Ford Focus: what fails at MOT
1.1 million MOT tests on the Ford Focus in 2024, counted. 29.4% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
29.4% of Ford Focus tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 28%, so the Focus is about average for its age.
It fails most often on lights and electrics (9.9% of tests), suspension (6.3% of tests) and tyres (5.3% of tests).
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 33,205 | 10.8% | 10.9% | 23,800 16,100 to 33,900 |
| 2020 | 56,082 | 11.5% | 11.5% | 30,800 21,200 to 42,800 |
| 2019 | 74,829 | 15.0% | 13.4% | 38,200 27,600 to 51,300 |
| 2018 | 63,236 | 15.3% | 15.6% | 43,900 32,100 to 58,000 |
| 2017 | 84,147 | 16.2% | 18.2% | 53,400 39,200 to 70,200 |
| 2016 | 82,626 | 18.9% | 21.3% | 62,500 46,100 to 81,200 |
| 2015 | 94,493 | 23.0% | 24.4% | 72,200 54,500 to 91,700 |
| 2014 | 96,636 | 31.5% | 27.7% | 79,300 60,700 to 100,700 |
| 2013 | 95,375 | 34.8% | 30.6% | 87,400 67,400 to 110,700 |
| 2012 | 82,978 | 35.7% | 33.4% | 94,700 73,400 to 119,200 |
| 2011 | 69,959 | 40.5% | 36.1% | 102,100 79,500 to 126,900 |
| 2010 | 61,895 | 42.1% | 38.6% | 102,500 78,600 to 127,600 |
| 2009 | 62,506 | 41.9% | 39.8% | 104,300 80,900 to 128,100 |
| 2008 | 54,651 | 44.4% | 41.5% | 107,800 85,500 to 131,200 |
| 2007 | 46,963 | 42.0% | 41.5% | 106,000 84,300 to 129,600 |
| 2006 | 33,636 | 42.3% | 42.4% | 107,600 86,000 to 130,400 |
| 2005 | 23,377 | 46.8% | 42.2% | 106,200 82,900 to 131,200 |
| 2004 | 17,172 | 48.0% | 42.3% | 103,000 78,600 to 129,300 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Ford Focus tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Focus | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 9.9% | 7.8% |
| Suspension | 6.3% | 6.4% |
| Tyres | 5.3% | 4.3% |
| Brakes Less than most | 3.5% | 4.7% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 2.8% | 3.1% |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.4% | 2.2% |
| Body and structure | 2.1% | 2.4% |
| Steering | 0.8% | 1.4% |
The parts that fail most
- Headlamp aim3.5%
- Tyre3.2%
- Side light2.7%
- Tyre tread2.1%
- Coil spring2.0%
- Washers1.8%
- Headlamp1.6%
- Brake light1.6%
- Brake pads1.3%
- Suspension pins and bushes1.2%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Side light: not working2.5%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm2.0%
- Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.0%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
- Brake light: not working1.3%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.2%
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.1%
- Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.1%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge14.7%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing6.1%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened5.8%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement5.7%
- Brake pads: wearing thin5.4%
- Coil spring: corroded3.1%
- Sub-frame: corroded but not seriously weakened2.8%
- Engine oil: leak, but not excessive2.5%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
Check a Ford Focus's own MOT record
Looking at a Focus? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.