Used car guide

2017 Ford Mondeo: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Ford Mondeos, from 10,838 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

10,838MOT tests in 2025
83%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
10,400typical miles a year
2.9×the usual rate for number plate lights

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Ford Mondeos than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Number plate lights2.9× usual
    Ford Mondeo
    7% All 2017 cars
    2.4%
    Rough price £5–£40

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Number plates1.8× usual
    Ford Mondeo
    3.2% All 2017 cars
    1.8%
    Rough price £5–£40

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Engine oil leaks1.7× usual
    Ford Mondeo
    3.3% All 2017 cars
    2%
    Rough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 2017 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    31% 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.

  • Brakes
    22% 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 electrics
    13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    9% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% 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 leaks
    4% 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?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20186,982Tyres 29%
201616,013Tyres 32%
201517,082Tyres 33%
201411,030Tyres 36%
201311,904Suspension 44%
201214,653Suspension 49%
201111,952Suspension 49%
201013,267Suspension 55%
200912,467Suspension 57%
200811,111Suspension 59%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Ford Mondeos registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score