The MOT Files

Model reliability file

Ford Focus MOT pass rates & common failures

Based on 412,883 MOT tests across 96,842 vehicles.

At a glance

First-time pass rate

71.2%class average76.8%

A Focus is 5.6 percentage points less likely to pass first time than comparable vehicles in its class.

Ranked by test frequency

Most common failure items

  1. 1.Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment18.6%
  2. 2.Suspension14.2%
  3. 3.Brakes11.8%
  4. 4.Tyres9.7%
  5. 5.Visibility6.4%

Share of failed first tests in which the category appeared. One test may contain more than one failure category.

How wear changes the picture

Failure rate by vehicle age

3–5 yrs13%
6–8 yrs24%
9–11 yrs35%
12–14 yrs44%
15+ yrs53%

Expected use

Average annual mileage

8,920miles / year

Use this as context, not a target: ownership pattern and engine type can materially change what “normal” looks like.

Still appearing for test

Longevity indicator

83%
at 10 years
57%
at 15 years
29%
at 20 years

Estimated share of the original tested cohort still receiving an MOT at each age. Exported, scrapped and SORN vehicles may affect the rate.