2005 Ford Focus · 85,728 MOT tests
2005 Ford Focus reliability
2005 Ford Focuss fail 46.7% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 23 Focus years (85,728 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Focuss: 31.8%)
- 46.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Focuss: 31.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- 104,106
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 17
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 85,728
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2005 against the years either side
- 2004 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2005 car does better)
- 2006 cars: about average for its age (the 2005 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 9.3% of tests fail here (29% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 39% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2005 car carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
Common problems
What fails on a 2005 Ford Focus
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.7%
- Suspension21.4%
- Brakes10.6%
- Tyres9.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.6%
- Body, chassis and structure7.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.08%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Stop lamp not working 4.85%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 4.54%
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 3.76%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.69%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.58%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.16%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (12.61%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (12.56%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (11.42%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.51%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.99%)
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 2005 Ford Focus reliable?
2005 Ford Focuss fail 46.7% of first MOT tests, 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 23 Focus years (85,728 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2005 Ford Focus MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.08% of tests), stop lamp not working (4.85% of tests), position lamp not working (4.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 2005 Ford Focus have done?
At its MOT aged about 17, a typical 2005 Ford Focus shows 104,106 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2005 car?
A car first registered in 2005 carries a 54 plate (January–February 2005), or a 05 plate (March–August 2005), or a 55 plate (September–December 2005).
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