1999 Ford Escort: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Ford Escorts, from 185 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 185 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 1999 Ford Escort MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension39% 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.
- Brakes31% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Rust and bodywork18% 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.
- Tyres14% 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.
- Driveshafts and joints11% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 237 | Suspension 41% |
| 2001 | 319 | Suspension 40% |
| 2000 | 377 | Suspension 41% |
| 1998 | 398 | Brakes 34% |
| 1997 | 494 | Brakes 32% |
| 1996 | 546 | Suspension 29% |
| 1995 | 422 | Brakes 24% |
| 1994 | 313 | Brakes 23% |
| 1993 | 357 | Suspension 13% |
| 1992 | 279 | Brakes 16% |
| 1991 | 252 | Lights and electrics 21% |
| 1990 | 913 | Lights and electrics 19% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Ford Escorts registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score