Ford Mustang years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
No Ford Mustang year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2016–2018. The other 2 years can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2016–2018
- Can't be told apart from average2019–2020
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 82.3% to 83.9%.
In 2025, 83.1% of the 8,766 initial MOT tests on Ford Mustang cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 79.6%. That is 3.5 points above the same-age average.
Check a specific Mustang
Ford Mustang MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020age 5 | 1,03521,000 | 86.7%±2.3 | +0.7 ptsall: 86.0% | |
| 2019age 6 | 1,22124,800 | 84.5%±2.2 | +1.0 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 2,11331,700 | 83.6%±1.7 | +2.7 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 1,87133,700 | 82.0%±1.9 | +3.8 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 2,52637,000 | 81.4%±1.6 | +6.5 ptsall: 74.9% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
88.3% of Ford Mustang tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 79.0% at 30,000 to 59,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 88.1% and 81.0%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 4,247 | 88.3%±1.1 | +0.2 ptsall: 88.1% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 3,674 | 79.0%±1.4 | −2.0 ptsall: 81.0% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Mustang tests were about average under 30,000 miles and below average at 30,000 to 59,999 miles.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Ford Mustang tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 60,000–89,999, 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. Every test had a usable odometer reading. How we count
Common Mustang problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Ford Mustang
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes | 22.0%326 tests | 1.8% |
| Parking brake performance inoperative on one sideBrakes | 13.4%198 tests | 0.8% |
| Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres | 12.2%181 tests | 5.2% |
| Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required valueBrakes | 11.1%164 tests | 0.4% |
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 10.9%161 tests | 7.8% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 7.6%112 tests | 4.8% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 7.0%103 tests | 9.6% |
| Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres | 5.5%82 tests | 7.1% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 5.4%80 tests | 3.4% |
| Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustmentBrakes | 4.9%72 tests | 0.5% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Mustang's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Mustang
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Mustang's MOT historyFord Mustang questions
Which Ford Mustang years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2016–2018. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Ford Mustang reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 83.1% of initial MOT tests on Ford Mustang cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 79.6%. That is 3.5 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Ford Mustang problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are brakes (in 41.4% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 5-year-old Ford Mustang?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Ford Mustang cars first used in 2020, about 5 years old, had a median of 21,000 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Mustang's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Ford Mustang
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Ford models
- Ford Fiesta−3.8 pts against the same-age average
- Ford Focus−1.2 pts against the same-age average
- Ford Kuga+2.4 pts against the same-age average
- Ford Transit−7.6 pts against the same-age average
- Ford Transit Custom−8.0 pts against the same-age average
- Ford Mondeo+0.8 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 25 Ford modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Ford Mustang cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count