2002 Ford Escort · 1,207 MOT tests
2002 Ford Escort reliability
2002 Ford Escorts fail 39.5% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 Escort years (1,207 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- 39.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Escorts: 38.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 7% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 104,759
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,207
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: about average for its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.6% of tests fail here (71% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Ford Escort
Fail rate by area
- Suspension18.5%
- Lights and electrics17.2%
- Brakes15%
- Body, chassis and structure13.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.3%
- Tyres5.7%
- Seat belts and airbags5.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 9.28%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.81%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 3.81%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 3.65%
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 3.48%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Stop lamp not working 3.31%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (17.9%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (12.34%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.19%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (9.69%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.37%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.62%)
Is a 2002 Ford Escort reliable?
2002 Ford Escorts fail 39.5% of first MOT tests, 7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 6 Escort years (1,207 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Ford Escort MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (9.28% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.81% of tests), position lamp not working (3.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Ford Escort have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2002 Ford Escort shows 104,759 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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