Used car guide

2005 Ford Mustang: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Ford Mustangs, from 324 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 324 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

324MOT tests in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
3,300typical miles a year
25%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 Ford Mustang MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    25% 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.

  • Brakes
    21% 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
    17% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    13% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    8% 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.

  • Steering
    4% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Ford Mustang?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2023115Tyres 20%
20225,060Tyres 25%
20213,119Tyres 26%
20201,073Tyres 22%
20191,226Tyres 19%
20182,115Tyres 23%
20171,873Tyres 23%
20162,533Tyres 24%
2015335Tyres 22%
2014105Brakes 12%
2013110Tyres 14%
2010104Brakes 15%
2008212Suspension 25%
2007297Suspension 24%
2006259Suspension 25%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Ford Mustangs registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score