1997 Ford Escort · 1,008 MOT tests
1997 Ford Escort reliability
1997 Ford Escorts fail 40% of first MOT tests, 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 Escort years (1,008 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1997 Ford Escort?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- 40%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 30% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 58,895
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,008
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- 1998 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.4% of tests fail here (151% above cars of the same age and mileage).
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Ford Escort
Fail rate by area
- Brakes16.3%
- Lights and electrics15.7%
- Body, chassis and structure14.3%
- Suspension14%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks12%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.2%
- Seat belts and airbags6.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.05%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.36%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.76%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 4.66%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 4.17%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 4.07%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.67%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.42%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.12%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.53%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.85%)
Is a 1997 Ford Escort reliable?
1997 Ford Escorts fail 40% of first MOT tests, 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 Escort years (1,008 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Ford Escort MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.05% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.36% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (4.76% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Ford Escort have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Ford Escort shows 58,895 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1997 Ford Escort free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.