2001 Ford Escort · 1,544 MOT tests
2001 Ford Escort reliability
2001 Ford Escorts fail 41.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 6 Escort years (1,544 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- 41.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 0% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 99,541
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,544
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.6% of tests fail here (73% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 62% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Ford Escort
Fail rate by area
- Suspension20.7%
- Lights and electrics16.8%
- Brakes15.7%
- Body, chassis and structure15.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.6%
- Seat belts and airbags5.6%
- Tyres5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 10.49%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.99%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.08%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Stop lamp not working 3.56%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.43%
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 3.3%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.88%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.11%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.85%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (10.43%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.23%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.23%)
Is a 2001 Ford Escort reliable?
2001 Ford Escorts fail 41.3% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 6 Escort years (1,544 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Ford Escort MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (10.49% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (4.99% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (4.08% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Ford Escort have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Ford Escort shows 99,541 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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