1998 Ford Mondeo · 1,127 MOT tests
1998 Ford Mondeo reliability
1998 Ford Mondeos fail 41.3% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 23 Mondeo years (1,127 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Ford Mondeos: 33.3%)
- 41.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Ford Mondeos: 33.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 96,099
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,127
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 8.8% of tests fail here (156% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 51% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Ford Mondeo
Fail rate by area
- Suspension20.7%
- Brakes15.2%
- Lights and electrics15%
- Body, chassis and structure9.8%
- Seat belts and airbags8.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.03%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.17%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.82%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Rigid brake pipe excessively corroded 3.02%
Badly corroded brake pipes can leak or fail, which can cause a loss of braking, so repair is urgent.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.75%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 2.66%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (22.63%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (16.33%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.29%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.12%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.85%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (9.41%)
Other years
Every Ford Mondeo year
The full picture: Ford Mondeo reliability. Before you pay for any Ford Mondeo, 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 1998 Ford Mondeo reliable?
1998 Ford Mondeos fail 41.3% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 23 Mondeo years (1,127 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Ford Mondeo MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.03% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (4.17% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.82% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Ford Mondeo have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Ford Mondeo shows 96,099 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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