2001 Ford Fiesta · 11,449 MOT tests
2001 Ford Fiesta reliability
2001 Ford Fiestas fail 46.1% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 25 Fiesta years (11,449 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 46.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 66,732
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,449
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 8.2% of tests fail here (206% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Ford Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Suspension25.2%
- Brakes16.5%
- Lights and electrics12.9%
- Body, chassis and structure12.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.3%
- Seat belts and airbags8.2%
- Tyres6.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 10.46%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 6.73%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 4.08%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.98%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 3.59%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.4%
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 (21.85%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.72%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (13.62%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.45%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (11.02%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (10.09%)
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 2001 Ford Fiesta reliable?
2001 Ford Fiestas fail 46.1% of first MOT tests, 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 25 Fiesta years (11,449 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (10.46% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (6.73% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (4.08% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Ford Fiesta shows 66,732 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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