2010 Ford Mondeo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Ford Mondeos, from 13,267 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 2010 Ford Mondeos than on all cars registered in 2010.
- Suspension arm4.3× usualFord Mondeo17.6% All 2010 cars4.1%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Sub-frame2.1× usualFord Mondeo14.9% All 2010 cars7%Rough price £300–£1,000
At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.6× usualFord Mondeo17.8% All 2010 cars11%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Brake pads1.6× usualFord Mondeo14.7% All 2010 cars9.1%Rough price £80–£180
At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.
- Exhaust system1.6× usualFord Mondeo12.5% All 2010 cars7.6%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Rigid brake pipes: 1.8% here, against 6.8% of all 2010 cars. Ball joint: 2.3% here, against 6.5% of all 2010 cars.
By area
The share of 2010 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension55% 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.
- Tyres38% 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.
- Lights and electrics35% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes33% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions15% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks10% 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.
Looking at a Ford Mondeo?
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 6,982 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 10,838 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 16,013 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 17,082 | Tyres 33% |
| 2014 | 11,030 | Tyres 36% |
| 2013 | 11,904 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 14,653 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 11,952 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 12,467 | Suspension 57% |
| 2008 | 11,111 | Suspension 59% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Ford Mondeos registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score