2002 Ford Puma: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Ford Pumas, from 390 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 390 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Ford Pumas than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.5× usualFord Puma17.2% All 2002 cars7%
Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 3.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Flexible brake hoses2× usualFord Puma12.3% All 2002 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
By area
The share of 2002 Ford Puma MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Brakes35% 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 electrics31% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks29% 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.
- Tyres22% 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.
- Rust and bodywork21% of testsRough price £150–£1,000
At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,293 | Tyres 10% |
| 2022 | 35,276 | Tyres 20% |
| 2021 | 28,284 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 25,893 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 188 | Tyres 32% |
| 2001 | 526 | Suspension 47% |
| 2000 | 512 | Suspension 37% |
| 1999 | 238 | Suspension 42% |
| 1998 | 111 | Brakes 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Ford Pumas registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score