1998 Ford Mondeo: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Rigid brake pipes2.1× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  31.6% All 1998 cars

  15.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 2.2% of all 1998 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints3.8× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  19.5% All 1998 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.5× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  7.7% All 1998 cars

  2.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Rust in key structural areas3.1× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  8% All 1998 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  5.8% All 1998 cars

  1.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.5% of all 1998 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 1998 Ford Mondeo MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  51% 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
  47% 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
  32% 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
  27% 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
  20% 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 1998 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1998 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 1998 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the 1998 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?