Escort: middle-of-the-pack on first-time pass

Across 12,782 MOT tests, the Escort returns 77.5% first-time pass — roughly in line with the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is the strength or continuity of the load bearing. A split CV-joint boot and the strength or continuity of the load bearing round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 57,723, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.

Top ten reasons for rejection.

The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

812 occurrences · 6.4% of tests

A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated

613 occurrences · 4.8% of tests

The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired

333 occurrences · 2.6% of tests

A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc

316 occurrences · 2.5% of tests

Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view

266 occurrences · 2.1% of tests

Brakes imbalance across an axle such that the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle.

263 occurrences · 2.1% of tests

Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced

230 occurrences · 1.8% of tests

A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning

214 occurrences · 1.7% of tests

Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded

200 occurrences · 1.6% of tests

Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen

196 occurrences · 1.5% of tests

Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.

Buying or keeping a Escort?

Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.

If you own a Escort and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.