2002 Ford Fiesta · 31,050 MOT tests
2002 Ford Fiesta reliability
2002 Ford Fiestas fail 45.3% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 25 Fiesta years (31,050 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 45.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 83,640
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 31,050
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 24% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does worse)
- Weak spot: brakes, 15.4% of tests fail here (25% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 8% 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 Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.7%
- Suspension17.6%
- Brakes15.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.3%
- Body, chassis and structure7.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.8%
- Tyres7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 5.82%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 4.45%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.18%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 4.09%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.94%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 3.1%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (20.47%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.23%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.44%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.78%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (8.54%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (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 2002 Ford Fiesta reliable?
2002 Ford Fiestas fail 45.3% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 25 Fiesta years (31,050 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (5.82% of tests), service brakes uneven across an axle (4.45% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Ford Fiesta shows 83,640 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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