2014 Ford Ecosport diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Coil springs4.4× usual
  Ford Ecosport

  24.8% All 2014 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Steering swivel joints15.7× usual
  Ford Ecosport

  9.4% All 2014 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake lights3.9× usual
  Ford Ecosport

  10.2% All 2014 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9%, against 2.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Track rod ends2.9× usual
  Ford Ecosport

  11.3% All 2014 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint dust cover3.9× usual
  Ford Ecosport

  7.1% All 2014 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.7% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  46% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  26% 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
  23% 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 mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Exhaust and emissions
  4% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 4.4× as often on the 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the steering swivel joints? (Flagged at MOT 15.7× as often on the 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake lights? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2014 Ford Ecosport diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?