2021 Ford Fiesta · 11,990 MOT tests
2021 Ford Fiesta reliability
2021 Ford Fiestas fail 12.4% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 25 Fiesta years (11,990 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- 12.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Fiestas: 33.9%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 21,388
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 11,990
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does worse)
- Weak spot: lights and electrics, 6% of tests fail here (151% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 41% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Ford Fiesta
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6%
- Tyres4.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.8%
- Brakes1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.5%
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%
- Suspension0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Headlamp aim set too low 3.23%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.22%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.75%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.69%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.43%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.43%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.28%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (2.17%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.95%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.5%) · Tyre showing slight damage (1.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.33%)
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 2021 Ford Fiesta reliable?
2021 Ford Fiestas fail 12.4% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 14 of 25 Fiesta years (11,990 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Ford Fiesta MOT?
Most often headlamp aim set too low (3.23% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.22% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (0.75% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Ford Fiesta have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Ford Fiesta shows 21,388 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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