1998 Ford Fiesta · 6,137 MOT tests
1998 Ford Fiesta reliability
1998 Ford Fiestas fail 49.8% of first MOT tests, 60% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 25 Fiesta years (6,137 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 49.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 60% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 57,180
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,137
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 53% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 18.5% of tests fail here (161% 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 Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Suspension24%
- Brakes22%
- Body, chassis and structure18.5%
- Lights and electrics15.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.5%
- Tyres6.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 8.26%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.88%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 4.81%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 4.64%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 4.43%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.32%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Common advisories
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (15.85%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (14.42%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.11%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.79%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (8.91%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.51%)
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 1998 Ford Fiesta reliable?
1998 Ford Fiestas fail 49.8% of first MOT tests, 60% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 25 Fiesta years (6,137 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (8.26% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (6.88% of tests), service brake efficiency below minimum (4.81% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Ford Fiesta shows 57,180 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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