Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023): what fails at MOT
Across 259,374 MOT tests of the Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 14.2% failed — about 1 in 7. The parts that fail most are lights and electrics (5.0% of tests), tyres (4.9%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.3%), brakes (1.9%) and suspension (1.2%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the Fiesta Mk8 has 8% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. The best Ford Fiesta generation on MOT results is the Fiesta Mk6 (2002–2008).
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023)
MOT: 14.2% of 259,374 initial tests failed — 8% more failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | lights and electrics | 5.0% |
| 2 | tyres | 4.9% |
| 3 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 2.3% |
| 4 | brakes | 1.9% |
| 5 | suspension | 1.2% |
Questions
What fails most on a Ford Fiesta Mk8 at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is lights and electrics: 5.0% of Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on lights and electrics. Next come tyres (4.9%) and wipers, windscreen and mirrors (2.3%).
How often does a Ford Fiesta Mk8 fail its MOT?
14.2% of Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 7), counting initial tests only, across 259,374 tests.
Is the Ford Fiesta Mk8 (2017–2023) reliable?
On MOT results, the Ford Fiesta Mk8 has 8% more MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Ford Fiesta Mk8 data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.