1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Fiesta Lx Diesel models manufactured in 1997, based on 169 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Fiesta Lx Diesel cars tested in 1997. Want to see how cars built in 1997 hold up over time?
View 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel vintage page → (28.2% current pass rate)1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel MOT Analysis
The 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel has an MOT pass rate of 27.8% based on 169 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,460 miles on the odometer. With a 72.2% failure rate, the 1997 Fiesta Lx Diesel is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel is Suspension, responsible for 1.2% 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. Tyres is the second most common issue at 1.2%. Body, Structure and General Items follows at 0.6%.
Top failures specific to 1997 models only. The overall Fiesta Lx Diesel 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 | 1.2% | 2 |
| 2 | Tyres | 1.2% | 2 |
| 3 | Body, Structure And General Items | 0.6% | 1 |
| 4 | Brakes | 0.6% | 1 |
| 5 | Driver's View Of The Road | 0.6% | 1 |
| 6 | Steering | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 51,460 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.23 | 1.2% | 2 |
| Tyres | 0.23 | 1.2% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Brakes | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.11 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel has an MOT pass rate of 27.8% based on 169 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 51,460 miles on the odometer. With a 72.2% failure rate, the 1997 Fiesta Lx Diesel is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel, 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 51,460 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 1.2% of failures
Suspension issues account for 1.2% of MOT failures on 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel 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.
Tyres — 1.2% of failures
Tyres issues account for 1.2% of MOT failures on 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Body, Structure and General Items — 0.6% of failures
Body, Structure and General Items issues account for 0.6% of MOT failures on 1997 Ford Fiesta Lx Diesel 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.