2015 Ford Ecosport: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2015 Ford Ecosports, from 10,269 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2015 Ford Ecosports than on all cars registered in 2015.
- Coil springs5.1× usualFord Ecosport27.6% All 2015 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 3% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Brake lights4.5× usualFord Ecosport9.8% All 2015 cars2.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 1.7% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Steering swivel joints13.5× usualFord Ecosport8.1% All 2015 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Ball joint dust cover4.3× usualFord Ecosport7.8% All 2015 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.7% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Exhaust system3.2× usualFord Ecosport8.7% All 2015 cars2.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.7% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Shock absorbers: 2.2% here, against 5.2% of all 2015 cars. Number plate lights: 1.9% here, against 4.1% of all 2015 cars.
By area
The share of 2015 Ford Ecosport MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension44% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres33% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes24% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions10% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Looking at a Ford Ecosport?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 622 | Tyres 27% |
| 2022 | 8,798 | Tyres 24% |
| 2021 | 4,586 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 8,859 | Tyres 31% |
| 2019 | 24,691 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 22,486 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 13,156 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 14,041 | Suspension 37% |
| 2014 | 2,452 | Suspension 50% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2015 Ford Ecosports registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score