2005 Ford Mondeo diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Rigid brake pipes2.2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  32.1% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.6% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint dust cover2.6× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  11.5% All 2005 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 1.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Sub-frame2.2× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  12.3% All 2005 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Sidelights1.8× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  11.8% All 2005 cars

  6.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.2%, against 5.7% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Diesel smoke emissions6.6× usual
  Ford Mondeo

  5.9% All 2005 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  54% 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.

• Suspension
  53% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  38% 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
  36% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2005 Ford Mondeo diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?