1989 Ford Thunderbird MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Thunderbird models manufactured in 1989, based on 38 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Ford Thunderbird MOT Analysis
The 1989 Ford Thunderbird has an MOT pass rate of 81.6% based on 38 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 110,823 miles on the odometer. With a 18.4% failure rate, the 1989 Thunderbird is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Ford Thunderbird is Steering, responsible for 5.3% of failures. 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 range from £150–600. Body, chassis, structure is the second most common issue at 5.3%. Non-component advisories follows at 2.6%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall Thunderbird 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 | Steering | 5.3% | 2 |
| 2 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 5.3% | 2 |
| 3 | Non-component Advisories | 2.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 110,823 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0.47 | 5.3% | 2 |
| Body & Structure | 0.47 | 5.3% | 2 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.24 | 2.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Ford Thunderbird has an MOT pass rate of 81.6% based on 38 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 110,823 miles on the odometer. With a 18.4% failure rate, the 1989 Thunderbird is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Ford Thunderbird, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: 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. With an average mileage of 110,823 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Steering — 5.3% of failures
Steering issues account for 5.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Ford Thunderbird 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.
Body, chassis, structure — 5.3% of failures
Body, chassis, structure issues account for 5.3% of MOT failures on 1989 Ford Thunderbird 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.
Non-component advisories — 2.6% of failures
Non-component advisories issues account for 2.6% of MOT failures on 1989 Ford Thunderbird models. Non-component advisories issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.