1998 Ford Fiesta: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1998 Ford Fiesta?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1998 Ford Fiesta than on all cars registered in 1998.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints4.4× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  22.8% All 1998 cars

  5.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 0.9% of all 1998 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.

• Flexible brake hoses3.3× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  18.4% All 1998 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 1% of all 1998 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) joints3.5× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  17.7% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 2.2% of all 1998 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 around suspension or steering mountings2.2× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  18.2% All 1998 cars

  8.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.4%, against 4.5% of all 1998 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 areas3.2× usual
  Ford Fiesta

  8.2% All 1998 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.8% of all 1998 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 1998 Ford Fiesta MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1998 Ford Fiesta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% 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
  50% 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
  30% 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
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  21% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  18% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1998 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 4.4× as often on the 1998 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1998 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1998 Ford Fiesta as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?