2012 Ford Fiesta · 334,284 MOT tests
2012 Ford Fiesta reliability
2012 Ford Fiestas fail 38.9% of first MOT tests, 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 25 Fiesta years (334,284 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 38.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 22% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 72,804
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 334,284
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.2% of tests fail here (136% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 36% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Ford Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.2%
- Suspension16.6%
- Tyres8.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.2%
- Steering5.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.5%
- Brakes4.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 7.61%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Stop lamp not working 5%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.92%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Position lamp not working 3.52%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.48%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.74%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.3%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (10.65%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.43%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.19%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.11%) · Indicator lens slightly discoloured (4.66%)
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 2012 Ford Fiesta reliable?
2012 Ford Fiestas fail 38.9% of first MOT tests, 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 15 of 25 Fiesta years (334,284 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often suspension ball joint excessively worn (7.61% of tests), stop lamp not working (5% of tests), track rod end ball joint excessively worn (3.92% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Ford Fiesta shows 72,804 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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