1993 Ford Mondeo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Ford Mondeo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Ford Mondeo than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  36.9% All 1993 cars

  16.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.4% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints5.2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  19.6% All 1993 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.6% of all 1993 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.3× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  28.4% All 1993 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 1.8% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

Common 1993 Ford Mondeo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  41% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  39% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% 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
  20% 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.

• Tyres
  16% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Ford Mondeo

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1993 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 5.2× as often on the 1993 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 1993 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?