1997 Ford Fiesta · 1,371 MOT tests
1997 Ford Fiesta reliability
1997 Ford Fiestas fail 46.7% of first MOT tests, 53% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 25 Fiesta years (1,371 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 46.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 53% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 56,268
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,371
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 58% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 60% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 23% of tests fail here (152% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 43% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Ford Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Suspension23%
- Brakes18.6%
- Body, chassis and structure17.6%
- Lights and electrics13.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.2%
- Tyres5.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 10.28%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 8.1%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 5.54%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 5.47%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 4.74%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.3%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (18.75%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (16.92%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.91%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.69%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.31%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (9.48%)
Other years
Every Ford Fiesta year
The full picture: Ford Fiesta reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Fiesta, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1997 Ford Fiesta reliable?
1997 Ford Fiestas fail 46.7% of first MOT tests, 53% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 23 of 25 Fiesta years (1,371 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (10.28% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (8.1% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (5.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Ford Fiesta shows 56,268 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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