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Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) (2003-2006) reliability

At a glance

Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) built around 2006: about average at the MOT

Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) models built around 2006 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

32% of MOT tests on Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) models built around 2006 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) models built around 2006 involves the brakes.

Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2003-2006HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 19,837 tests of Mondeo models registered 2003-2006.

About 1 in 10 Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) MOTs (10.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2006 (19 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 6,736 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 12 Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) MOTs (8.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2006 (19 years old).

Based on 6,736 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (facelift) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,22931.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
6,73632.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
5,34432.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,22733.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,30131.7%

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 21 years old.

How the Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) compares

At each age below, see how the Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 91,753 tests across 11 Ford models, built around 2006 (19 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateFord average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
3,22931.9%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
6,73632.4%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
5,34432.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,22733.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,30131.7%

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 priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check 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 Mondeo Mk3 (facelift).

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21%

    Lower fail rate: 21.0%, against 32.4% for the Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,256 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    5.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 29.2%, against 32.4% for the Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,519 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  3. 3

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.6%
    Dangerous
    7.1%

    Lower fail rate: 29.7%, against 32.4% for the Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift), both built around 2006.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    14,210 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

  4. 4

    Toyota Yaris

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.4%
    Dangerous
    6.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 6.4%, against 10.5% for the Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift).

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    20,244 MOT tests on cars built around 2006

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

85%of all Ford Mondeo cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

38 recalls in all

3 of the 38 Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 recalls

Top concerns

  • Failure of braking system vacuum assistance
  • Possible unexpected braking.
  • There is a possibility of unexpected braking.

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) cars built around 2006

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,732 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
57%
Emissions
30%
Drivetrain
12%
Steering
3%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Brakes
71%
Lighting
54%
Tyres
51%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 12% 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 around 2006 (19 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Mondeo tests (not specific to Mk3 (facelift)).

1.4 to 2.0 litres32.1%3,246 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres27.7%520 tests
How Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) cars have aged

How Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1516171819202122Age at MOTBuilt around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (11,673 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (9,055 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (7,199 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (5,592 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (4,256 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (10,438 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (7,923 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (6,277 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (4,798 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (3,708 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.6% (6,971 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (5,184 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (3,907 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (2,968 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (2,248 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (4,227 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (3,060 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (2,325 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (1,733 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (1,301 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004First registered around 2003
How each part holds up as Mk3 (facelift) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk3 (facelift) cars age

The share of petrol cars built pre-2005 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car21 years22 years23 years24 years
Suspension57%55%54%61%
Brakes71%73%74%75%
Emissions30%30%29%32%
Tyres51%53%53%51%
Lighting54%48%48%50%
Drivetrain12%13%15%19%
Bodywork2%2%4%5%
Steering3%2%3%3%
Corrosion12%10%11%12%

Based on petrol cars in the pre-2005 build-year band, from 1,732 to 4,956 cars at each age.

Mk3 (facelift) variants compared

Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) variants built around 2006

The fail rate for each Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • MONDEO31.5%3,766 tests

Diesel

  • MONDEO33.4%2,965 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Ford Mondeos of this age

This list covers every Ford Mondeo built around 2006, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (facelift) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    31.1%
    Advisory: 3,306Fail: 342 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    22.6%
    Advisory: 2,152Fail: 138 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    17.6%
    Advisory: 1,394Fail: 345 (20% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    16.8%
    Advisory: 1,149Fail: 20 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    15.9%
    Advisory: 1,897Fail: 84 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 6,736 tests

Looking at a Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2006 (19 years old), the Ford Mondeo Mk3 (facelift) (2003-2006) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 6,736 19-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 19,837 MOT tests on Ford Mondeos first registered between 2003-2006. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.