fault | 0.46% |
| 40 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.44% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.42% |
| 42 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.40% |
| 43 | ABS fault | 0.37% |
| 44 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.34% |
| 45 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.33% |
| 46 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.32% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.31% |
| 48 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.26% |
| 49 | Airbag warning light on | 0.22% |
| 50 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.22% |
| 51 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.20% |
| 52 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.18% |
| 53 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.17% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.16% |
| 55 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.16% |
| 56 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 57 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 58 | Brake pedal fault | 0.13% |
| 59 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.13% |
| 60 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.12% |
| 61 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.11% |
| 63 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 65 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.10% |
| 66 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.09% |
| 67 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 68 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.08% |
| 69 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 70 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.08% |
| 71 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 72 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.07% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 74 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 75 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 76 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.06% |
| 77 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 78 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 79 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 80 | Steering arm worn | 0.05% |
| 81 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 82 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 85 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 86 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 87 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.04% |
| 89 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.04% |
| 90 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 91 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Steering column fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 96 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 98 | Steering coupling worn | 0.03% |
| 99 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 100 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 101 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 103 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Driver airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 110 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 111 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 112 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Passenger seat fault | 0.01% |
| 114 | Suspension unit fault | 0.01% |
| 115 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 116 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 117 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 126 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 128 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 131 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 136 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 146 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 147 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 158 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 159 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 163 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 166 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 171 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 176 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 179 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 182 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 185 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 187 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 188 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 189 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 191 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 192 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 194 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 195 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 198 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 200 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 201 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 202 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 204 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 205 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 206 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
| 207 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 208 | Steering linkage fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 208 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Ford MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Ford, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Ford problems?
Based on analysis of 88.7M Ford MOT tests from DVSA data, Ford has 248 identified common problems across 75 models. The Ford Transit has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Ford model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Ford Transit has the highest count with 96 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Ford models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Ford?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Ford owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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