1988 Ford Dorchester Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Dorchester Auto models manufactured in 1988, based on 34 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1988 Ford Dorchester Auto MOT Analysis
The 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto has an MOT pass rate of 64.7% based on 34 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 75,319 miles on the odometer. With a 35.3% failure rate, the 1988 Dorchester Auto is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto is Brakes, responsible for 14.7% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Steering is the second most common issue at 8.8%. Suspension follows at 8.8%.
Top failures specific to 1988 models only. The overall Dorchester Auto 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 | Brakes | 14.7% | 5 |
| 2 | Steering | 8.8% | 3 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.8% | 3 |
| 4 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 2.9% | 1 |
| 5 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 2.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 75,319 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.95 | 14.7% | 5 |
| Steering | 1.17 | 8.8% | 3 |
| Suspension | 1.17 | 8.8% | 3 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.39 | 2.9% | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 0.39 | 2.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto has an MOT pass rate of 64.7% based on 34 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 75,319 miles on the odometer. With a 35.3% failure rate, the 1988 Dorchester Auto is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 75,319 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 14.7% of failures
Brakes issues account for 14.7% of MOT failures on 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Steering — 8.8% of failures
Steering issues account for 8.8% of MOT failures on 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto 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.
Suspension — 8.8% of failures
Suspension issues account for 8.8% of MOT failures on 1988 Ford Dorchester Auto models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.