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MOT History from tests of petrol FORD FORDs year 1981

Review the list of common FORD FORD failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your FORD then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history
Pass percent:39.68%
(The average a petrol FORD FORD year 1981 passes without issue)
Based on:189 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment28
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively21
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|18
Registration plate lamp issues17
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|16
Nearside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|16
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|9
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |7.3.B.1a|9
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|9
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|8
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort8
Brake pipe excessively corroded7
Registration plate issues7
Offside Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|7
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|6
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.2.C.1h|6
Nearside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|6
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|5
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive |7.3.B.1b|5
Offside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|5
Brakes imbalanced across an axle4
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|4
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|4
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|4
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|3
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel |3.1.6b|3
Horn not working |1.6.2a|3
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1b|3
Offside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|3
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|3
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement3
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|3
Nearside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|3
Brake hose damaged3
Offside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|2
Rear fog lamp not working |1.3.2b|2
Brake pedal spongy |3.3.B.1b|2
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on |1.4.B.1f|2
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off |1.4.B.1f|2
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Offside Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|2
Nearside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|2
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Rear Rear fog lamp missing |1.3.2a|2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1a|2
Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|2
Rear brake application uneven2
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|2
Rear brake binding2
Nearside Indicator tell tale inoperative |1.4.A.2a|2
Offside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Nearside Front Leaf spring anchor bracket corroded and seriously weakened |2.4.B.6d|2
Emissions not tested |7.0|2
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|2
Offside Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering |2.5.A.3a|2
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working |1.3.1b|2
Centre Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|2
Front brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|2
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|2
Nearside Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Brake hose excessively deteriorated2
Offside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Rear Drive shaft uj which forms part of the suspension has excessive play in a universal joint |2.4.G.4b|1
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Front Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering |2.5.A.3a|1
Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Brake performance not tested |3.7.A.1|1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Rear fog lamp missing |1.3.2a|1
Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|1
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |3.6.C.3|1
Offside Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is inadequately repaired |5.2.6|1
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|1
Nearside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Front Upper Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Exhaust mounting missing |7.1.1b|1
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Front Vehicle structure has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Front Wheel nut|s| missing |4.2.A.1e|1
Centre Front Hazard warning switch faulty |1.4.B.1d|1
Stop lamp remains on when the brakes are released1
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|1
Offside Front Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front Coil spring not correctly located |2.4.C.2|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber insecure |2.7.2b|1
Nearside Front Power steering ram|s| leaking from a failed component |2.3.3b|1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Centre Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Rear Brake lever has abnormal movement of levers indicating excessive wear |3.5.1f|1
Offside Rear Brake lever has abnormal movement of levers indicating excessive wear |3.5.1f|1
Nearside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Offside Front Tie bar/rod has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Wheel bolt|s| missing |4.2.A.1e|1
Offside Front Wheel bolt|s| missing |4.2.A.1e|1
Offside Rear Rear fog lamp excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.3.2d|1
Offside Rear passenger door does not latch securely closed |6.2.B.1a|1
Nearside Front coil spring incomplete |2.4.C.1a|1
Offside Front coil spring incomplete |2.4.C.1a|1
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete |2.4.C.1a|1
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete |2.4.C.1a|1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is damaged, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Centre Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|1
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases join to silencer |7.1.2|1
Rear fog lamp not working both (4.5.1 (a) (ii))1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings floor |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Front Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings step |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings box sectiom |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Front Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))1
Stop lamp not working Both rear |wiring on switch| |1.2.1b|1
Nearside Side repeater not working wiring on bulb |1.4.A.2c|1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases rear back box |7.1.2|1
Fuel pipe leaking under body pipe feed to filter |7.2.3|1
Towbar component excessively corroded tow bar mounting |6.6.1|1
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Offside Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.2.C.1h|1
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is severely distorted |2.4.A.3|1
Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.2.C.1h|1
Nearside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Offside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Nearside Outer Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Nearside Inner Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only |3.1.2|1
Front Statutory seat belt of the wrong type. |5.1.1|1
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|1
Offside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings |2.2.B.1h|1
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |2.4.A.3|1
Mechanical brake component locking device insecure |3.5.1l|1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Offside Front brake disc excessively pitted |3.5.1h|1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has a modification which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|1
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|1
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|1
Front brake application uneven1
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Nearside Upper Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Front front brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Nearside Front Direction indicator incomplete |1.5.A1b|1
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split |2.2.D.2d|1
Front Front position lamp|s| obscured more than 50% |1.1.A.3c|1
Offside Steering rack gaiter split |2.2.D.2d|1
Centre Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|1
Nearside Rear An item not tested |Manual|1
Offside Rear An item not tested |Manual|1
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| insecure |1.1.A.3a|1
Brake lever has restricted free movement |3.5.1k|1
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` |8.3.1e|1
Offside Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|1
Steering box insecure |2.2.B.1a|1
Nearside Front Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt |5.2.2a|1
Windscreen wiper blade insecure1
Offside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Nearside Front Body has a projection caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|1
Offside Front Body has a projection caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|1
Driver`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|1
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Battery insecure |1.9.1|1
Nearside Inner Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|1
Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp|s| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.1.A.3f|1
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on |8.2.1b|1
Front Upper Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Front Lower Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Outer Front Lower Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has an inadequate repair which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Offside Obligatory mirror insecure |8.1.1|1
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|1
Rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.3.2f|1
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|1
Centre Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Offside Inner Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Hazard warning switch faulty |1.4.B.1d|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|1
Nearside Front Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Brake pedal creeps down when held under pressure |3.3.B.1a|1
rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|1
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by damage |6.1.C.1|1
Offside Rear All position lamps not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|1
Nearside Front Headlamp aim not tested |1.8.A.1c|1
Offside Front Headlamp aim not tested |1.8.A.1c|1
Offside Front Front drive shaft coupling flexible rubber or fabric coupling insecure |2.5.C.1e|1
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Rear Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush |2.4.B.2|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring has excessive wear in a shackle pin and/or bush |2.4.B.2|1
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated |7.1.1a|1
Axle king pin has excessive play in pin and/or bush adversely affecting the steering |2.5.A.3a|1
Front front brakes release unevenly |3.7.B.4|1
Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|1
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement |7.2.4b|1
Nearside Rear wheel cylinder leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly |1.4.B.1e|1
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user |1.6.2b|1
Nearside Indicator tell tale missing |1.4.A.2a|1
Nearside Front Brake hose leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Indicator tell tale inoperative |1.4.A.2a|1
Rear Rear fog lamp tell tale not working |1.3.1b|1
Brake pedal feels spongy with the vacuum fully depleted |3.3.C.2|1
Offside Front Wheel nut|s| loose |4.2.A.1e|1
Offside Front wheel cylinder leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level |3.6.G.1b|1
Offside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|1
Nearside front brake binding |3.7.B.1|1
Offside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Nearside Front Leaf spring saddle is moving relative to the spring |2.4.B.7a|1
Offside Front Leaf spring saddle is fractured |2.4.B.7a|1
Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket bolt missing |2.4.B.6c|1
Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle bracket bolt missing |2.4.B.6c|1
Front Horn not working |1.6.2a|1
Offside Front Upper Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement1
Nearside Towbar retaining device missing |6.6.3a|1
Offside Towbar retaining device missing |6.6.3a|1
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|1
Offside Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion |6.1.C.1|1
Offside Front Direction indicator incomplete |1.5.A1b|1
Exhaust has a part missing |7.1.1a|1
Position lamp switch insecure |1.1.A.1|1
Offside Outer Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Offside Front Leaf spring anchor bracket corroded and seriously weakened |2.4.B.6d|1
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel |steering box fitted| |2.2.A.1a|1
Centre Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Nearside Front Drag link end ball pin shank loose |2.2.B.1c|1
Nearside Steering pivot point has excessive play |2.2.B.1g|1
Centre Front Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|1
Centre Front Parking brake lever, pawl mechanism pivots or their associated mountings are insecure |3.1.4b|1
Nearside Rear Brake pedal does not operate a brake fitted to each wheel |3.3.A.3|1
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
front brake binding n/s & o/s |3.7.B.1|1
Offside Rear fog lamp not working |4.5.1 |a| |ii||1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

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