1999 Ford Focus diesel: common problems and MOT failures

Common 1999 Ford Focus diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Ford Focus diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  65% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  42% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  37% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Tyres
  32% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Rust and bodywork
  22% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 1999 Ford Focus diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Cambelt changes often skipped

  All engines

  A failed cambelt can wreck the engine, and because the job can cost close to what the car is worth, some owners skip it. Many specialists advise changing it more often than 100,000 miles or ten years, especially on diesels.

  At the viewing: Check the service history for a cambelt change.

  Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

• Sill rust

  All engines

  The sills can corrode with age.

  At the viewing: Look along and under the sills for rust.

  Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

• Electrical faults, wet lights and windscreen heater

  All engines

  Electrical parts are prone to fail, water gets into the headlights and tail lights and blows bulbs, and the Quickclear heated windscreen elements fail.

  At the viewing: Check all lights for water inside, and test the heated windscreen.

  Source: What Car?: Ford Focus (1998-2004) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Ford Focus diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. When was the cambelt last changed, and is there a receipt?
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?