1997 Ford Mondeo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Ford Mondeo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Ford Mondeo than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.6× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  18.1% All 1997 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 1997 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.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  17.7% All 1997 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

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

  6.3% All 1997 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.8% of all 1997 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 1997 Ford Mondeo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  24% 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
  13% 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
  13% 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 1997 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 suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 1997 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1997 Ford Mondeo 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 1997 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?