1998 Ford Escort Si MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Escort Si models manufactured in 1998, based on 848 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Escort Si cars tested in 1998. Want to see how cars built in 1998 hold up over time?
View 1998 Ford Escort Si vintage page → (27.1% current pass rate)1998 Ford Escort Si MOT Analysis
The 1998 Ford Escort Si has an MOT pass rate of 27.0% based on 848 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 54,813 miles on the odometer. With a 73.0% failure rate, the 1998 Escort Si is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Ford Escort Si is Body, Structure and General Items, responsible for 0.2% of failures. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs range from £100–500+. Brakes is the second most common issue at 0.2%. Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems follows at 0.2%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall Escort Si 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 | Body, Structure And General Items | 0.2% | 2 |
| 2 | Brakes | 0.2% | 2 |
| 3 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.2% | 2 |
| 4 | Suspension | 0.2% | 2 |
| 5 | Driver's View Of The Road | 0.1% | 1 |
| 6 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.1% | 1 |
| 7 | Steering | 0.1% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 54,813 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.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body & Structure | 0.04 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Brakes | 0.04 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 0.04 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.04 | 0.2% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.02 | 0.1% | 1 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.02 | 0.1% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.02 | 0.1% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Ford Escort Si has an MOT pass rate of 27.0% based on 848 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 54,813 miles on the odometer. With a 73.0% failure rate, the 1998 Escort Si is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Ford Escort Si, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to body, structure and general items: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely. At 54,813 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Body, Structure and General Items — 0.2% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1998 Ford Escort Si models. Body and structure failures include excessive corrosion, sharp edges, loose panels, and damage to the vehicle frame. Rust is the primary concern, especially on older vehicles or those exposed to road salt. Typical repair costs: £100–500+. Pre-MOT check: Inspect sills, wheel arches, door bottoms, and the chassis for rust. Surface rust is acceptable but structural corrosion or holes will fail. Check that all doors, bonnet, and boot close securely.
Brakes — 0.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1998 Ford Escort Si 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).
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 0.2% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1998 Ford Escort Si 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.