2000 Ford Mondeo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2000 Ford Mondeo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2000 Ford Mondeo than on all cars registered in 2000.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  16.2% All 2000 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.3% of all 2000 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 links7.8× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  3.1% All 2000 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.3% of all 2000 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.

• Link ball joint covers3.2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  3.5% All 2000 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 0.5% of all 2000 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.

• Rust in key structural areas2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  4.7% All 2000 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.6% of all 2000 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 2000 Ford Mondeo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2000 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
  45% 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
  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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  20% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2000 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 2.5× as often on the 2000 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar links? (Flagged at MOT 7.8× as often on the 2000 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2000 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?