1994 Ford Fiesta: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1994 Ford Fiesta?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1994 Ford Fiesta than on all cars registered in 1994.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.8× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  18.7% All 1994 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.7% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.1× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  14.8% All 1994 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 3.9% of all 1994 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.

• Rust in key structural areas2.4× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  5.9% All 1994 cars

  2.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.7% of all 1994 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£250 our estimate

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Common 1994 Ford Fiesta MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1994 Ford Fiesta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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
  36% 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.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  20% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  18% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  15% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1994 Ford Fiesta

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 1994 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1994 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rust in key structural areas? (Flagged at MOT 2.4× as often on the 1994 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?