Ford Escort Mk4 (1980-1986) reliability
Ford Escort Mk4 built before 2000: fails its MOT less often than average
Ford Escort Mk4 models built before 2000 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at a Ford Escort Mk4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
9% of MOT tests on Ford Escort Mk4 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 25% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Ford Escort Mk4 models built before 2000 involves the brakes.
Based on 1,386 tests of Escort models registered 1980-1986.
About 1 in 30 Escort Mk4 MOTs (3.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,386 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 50 Escort Mk4 MOTs (1.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 1,386 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk4 fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the Escort Mk4 compares
At each age below, see how the Escort Mk4 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 31,207 tests across 14 Ford models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Suspension
Worth checkingInspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Escort Mk4.
- 1
Renault Clio
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 30.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 93.9%
No clear edge over the Ford Escort Mk4 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,039 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Subaru Impreza
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 19.9%
No clear edge over the Ford Escort Mk4 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,760 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 3
Volkswagen Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 26.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.9%
No clear edge over the Ford Escort Mk4 on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
18,567 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 4
Vauxhall Astra
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 28.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 91.1%
No clear edge over the Ford Escort Mk4 on these figures.
9 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,846 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
12 recalls in allNo recall notices match this build period.
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Escort Mk4 cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 44,833 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 39% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
Fail rate by engine size, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Escort tests (not specific to Mk4).
Mk4 variants compared
Most common issues on Ford Escorts of this age
This list covers every Ford Escort built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 19.7%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 28.4%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 37.2%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 46.7%Advisory
Suspension mounting area corroded, but not seriously
- 55.6%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 10,088 tests
Looking at a Ford Escort Mk4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Ford Escort Mk4 (1980-1986) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,386 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.