2014 Ford Mondeo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Ford Mondeos, from 11,030 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 2014 Ford Mondeos than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualFord Mondeo16.1% All 2014 cars8.2%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.
- Number plate lights2.4× usualFord Mondeo12.5% All 2014 cars5.2%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Suspension arm3.5× usualFord Mondeo5.9% All 2014 cars1.7%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.
- Headlamp aim2.1× usualFord Mondeo6.7% All 2014 cars3.2%Rough price £20–£60
At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.
- Exhaust system1.7× usualFord Mondeo6.2% All 2014 cars3.6%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Shock absorbers: 2.1% here, against 5.7% of all 2014 cars. Ball joint: 1.3% here, against 4.2% of all 2014 cars.
By area
The share of 2014 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres36% 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.
- Suspension36% 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.
- Brakes29% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions7% 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 mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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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% |
| 2013 | 11,904 | Suspension 44% |
| 2012 | 14,653 | Suspension 49% |
| 2011 | 11,952 | Suspension 49% |
| 2010 | 13,267 | Suspension 55% |
| 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 2014 Ford Mondeos registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score