1996 Ford Fiesta: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Ford Fiesta?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Ford Fiesta than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.2× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  18.8% All 1996 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.8% of all 1996 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 mountings2.3× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  17.1% All 1996 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 4.3% of all 1996 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.

• Flexible brake hoses2.7× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  14.6% All 1996 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.9× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  12.6% All 1996 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.3%, against 1.8% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Rust in key structural areas3.5× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  9% All 1996 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.8% of all 1996 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 1996 Ford Fiesta MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Ford Fiesta 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.

• Brakes
  43% 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.

• 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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 1996 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 4.2× as often on the 1996 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1996 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1996 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?