1989 Ford Dorchester Auto MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Dorchester Auto models manufactured in 1989, based on 31 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Ford Dorchester Auto MOT Analysis
The 1989 Ford Dorchester Auto has an MOT pass rate of 48.4% based on 31 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 78,502 miles on the odometer. With a 51.6% failure rate, the 1989 Dorchester Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Ford Dorchester Auto is Suspension, responsible for 54.8% of failures. 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 range from £200–500. Brakes is the second most common issue at 25.8%. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions follows at 19.4%.
Top failures specific to 1989 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 | Suspension | 54.8% | 17 |
| 2 | Brakes | 25.8% | 8 |
| 3 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 19.4% | 6 |
| 4 | Tyres | 16.1% | 5 |
| 5 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 16.1% | 5 |
| 6 | Body, Structure And General Items | 12.9% | 4 |
| 7 | Steering | 3.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 78,502 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.99 | 54.8% | 17 |
| Brakes | 3.29 | 25.8% | 8 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 2.47 | 19.4% | 6 |
| Tyres | 2.05 | 16.1% | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 2.05 | 16.1% | 5 |
| Body & Structure | 1.64 | 12.9% | 4 |
| Steering | 0.41 | 3.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Ford Dorchester Auto has an MOT pass rate of 48.4% based on 31 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 78,502 miles on the odometer. With a 51.6% failure rate, the 1989 Dorchester Auto is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Ford Dorchester Auto, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: 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. At 78,502 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 54.8% of failures
Suspension issues account for 54.8% of MOT failures on 1989 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.
Brakes — 25.8% of failures
Brakes issues account for 25.8% of MOT failures on 1989 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).
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 19.4% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 19.4% of MOT failures on 1989 Ford Dorchester Auto models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.