1978 Ford Escort Mexico MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Escort Mexico models manufactured in 1978, based on 321 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Escort Mexico cars tested in 1978. Want to see how cars built in 1978 hold up over time?
View 1978 Ford Escort Mexico vintage page → (91.9% current pass rate)1978 Ford Escort Mexico MOT Analysis
The 1978 Ford Escort Mexico has an MOT pass rate of 87.2% based on 321 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 39,183 miles on the odometer. With a 12.8% failure rate, the 1978 Escort Mexico is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Ford Escort Mexico is Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions, responsible for 0.9% of failures. 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 range from £100–1,000+. Steering is the second most common issue at 0.6%. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment follows at 0.6%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall Escort Mexico 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 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 0.9% | 3 |
| 2 | Steering | 0.6% | 2 |
| 3 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.6% | 2 |
| 4 | Tyres | 0.3% | 1 |
| 5 | Body, Structure And General Items | 0.3% | 1 |
| 6 | Brakes | 0.3% | 1 |
| 7 | Driver's View Of The Road | 0.3% | 1 |
| 8 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.3% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 39,183 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.24 | 0.9% | 3 |
| Steering | 0.16 | 0.6% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.16 | 0.6% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.08 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 0.08 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.08 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.08 | 0.3% | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 0.08 | 0.3% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Ford Escort Mexico has an MOT pass rate of 87.2% based on 321 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 39,183 miles on the odometer. With a 12.8% failure rate, the 1978 Escort Mexico is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Ford Escort Mexico, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to exhaust, fuel and emissions: 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. With relatively low average mileage of 39,183 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 0.9% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 0.9% of MOT failures on 1978 Ford Escort Mexico 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.
Steering — 0.6% of failures
Steering issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 1978 Ford Escort Mexico 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.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 0.6% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 1978 Ford Escort Mexico models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.