1999 Ford Escort · 1,120 MOT tests
1999 Ford Escort reliability
1999 Ford Escorts fail 41.4% of first MOT tests, 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 6 Escort years (1,120 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- 41.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 32% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 56,077
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,120
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1999 against the years either side
- 1998 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- 2000 cars: 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1999 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.8% of tests fail here (132% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 27% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1999 Ford Escort
Fail rate by area
- Suspension19.7%
- Body, chassis and structure14.7%
- Brakes14.4%
- Lights and electrics13.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.8%
- Tyres7.5%
- Seat belts and airbags5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 7.86%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.46%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.3%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Chassis corroded, rigidity significantly reduced 2.32%
Serious corrosion weakens the chassis, affecting crash safety and handling, so specialist assessment is needed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.32%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.23%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.57%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.59%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.41%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.7%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.43%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (5.89%)
Is a 1999 Ford Escort reliable?
1999 Ford Escorts fail 41.4% of first MOT tests, 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 6 Escort years (1,120 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1999 Ford Escort MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (7.86% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (4.46% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.3% of tests).
How many miles should a 1999 Ford Escort have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1999 Ford Escort shows 56,077 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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