1999 Ford Ranger: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Ford Ranger?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Ford Ranger than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Chassis rust or damage4.2× usual
  Ford Ranger

  23.7% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.8%, against 2% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Ford Ranger

  31% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 2.4% of all 1999 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.

• Wheel bearings2.7× usual
  Ford Ranger

  14.9% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Rear fog light4.6× usual
  Ford Ranger

  8.8% All 1999 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 1.8% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Load sensing valves17.3× usual
  Ford Ranger

  6.9% All 1999 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

Common 1999 Ford Ranger MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Ford Ranger MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  42% 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
  41% 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
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Rust and bodywork
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  23% 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
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Ford Ranger

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

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 1999 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1999 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1999 Ford Ranger as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?