Model Reports 8 min read Updated 11 Sep 2026 DVSA open data · 1,063 tests analysed

Ford Mondeo 2021: reliability & common MOT faults

167 first-attempt MOT failures were recorded on the 2021 Ford Mondeo in 2025. Figures are among first-attempt failed MOT tests, not among all tests.

First-attempt pass rate 84.3% across 1,063 tests in 2025. Nothing in this year's figures separates it from the Mondeos either side — no fuel gap, and no break in the model's own trend.

First-attempt pass

84.3%

of 1,063 first tests (2025)

First tests

1,063

test year 2025

Failed first attempts

167

failed first-attempt tests

MOT pass rates

First-attempt and official-style rates among class 4 first tests of the year.

First-attempt pass

84.3%

of 1,063 first tests (2025)

Official-style pass

88.0%

incl. same-day PRS fixes

First tests

1,063

class 4 · first MOT of the year

Typical age 4.0 yrs · median mileage 43,429 mi

vs 2024: +2.7 pp first-attempt

Note:

  • Class 4 cars · first MOT of the year per vehicle · P/PRS/F outcomes (2025 data).
  • PRS (fixed at the station the same day) counts as a fail in the first-attempt rate.
  • Raw outcomes for this cohort — not adjusted for age, mileage, or peer mix.
  • MOT doesn't test engine or gearbox internals.

Advisories

Notes recorded at the test that appear more often than on similar cars.

Advisory notes recorded on failed first-attempt tests that appear more often than on similar cars.

Advisory pattern Location Notes vs similar cars Share Confidence
Brake pads (rear)
Brakes > Mechanical brake components > Brake linings and pads > Brake pads
 Rear 20 ×2.0 12.0% Wear
Note: Advisories are not a fail rate — they flag issues noted at the test, often before they become failures.

FAQs

Short answers about how to read this model-year guide.

Nothing in this year's figures separates it from the Mondeos either side — no fuel gap, and no break in the model's own trend. In 2025, 84.3% of 1,063 first MOTs on the 2021 Ford Mondeo passed first time (PRS — items fixed at the station the same day — counted as a fail). The official-style rate including PRS is 88.0%. Among 167 failed first-attempt MOT tests (test year 2025), we highlight MOT failure patterns that…
Advisories flag issues noted at the test and are not a fail rate. We show advisory patterns that appear more often than on similar cars among failed first-attempt tests, separate from common failure rows. Use them as early-warning checks, not as a pass/fail score.
This page highlights MOT failure patterns for the 2021 Ford Mondeo (registration year) using UK DVSA open data for the selected test year. Patterns are compared with cars of a similar age and mileage. It is a buyer checklist from MOT defect statistics — not a full service history or manufacturer service-bulletin list.
No. MOT tests do not cover engine internals, gearboxes, or many electronic modules. Patterns here come from MOT defect statistics only and should not be read as engine or gearbox reliability scores.

About this data

How this page is built and what it can (and can't) say.

These figures come from UK MOT open data for this model year. We surface common failure patterns against similar cars — not a full reliability score, and not a pass/fail verdict on any individual vehicle.

2024 2025

What we include

UK Class 4 cars only. Normal MOT tests (not retests); first test per vehicle per calendar year; results pass, PRS, or fail.

Same-day repairs

PRS means the car failed items that were fixed at the test station and then passed the same day. We count PRS as a first-attempt fail in headline rates so same-day repairs do not hide problems.

How we compare

We compare this model year with other Class 4 cars of similar age and mileage in the same test year. This model family is left out of the peer group so the car is not measured against itself.

What this does not cover

  • MOTs do not cover engine internals, gearboxes, or many electronics — this is not a full reliability score.
  • Common faults come from MOT defect stats, not manufacturer TSBs or recalls.
  • Age and mileage matching reduces — but does not remove — differences in how cars were used and maintained.
  • We never invent pass rates, star scores, or ranks when those data marts are missing.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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