2018 Ford Mondeo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Ford Mondeos, from 6,982 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 2018 Ford Mondeos than on all cars registered in 2018.
- Number plate lights2.8× usualFord Mondeo5% All 2018 cars1.8%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Engine oil leaks2.1× usualFord Mondeo2.9% All 2018 cars1.4%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.
- Number plates1.5× usualFord Mondeo2.6% All 2018 cars1.7%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
By area
The share of 2018 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes20% 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 electrics10% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 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 2018 Ford Mondeos registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score