1998 Ford Escort · 1,840 MOT tests
1998 Ford Escort reliability
1998 Ford Escorts fail 37.4% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 6 Escort years (1,840 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- 37.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 59,023
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,840
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.9% of tests fail here (94% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 23% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Ford Escort
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.4%
- Body, chassis and structure13.5%
- Brakes13%
- Lights and electrics12.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks10.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.4%
- Seat belts and airbags4.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 5.76%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.29%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.15%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.93%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 2.93%
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 2.88%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (12.23%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.23%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.79%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.09%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.67%) · Chassis corroded but still rigid (4.4%)
Is a 1998 Ford Escort reliable?
1998 Ford Escorts fail 37.4% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 6 Escort years (1,840 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Ford Escort MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (5.76% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.29% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (3.15% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Ford Escort have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Ford Escort shows 59,023 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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