2004 Ford Fiesta · 82,866 MOT tests
2004 Ford Fiesta reliability
2004 Ford Fiestas fail 46.8% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 25 Fiesta years (82,866 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 46.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- 93,185
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 18
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 82,866
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2004 against the years either side
- 2003 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does worse)
- 2005 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2004 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.2% of tests fail here (35% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 52% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2004 car carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
Common problems
What fails on a 2004 Ford Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.7%
- Suspension17.1%
- Brakes13.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.8%
- Tyres7.8%
- Body, chassis and structure7.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 7.47%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 5.68%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Position lamp not working 5.18%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.57%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.81%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Headlamp aim set too low 3.32%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (23.43%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.49%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (13.1%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.59%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (8.34%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.64%)
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 2004 Ford Fiesta reliable?
2004 Ford Fiestas fail 46.8% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 25 Fiesta years (82,866 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2004 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (7.47% of tests), rigid brake pipe excessively corroded (5.68% of tests), position lamp not working (5.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 2004 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 18, a typical 2004 Ford Fiesta shows 93,185 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2004 car?
A car first registered in 2004 carries a 53 plate (January–February 2004), or a 04 plate (March–August 2004), or a 54 plate (September–December 2004).
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