2002 Ford Mondeo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Ford Mondeo?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Ford Mondeo than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Sub-frame2.5× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  13.1% All 2002 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Seat belts3.7× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  7.3% All 2002 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.6% of all 2002 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 smoothly.

• Ball joint dust cover2.3× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  9.7% All 2002 cars

  4.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.5% of all 2002 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.

• Sub-frame bushes8.8× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  4.4% All 2002 cars

  0.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Common 2002 Ford Mondeo MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Ford Mondeo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  51% 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.

• 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.

• Lights and electrics
  37% 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
  32% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 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 sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2002 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the seat belts? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2002 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2002 Ford Mondeo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?