2008 Ford Fiesta: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Ford Fiestas, from 48,771 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 2008 Ford Fiestas than on all cars registered in 2008.
- Rigid brake pipes2.6× usualFord Fiesta24.6% All 2008 cars9.6%Rough price £100–£400
At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.
- Wheels5× usualFord Fiesta10.9% All 2008 cars2.2%Rough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Headlamp1.6× usualFord Fiesta17.2% All 2008 cars10.7%Rough price £40–£400
At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Ball joint dust cover2.1× usualFord Fiesta10.3% All 2008 cars4.8%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Stop lamp1.9× usualFord Fiesta11% All 2008 cars5.8%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 1.9% here, against 11.3% of all 2008 cars. Drive shaft (CV) joints: 2.8% here, against 7.2% of all 2008 cars.
By area
The share of 2008 Ford Fiesta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension47% 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 electrics47% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes39% 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.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors12% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks12% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- PowerShift automatic gearboxAutomatic versions only
Automatic Fiestas with the PowerShift gearbox can give jerky changes, hesitate, or in bad cases lose drive. Repairs can be expensive.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, pull away gently from a standstill several times and drive in slow traffic. Any judder, clunk or hesitation is a warning sign.
Looking at a Ford Fiesta?
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,649 | Tyres 21% |
| 2020 | 20,223 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 73,694 | Tyres 31% |
| 2018 | 92,914 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 89,566 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 112,880 | Suspension 34% |
| 2015 | 123,631 | Suspension 37% |
| 2014 | 120,169 | Suspension 42% |
| 2013 | 109,733 | Suspension 47% |
| 2012 | 95,802 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 81,013 | Suspension 48% |
| 2010 | 81,330 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 84,681 | Suspension 51% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Ford Fiestas registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score