1971 Ford Consul MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Consul models manufactured in 1971, based on 76 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1971 Ford Consul MOT Analysis
The 1971 Ford Consul has an MOT pass rate of 80.3% based on 76 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 57,856 miles on the odometer. With a 19.7% failure rate, the 1971 Consul is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 Ford Consul is Visibility, responsible for 2.6% of failures. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs range from £10–300. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems is the second most common issue at 1.3%. Steering follows at 1.3%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall Consul page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visibility | 2.6% | 2 |
| 2 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 1.3% | 1 |
| 3 | Steering | 1.3% | 1 |
| 4 | Suspension | 1.3% | 1 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 57,856 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 0.45 | 2.6% | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 0.23 | 1.3% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.23 | 1.3% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.23 | 1.3% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.23 | 1.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 Ford Consul has an MOT pass rate of 80.3% based on 76 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 57,856 miles on the odometer. With a 19.7% failure rate, the 1971 Consul is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 Ford Consul, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to visibility: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable. At 57,856 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Visibility — 2.6% of failures
Visibility issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1971 Ford Consul models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 1.3% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 1.3% of MOT failures on 1971 Ford Consul models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Steering — 1.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 1.3% of MOT failures on 1971 Ford Consul models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.