1998 Ford Escort MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Escort models manufactured in 1998, based on 212,171 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Escort cars tested in 1998. Want to see how cars built in 1998 hold up over time?
View 1998 Ford Escort vintage page → (65.1% current pass rate)1998 Ford Escort MOT Analysis
The 1998 Ford Escort has an MOT pass rate of 34.9% based on 212,171 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,734 miles on the odometer. With a 65.1% failure rate, the 1998 Escort is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Ford Escort is Suspension, responsible for 0.2% 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 0.2%. Body, chassis, structure follows at 0.1%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall Escort 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 | 0.2% | 397 |
| 2 | Brakes | 0.2% | 392 |
| 3 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 0.1% | 305 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.1% | 185 |
| 5 | Tyres | 0.1% | 162 |
| 6 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 0.1% | 146 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 56,734 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 | 0.03 | 0.2% | 397 |
| Brakes | 0.03 | 0.2% | 392 |
| Body & Structure | 0.03 | 0.1% | 305 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.02 | 0.1% | 185 |
| Tyres | 0.01 | 0.1% | 162 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.01 | 0.1% | 146 |
| Visibility | 0.01 | 0.0% | 91 |
| Seat Belts | 0.01 | 0.0% | 62 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Ford Escort has an MOT pass rate of 34.9% based on 212,171 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 56,734 miles on the odometer. With a 65.1% failure rate, the 1998 Escort is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Ford Escort, 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 56,734 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 0.2% of failures
Suspension issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1998 Ford Escort 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 — 0.2% of failures
Brakes issues account for 0.2% of MOT failures on 1998 Ford Escort 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).
Body, chassis, structure — 0.1% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 0.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Ford Escort 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.