Used car guide

1997 Ford Escort: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1997 Ford Escorts, from 494 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 494 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

494MOT tests in 2025
65%pass first time (all 1997 cars: 67%)
2,100typical miles a year
2.6×the usual rate for exhaust emissions (catalyst)

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1997 Ford Escorts than on all cars registered in 1997.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)2.6× usual
    Ford Escort
    11.1% All 1997 cars
    4.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.1%, against 4.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.4× usual
    Ford Escort
    10.9% All 1997 cars
    4.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.8% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Brakes pulling to one side2.5× usual
    Ford Escort
    6.1% All 1997 cars
    2.4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 1.8% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

By area

The share of 1997 Ford Escort MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    32% 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.

  • Suspension
    31% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    21% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Tyres
    19% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    18% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    15% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Looking at a Ford Escort?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2002237Suspension 41%
2001319Suspension 40%
2000377Suspension 41%
1999185Suspension 39%
1998398Brakes 34%
1996546Suspension 29%
1995422Brakes 24%
1994313Brakes 23%
1993357Suspension 13%
1992279Brakes 16%
1991252Lights and electrics 21%
1990913Lights and electrics 19%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1997 Ford Escorts registered in 1997. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score