MOT cost .

Ford

Sierra

6,764 MOT tests analysed. sits above the UK fleet average — here's where Sierras pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.

That's 8.9 points above the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — a confident result.

Pass

86.4%

Pass-after-fix

2.6%

Fail

10.1%

Avg miles

52,200

Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%

ULEZ borderline — check VRM

This model's production run straddles the January 2006 Euro 4 cutoff. Individual cars vary — check your registration plate on the government's ULEZ checker. Daily charges if driven in the zone: London £12.50 · Birmingham £8.00 .

UK ULEZ & CAZ guide →

The picture

Sierra: above-average pass rates, with caveats

Across 2,687 MOT tests, the Sierra returns 84.7% first-time pass — above the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a split CV-joint boot. The strength or continuity of the load bearing and windscreen damage round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 52,262, 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.

ABI Insurance Group

Group 10–28

Below the fleet average — generally reasonable to insure. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.

Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →

10–28

out of 50

Compare quotes →

Top ten reasons for rejection.

Filter failures:

  1. 01

    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

    162 occurrences · 2.4% of tests

  2. 02

    A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated

    141 occurrences · 2.1% of tests

  3. 03

    Emissions levels exceed default limits

    107 occurrences · 1.6% of tests

  4. 04

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

    90 occurrences · 1.3% of tests

  5. 05

    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

    64 occurrences · 0.9% of tests

  6. 06

    Wiper blade defective

    48 occurrences · 0.7% of tests

  7. 07

    The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements

    44 occurrences · 0.7% of tests

  8. 08

    A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated

    42 occurrences · 0.6% of tests

  9. 09

    Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake

    42 occurrences · 0.6% of tests

  10. 10

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

    41 occurrences · 0.6% 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.

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Buying or keeping a Sierra?

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 Sierra 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.