Used car guide

2012 Ford Unclassified: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Ford Unclassifieds, from 215 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 215 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

215MOT tests in 2025
67%pass first time (all 2012 cars: 63%)
6,700typical miles a year
42%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2012 Ford Unclassified MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    42% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    32% 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
    27% 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
    27% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% 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
    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.

Looking at a Ford Unclassified?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022136Lights and electrics 8%
2021183Lights and electrics 9%
2015120Suspension 22%
2013160Suspension 21%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Ford Unclassifieds registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score