Ford Mondeo reliability: what 571k MOT tests show
Across 571,445 MOT tests on Ford Mondeo cars first used between 2000 and 2021, 66.8% passed first time. The figure for all cars is 71.7%. Set against cars of the same age rather than the whole fleet, the Mondeo is about average at +1.2 points. At its first MOT, at three years old, 83.3% of Mondeos pass; the national figure for three-year-old cars is 87.9%. Top of the failure list: tyre tread below the legal minimum, on 9.6% of failed tests.
What fails a Ford Mondeo at its MOT
Tyre tread below the legal minimum is recorded on 9.6% of failed Ford Mondeo tests, followed by a number plate light not working at 9% and a sidelight not working at 7.7%. Percentages can add to more than 100 because one failed test often records several defects.
Tyres are an easy failure to avoid. Check the tread and look for cuts and bulges the week before the test, not on the forecourt.
What testers flag before it fails
An advisory is the tester telling you what fails next year. On the Mondeo the usual suspects are tyre tread below the legal minimum (21.2% of tests) and worn brake discs (12.3%). The advisory conversion table shows which of these are worth acting on first.
Mondeo pass rate by fuel
Among Ford Mondeo cars, hybrid versions pass 84.9% of the time and petrol versions 63.6%, a gap of 21.3 points. Hybrid versions are newer cars on average, so some of that gap is age rather than engineering.
| Fuel | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 67.1% | 451,457 |
| Petrol | 63.6% | 108,483 |
| Hybrid | 84.9% | 9,455 |
Every Mondeo year, 2000 to 2021
Pass rates run from 56.9% for 2000 cars to 83.2% for 2021 cars. Most of that spread is age: a car tested at ten years old has had far more chances to wear something out than one tested at four.
| First used | Pass rate | Tests | Miles a year | First MOT pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Mondeo 2021 | 83.2% | 2,382 | 13,195 | 81.4% |
| Ford Mondeo 2020 | 84.5% | 6,818 | 12,145 | 84.3% |
| Ford Mondeo 2019 | 84.1% | 13,287 | 12,326 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2018 | 84.4% | 21,086 | 12,205 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2017 | 83.2% | 32,623 | 11,738 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2016 | 81.3% | 48,230 | 11,470 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2015 | 77.8% | 51,918 | 11,093 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2014 | 69% | 34,602 | 11,661 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2013 | 66.5% | 37,630 | 11,295 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2012 | 65.3% | 46,833 | 10,397 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2011 | 63.3% | 39,204 | 10,010 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2010 | 59.5% | 46,521 | 9,321 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2009 | 58.3% | 45,339 | 8,896 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2008 | 56% | 42,801 | 8,653 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2007 | 54.4% | 33,457 | 7,755 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2006 | 55.4% | 21,133 | 6,833 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2005 | 54.3% | 17,695 | 6,458 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2004 | 54.2% | 11,365 | 6,070 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2003 | 54.6% | 6,748 | 5,523 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2002 | 55.2% | 5,223 | 5,206 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2001 | 56.7% | 4,488 | 4,947 | – |
| Ford Mondeo 2000 | 56.9% | 2,062 | 4,369 | – |
How mileage changes the Mondeo's odds
On the 2015 cars, a Mondeo under 40,000 miles passes 89.4% of the time; one over 100,000 passes 72.6%. When comparing two used Mondeos, the odometer tells you more than the year.
| Mileage at test (2015 cars) | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 89.4% | 3,107 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 85.3% | 6,884 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 81.8% | 9,441 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 76.9% | 9,796 |
| Over 100,000 | 72.6% | 22,681 |
Compared with other cars
Set against the rest of the Ford range, which averages 68.5%, the Mondeo at 66.8% is below par. Within the family, see the Fiesta (65.9%), how the Focus does (67.9%), Ford Transit reliability (66.9%) and how the Kuga does (79.5%), or the Ford range at the MOT. Buyers weighing a Mondeo against other cars of similar popularity often compare it with the Honda CR-V (74.2%) and Audi A1 (77.2%). The full reliability table puts them side by side, and the national MOT statistics give the baseline.
Each Mondeo year in detail
Each year opens to show its own failure list and pass rate by mileage.
Ford Mondeo 2021 83.2% pass 2,382 tests81.4% at first MOT
On a 2021 Ford Mondeo, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 29.4% of failed tests, with a tyre worn or cut to the cords next at 14.2%.
2021 cars pass 86.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 73.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 86.1% | 1,233 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 81.4% | 515 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 78.9% | 365 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 82.3% | 175 |
| Over 100,000 | 73.4% | 94 |
By fuel: diesel 82.5% (1,288 tests), hybrid 83.9% (1,094 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2020 84.5% pass 6,818 tests84.3% at first MOT
On a 2020 Ford Mondeo, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 25.3% of failed tests, with tyre tread below the legal minimum next at 15.4%.
2020 cars pass 87.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 76.2% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 87.3% | 3,203 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 82.9% | 1,646 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 82.4% | 1,004 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 82.9% | 549 |
| Over 100,000 | 76.2% | 416 |
By fuel: diesel 84.3% (4,294 tests), hybrid 84.8% (2,504 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2019 84.1% pass 13,287 tests
On a 2019 Ford Mondeo, wipers not clearing the screen appears on 19.2% of failed tests, with tyre tread below the legal minimum next at 18.2%.
2019 cars pass 87.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 80.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 87.6% | 4,221 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 84.3% | 3,282 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 82.5% | 2,391 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 81.5% | 1,565 |
| Over 100,000 | 80.3% | 1,826 |
By fuel: diesel 83.4% (8,903 tests), hybrid 86.1% (2,811 tests), petrol 84.9% (1,573 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2018 84.4% pass 21,086 tests
On a 2018 Ford Mondeo, tyre tread below the legal minimum appears on 19.5% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 15.3%.
2018 cars pass 89.5% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 79.5% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 89.5% | 4,271 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 85.5% | 4,886 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 84.7% | 4,325 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 82.1% | 3,184 |
| Over 100,000 | 79.5% | 4,418 |
By fuel: diesel 83.7% (16,673 tests), petrol 87.3% (2,914 tests), hybrid 86.1% (1,499 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2017 83.2% pass 32,623 tests
On a 2017 Ford Mondeo, tyre tread below the legal minimum appears on 18% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 16%.
2017 cars pass 89.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 78% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 89.6% | 4,006 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 86.9% | 6,835 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 83.4% | 7,436 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 81.7% | 5,654 |
| Over 100,000 | 78% | 8,687 |
By fuel: diesel 82.9% (29,543 tests), petrol 85.6% (2,478 tests), hybrid 86.2% (602 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2016 81.3% pass 48,230 tests
On a 2016 Ford Mondeo, tyre tread below the legal minimum appears on 15.1% of failed tests, with brake pads worn below 1.5mm next at 13.6%.
2016 cars pass 89.2% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 76.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 89.2% | 4,031 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 86.1% | 7,841 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 83% | 9,878 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 80.5% | 9,229 |
| Over 100,000 | 76.6% | 17,245 |
By fuel: diesel 80.7% (41,667 tests), petrol 85.2% (5,179 tests), hybrid 80% (945 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2015 77.8% pass 51,918 tests
On a 2015 Ford Mondeo, a sidelight not working appears on 17.4% of failed tests, with a tyre pressure sensor not working next at 16.3%.
2015 cars pass 89.4% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 72.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 89.4% | 3,107 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 85.3% | 6,884 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 81.8% | 9,441 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 76.9% | 9,796 |
| Over 100,000 | 72.6% | 22,681 |
By fuel: diesel 76.8% (44,706 tests), petrol 84% (6,176 tests), electric 82.9% (601 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2014 69% pass 34,602 tests
On a 2014 Ford Mondeo, headlamp aim out of adjustment appears on 14.6% of failed tests, with a number plate light not working next at 13%.
2014 cars pass 88% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 65.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 88% | 858 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 81% | 2,495 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 75.2% | 4,786 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 69.5% | 6,525 |
| Over 100,000 | 65.1% | 19,924 |
By fuel: diesel 68.7% (33,243 tests), petrol 77.6% (1,292 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2013 66.5% pass 37,630 tests
On a 2013 Ford Mondeo, a number plate light not working appears on 13.7% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 12%.
2013 cars pass 83% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 63.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 83% | 572 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 78.9% | 1,868 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 73.2% | 4,034 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 68.3% | 6,366 |
| Over 100,000 | 63.7% | 24,779 |
By fuel: diesel 66.2% (36,337 tests), petrol 75.1% (1,291 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2012 65.3% pass 46,833 tests
On a 2012 Ford Mondeo, a number plate light not working appears on 14.2% of failed tests, with a worn suspension bush next at 12.6%.
2012 cars pass 78.7% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 62.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 78.7% | 713 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 78.1% | 2,128 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 71.7% | 4,685 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 67.5% | 7,702 |
| Over 100,000 | 62.7% | 31,570 |
By fuel: diesel 64.9% (43,253 tests), petrol 70.4% (3,580 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2011 63.3% pass 39,204 tests
On a 2011 Ford Mondeo, a number plate light not working appears on 14.1% of failed tests, with a sidelight not working next at 12.3%.
2011 cars pass 78.4% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 60.6% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 78.4% | 490 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 77.4% | 1,472 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 70.7% | 3,267 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 67.2% | 5,779 |
| Over 100,000 | 60.6% | 28,174 |
By fuel: diesel 62.5% (32,087 tests), petrol 66.9% (7,108 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2010 59.5% pass 46,521 tests
On a 2010 Ford Mondeo, a sidelight not working appears on 14.4% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 11.2%.
2010 cars pass 74% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 56.9% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 74% | 547 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 73.7% | 1,591 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 67.6% | 3,691 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 63.6% | 6,490 |
| Over 100,000 | 56.9% | 34,166 |
By fuel: diesel 59% (41,083 tests), petrol 62.5% (5,427 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2009 58.3% pass 45,339 tests
On a 2009 Ford Mondeo, a sidelight not working appears on 12.5% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 11.7%.
2009 cars pass 69.3% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 55.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 69.3% | 548 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 73.3% | 1,352 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 69.2% | 3,045 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 63.2% | 5,428 |
| Over 100,000 | 55.8% | 34,881 |
By fuel: diesel 57.8% (39,519 tests), petrol 61.5% (5,812 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2008 56% pass 42,801 tests
On a 2008 Ford Mondeo, a brake light not working appears on 12.4% of failed tests, with a sidelight not working next at 12.1%.
2008 cars pass 72% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 72% | 396 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 72.9% | 1,093 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 67.9% | 2,459 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 61.2% | 4,623 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.8% | 34,158 |
By fuel: diesel 55% (32,222 tests), petrol 59% (10,560 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2007 54.4% pass 33,457 tests
On a 2007 Ford Mondeo, a sidelight not working appears on 14% of failed tests, with a brake light not working next at 10.8%.
2007 cars pass 70.9% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 51.8% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 70.9% | 406 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 71.7% | 1,009 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 64.5% | 2,460 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 57.8% | 4,425 |
| Over 100,000 | 51.8% | 25,120 |
By fuel: diesel 53.4% (20,677 tests), petrol 55.9% (12,767 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2006 55.4% pass 21,133 tests
On a 2006 Ford Mondeo, a sidelight not working appears on 14.1% of failed tests, with corroded brake pipes next at 11.3%.
2006 cars pass 80.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 51.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 80.1% | 347 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 72.8% | 1,050 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 63.7% | 2,050 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 58% | 3,329 |
| Over 100,000 | 51.7% | 14,346 |
By fuel: petrol 57.2% (10,785 tests), diesel 53.5% (10,347 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2005 54.3% pass 17,695 tests
On a 2005 Ford Mondeo, a sidelight not working appears on 13.1% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 11.5%.
2005 cars pass 74% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 50.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 74% | 288 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 68.6% | 946 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.1% | 1,848 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 58.3% | 2,779 |
| Over 100,000 | 50.7% | 11,828 |
By fuel: petrol 56% (9,219 tests), diesel 52.5% (8,465 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2004 54.2% pass 11,365 tests
On a 2004 Ford Mondeo, parking brake efficiency below the limit appears on 13.3% of failed tests, with a sidelight not working next at 11.6%.
2004 cars pass 77.1% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 51.4% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 77.1% | 192 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 64.1% | 560 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 63% | 1,304 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 54% | 1,958 |
| Over 100,000 | 51.4% | 7,337 |
By fuel: petrol 55.7% (7,014 tests), diesel 51.8% (4,344 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2003 54.6% pass 6,748 tests
On a 2003 Ford Mondeo, parking brake efficiency below the limit appears on 15.9% of failed tests, with a broken coil spring next at 10%.
2003 cars pass 74% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 50.3% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 74% | 173 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 70.6% | 459 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.4% | 842 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 55.7% | 1,200 |
| Over 100,000 | 50.3% | 4,065 |
By fuel: petrol 56.5% (4,850 tests), diesel 49.8% (1,893 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2002 55.2% pass 5,223 tests
On a 2002 Ford Mondeo, parking brake efficiency below the limit appears on 14.8% of failed tests, with body mounting corroded at a mounting point next at 10%.
2002 cars pass 74.6% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 51.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 74.6% | 118 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 69.9% | 335 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 61.1% | 622 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 57.4% | 1,001 |
| Over 100,000 | 51.1% | 3,145 |
By fuel: petrol 55.3% (4,309 tests), diesel 54.5% (913 tests).
Ford Mondeo 2001 56.7% pass 4,488 tests
On a 2001 Ford Mondeo, parking brake efficiency below the limit appears on 16.9% of failed tests, with a parking brake not working next at 9.5%.
2001 cars pass 78.4% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 53.1% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 78.4% | 111 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 69.3% | 316 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 60.2% | 593 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 57.9% | 813 |
| Over 100,000 | 53.1% | 2,652 |
Ford Mondeo 2000 56.9% pass 2,062 tests
On a 2000 Ford Mondeo, body mounting corroded at a mounting point appears on 16.2% of failed tests, with parking brake efficiency below the limit next at 10.8%.
2000 cars pass 64.4% of the time at under 40,000 miles, falling to 52.7% over 100,000.
| Mileage at test | Pass rate | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40,000 | 64.4% | 73 |
| 40,000 to 60,000 | 65.7% | 236 |
| 60,000 to 80,000 | 59.4% | 350 |
| 80,000 to 100,000 | 58.8% | 388 |
| Over 100,000 | 52.7% | 1,015 |
Questions people ask
Is the Ford Mondeo reliable?
On MOT evidence the Ford Mondeo is about average. It passes 66.8% of tests against 71.7% for all cars, and beats cars of the same age by 1.2 points. 83.3% pass their first MOT at three years old. Figures from 571,445 DVSA tests.
What are the most common Ford Mondeo MOT failures?
Tyre tread below the legal minimum (9.6% of failed tests), a number plate light not working (9%) and a sidelight not working (7.7%). Tyres are an easy failure to avoid. Check the tread and look for cuts and bulges the week before the test, not on the forecourt.
Which Ford Mondeo year is the most reliable?
Among years with a large sample, 2020 cars have the highest pass rate at 84.5% and 2004 cars the lowest at 54.2%. Newer years pass more because they are younger, so compare a specific car's year against the table above rather than against the overall figure.
What advisories does a Ford Mondeo usually get?
Tyre tread below the legal minimum is the most frequent, noted on 21.2% of all Mondeo tests, then worn brake discs (12.3%). An advisory passes the car today but marks the item most likely to fail next year.
How many miles a year does a Ford Mondeo do?
About 9,879 miles a year on average, calculated from the odometer readings recorded at consecutive MOTs. That is above the UK average of roughly 7,400, which is typical of a car bought for commuting or work.
How do I check a particular Ford Mondeo?
The figures describe the whole fleet. For one car, enter its registration in the free MOT check to see its own test history, advisories and mileage, set against these averages for its year.
Checking a Mondeo before you buy?
Enter the registration to see its own MOT history, advisories and mileage set against these figures, including whether it has done more or fewer than the 9,879 miles a year typical of the model.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 to 2025. Class 4 cars, normal tests only; a pass after rectification counts as an initial failure. Age-adjusted figures compare the model's pass rate at each age with the national rate at the same age. Methodology.