2001 Ford Focus · 22,519 MOT tests
2001 Ford Focus reliability
2001 Ford Focuss fail 48.5% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 23 Focus years (22,519 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2001 Ford Focus?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Focuss: 31.8%)
- 48.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Focuss: 31.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 101,469
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 22,519
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 22% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 22.6% of tests fail here (46% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 22% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Ford Focus
Fail rate by area
- Suspension22.6%
- Lights and electrics22%
- Brakes14.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.1%
- Body, chassis and structure8.8%
- Tyres8.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.66%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Stop lamp not working 6.35%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.37%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Rear fog lamp not working 3.88%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Position lamp not working 3.87%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.45%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (19.13%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.73%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.7%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (16.35%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (11.51%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.45%)
Other years
Every Ford Focus year
The full picture: Ford Focus reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Focus, 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 Focus reliable?
2001 Ford Focuss fail 48.5% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 21 of 23 Focus years (22,519 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Ford Focus MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.66% of tests), stop lamp not working (6.35% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (4.37% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Ford Focus have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Ford Focus shows 101,469 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).
Check a 2001 Ford Focus free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.